Sports tourism a vital growth driver for Qatar: PwC
Qatar - Sports tourism remains a vital growth driver with FIFA World Cup 2022 generating an estimated $2.3-4.1bn in tourism spending and broadcasting revenue, contributing $1.6-2.4bn to Qatar's gross domestic product (GDP), according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
'This success has created a positive impact boosting the tourism and hospitality sectors across the region by up to 30%,' PwC said, adding the Middle East region's sports market is projected to grow at an 'impressive' rate of 8.7% over the next three to five years, outpacing the global average of 7.3%.
This growth (in the Middle East sports sector) will be fuelled by significant investments in premium sports properties and infrastructure, alongside ambitious initiatives to increase grassroots participation, it said, adding 'looking ahead, the region's sports sector faces both opportunities and challenges as it balances commercial growth with sustainable development.'
Qatar continues to leverage its post-World Cup momentum through strategically bidding for, and hosting, major sporting events such as the FIFA Arab Cup in 2025, 2029 and 2033; FIFA U17 World Cup in 2025 through 2029 and the Web Summit for 2024 through 2028, PwC said.
Highlighting that Qatar's successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Saudi Arabia's selection for the 2034 edition demonstrates the region's capability; the report said the region's position in global sports investment has strengthened significantly. Sovereign wealth funds, including Middle Eastern funds, now lead 24% of global sports investments, it said, adding Qatar Sports Investments' $200mn investment in Monumental Sports, which owns clubs and arenas in the US, reflects a growing focus on international portfolio.
Finding that the region is pioneering new commercial models, notably in emerging sports sectors; it said Qatar's investments in Formula 1, the UAE's development of combat sports, and Saudi Arabia's Esports initiatives demonstrate the breadth of commercial opportunities being pursued. The Middle Eastern sports consumer is highly digitally engaged, with over-the-top (OTT) services like Shahid VIP and beIN Connect revolutionising how fans consume sports content. Innovations from entities like the Qatar-based SponixTech (immersive replays) and Saudi Arabia-based Fanera (fan experience platforms) underscore the region's leadership in digital sports transformation.
Social media is a key driver of fan engagement, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X playing a central role; PwC said penetration rates in the Middle East highlight the widespread use of social platforms, with the UAE at 115%, Saudi Arabia at 96.2% and Qatar at 96.8%.
© Gulf Times Newspaper 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Santhosh V. Perumal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Al Etihad
All eyes on Olaroiu to spark UAE's World Cup bid
4 June 2025 00:11 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The national football team faces a pivotal moment in the fourth round of the Asian qualifying to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup under the guidance of newly appointed manager Cosmin Romanian has been parachuted into the role following the dismissal of Paulo Bento, with the UAE aiming to secure a spot in the global tournament set to be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United the tough task, the coach is also the best placed to pin hopes of winning a qualification berth because the manager has coached three UAE clubs during 10 years of stay in the country. Even Olaroiu has acknowledge he picked up the posting because of his desire to "give back" for his deep-rooted connection to the UAE, both professionally and appointment comes after a successful tenure with Sharjah, where he led the club to victory in the AFC Champions League Two, marking his 14th trophy in the region. "I have a very difficult mission," Olaroiu acknowledged following Sharjah's triumph coming days after losing in the UAE President's Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli, another club he has coached."I know the big responsibility that I have. I have to pay back the hospitality this country has given me and my family. I have learned a lot of things in this country and have made myself a better person with a better vision of life. I have to pay back, which is why I accepted this mission."The UAE's path to World Cup qualification is challenging. Currently third in Group A, they trail group leaders Iran and second-placed Uzbekistan, with two matches remaining. The top two teams from each group earn automatic qualification, while the third and fourth-placed teams advance to further play-off Iran are through and Uzbekistan are four points ahead of UAE, the national team can still upset Uzbekistan whom they play on Thursday evening at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Uzbekistan, under coach Timur Kapadze, need only a draw in Abu Dhabi to secure their first-ever World Cup berth. A loss for the UAE would leave them into the grind of potentially two complicated final rounds of play-offs for third- and fourth-placed teams from this Olaroiu remains resolute. "Of course, I have the dream to participate in the World Cup. I will do my best to do that, and I think this fantastic nation deserves it," he stated. "The way this country has developed, the way they have grown up in sport, they deserve to participate in the World Cup. I hope we can do it."The final group match against Kyrgyzstan on June 10 will further determine the UAE's fate. If UAE beat Uzbekistan and the latter lose to Qatar, then even a draw against Kyrgyzstan should see UAE take the automatic second-place berth on better goal Uzbekistan's road can become tougher if they lose to UAE because they will be facing Qatar, who have also changed their coach and gone for the experienced Spanish stalwart Julen Lopetegui. Having replaced compatriot Luis Garcia, Lopetegui responded to a question if Qatar is looking at him for the long-term, by saying: "The long-term vision, for now, is the 5th of June," Lopetegui said to local media. "Then, it will be the 10th of June, that's how football works." Just like Lopetegui, Olaroiu is also looking to focus at the game in hand. Sporting a rare half-grin on his face after a training session at Al Jazira's Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium down the road from the match venue, the coach called upon the fans to come out in large numbers. "It is a very important night for UAE football and we need all your support and, Inshallah, we will bring home the most important result for us," Olaroiu said.
Broadcast Pro
6 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
NMK Electronics and SRS Group to expand power and lighting solutions across GCC
Initial conversations began at the SLS Show in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2024, followed by detailed evaluations of potential distributors. NMK Electronics has announced a strategic partnership with global manufacturer SRS Group to distribute advanced power distribution, rigging and lighting technologies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. SRS Group, known for its innovative technology in the live events and installation sectors, selected NMK Electronics after an extensive search for a regional partner. The decision was influenced by NMK's industry reputation, technical expertise, and strong regional presence. Initial discussions between the companies began during the SLS Show in Saudi Arabia in 2024 and were solidified at ISE 2025, where both sides aligned on a mutual vision for growth. Samuel Sloboda, CEO of SRS Group, said: 'We're excited to partner with NMK for the Middle Eastern market. Their dynamic team, expertise, and shared values make them an ideal fit for our brand. We look forward to a successful collaboration and to building strong connections across the region. This strategic partnership strengthens NMK's power, rigging, and lighting portfolio while expanding its reach across live events, rental, venue installations, and fixed applications positioning both companies for long-term regional success. Curtis Seed, Brand Manager at NMK Electronics, added: 'This announcement marks a commitment from NMK to deliver class leading Power, Lighting and Rigging solutions to the Middle Eastern market. We are proud to represent SRS Group in this region and look forward to our future growth together.' The collaboration reflects a joint commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth across the regional AV industry.
Tourism Breaking News
10 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Middle East passenger numbers set to reach 530 million by 2043: IATA
Post Views: 53 Passenger traffic across the Middle East is expected to soar to 530 million by 2043, effectively doubling from current figures, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The 20-year forecast anticipates an average annual growth rate of 3.9% in passenger numbers from 2023 to 2043, slightly surpassing the global average of 3.8%. Also, the region is set to achieve the highest net profit per passenger globally, expected to post a net profit of $6.2 billion, representing an 8.7% profit margin, well above the global average, driven by strong economic performance and demand for both business and leisure travel. As per the IATA Passenger reports, 'Middle Eastern airlines saw a 14.2 per cent year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.9 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor increased by +3.0 percentage points to 79.3 per cent compared to April 2023.' With hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh leading the charge, the focus must now shift to ensuring all parts of the region are equipped to benefit from the coming wave of air traffic and infrastructure development.
