Dr. Mahfoud Amara
When I arrived in Qatar in 2015, my initial motivation was both academic and personal. I wanted to observe, from within, how a small Gulf nation was preparing to host one of the world’s largest sporting spectacles—the FIFA World Cup. More importantly, I wanted to understand and perhaps deconstruct some of the preconceived notions that circulate about Qatar: its ambitions, its societal norms, and its approach to sport as a driver of national identity and international visibility. Ten years later, I can say that this journey has been far more complex, enlightening, and transformative than I could have anticipated.
Having joined Qatar University shortly after my arrival, I have had the privilege to witness the evolution of sports studies and research within the institution. What began as a sport science program has now grown into a fully established academic ecosystem. Today, the newly founded College of Sport Sciences, inaugurated in 2024 , embodies a major step forward. It integrates diverse disciplines—from physiology, biomechanics, and data analytics to sociology, management, and cultural studies. This multidisciplinary convergence reflects Qatar’s own vision of sport: not as a standalone field, but as a meeting point between science, culture, and innovation.
This academic evolution mirrors the country’s broader strategic approach to sport. Qatar’s sports policy has often been portrayed through the lens of event hosting—culminating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Yet, to view it solely through that prism is to miss the larger picture. Over the past decade, Qatar has positioned sport as a vehicle for knowledge production and human development.
The investments in education, research, and specialized training in sport-related fields are not peripheral—they are the foundation of a long-term legacy. Through initiatives that link universities, federations, and public institutions, Qatar is cultivating a new generation of professionals—coaches, managers, scientists, and researchers—capable of shaping the country’s future in and beyond the sports industry.
Parallel to this intellectual development, the physical landscape of Qatar has been dramatically reshaped. The world-class stadiums that hosted the 2022 World Cup are the most visible symbols of transformation, but beyond these architectural landmarks lies a deeper societal change.
The proliferation of public parks, cycling paths, and walking tracks, signals an emerging culture of active living. While challenges remain, such as sedentary habits linked to modern lifestyles, the shift toward everyday sport participation is undeniable.
The country continues to host a growing array of international competitions. The regular rhythm of sporting events, especially during the cooler months, has embedded sport into the country’s calendar and consciousness. Each event is another opportunity to test the sustainability of Qatar’s vision and to engage the next generation in this ongoing journey.
Reflecting on this decade, what stands out most is the privilege of witnessing change from within. Studying sport from afar offers one type of understanding; living through its transformation in real time offers another, far deeper one. Being in Qatar during this pivotal period has allowed me to connect theory with lived experience—to see how sport can serve as a mirror of society, a tool of diplomacy, and a bridge between cultures. For those of us working at the intersection of sport, culture, and politics, Qatar offers a compelling case study in how sport can shape a nation’s story—and, in turn, how that story reshapes our understanding of sport itself.
Dr. Mahfoud Amara is an Associate Professor in Sport Social Sciences and Management at Qatar University.
