Doha, December 29 (QNA) - Sports in Qatar is no longer just a competitive activity measured by the number of championships or the names of winners, but have transformed, in recent years, into an open cultural arena that reflects the features of national identity and plays an important role in cultural exchange.

The year 2025, with its exceptional momentum of major tournaments, came to embody this transformation practically. From the FIFA U-17 World Cup, to the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, passing through the World Tennis Championship, the World Table Tennis Championship, the QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash Championship 2025 for men and women, up to Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, and the Qatar T100 World Triathlon Championship, the scene was not just tournaments packed with competitions, but an integrated series of cultural platforms, formulated within a sporting space.

During the 2025 tournaments, the presence of the Qatari identity did not stop at the limits of organization, but rather extended into the details of the visual and human scene, through the stadiums and the surrounding areas, from the fan facilities, turning them into spaces that display features of the Qatari heritage, and highlight aspects of culture and heritage in Qatar.

In this context, officials in the cultural and sports sector confirmed in special statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar’s hosting of a large number of diverse championships in one year was not just a sporting goal, but part of a broader vision that employs sports as a global language for cultural communication, and a bridge to introduce peoples to the Qatari identity in a contemporary and open context.

These elements were not placed as a passing celebratory event, but rather came within a vision that makes each championship an integrated cultural experience, so that the visitor leaves with a deeper picture of Qatari society, not limited to the memory of a match or sports competition. The accumulation of these experiences over the course of a year, and what preceded it in organizing major sports championships, gave Qatar its current position as a sports and cultural capital at the same time, officials said.

Regarding the role of sports championships in highlighting national heritage within stadiums and accompanying facilities, Director of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 1-2-3, Abdullah Al Mulla, confirmed in remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that this is done through the design of these facilities that reflect the cultural identity of the State of Qatar, where traditional architectural elements are combined with modern innovations. The stadiums themselves also showcase Qatari sporting achievements through interactive exhibitions that evoke the history of championships and highlight local athletes as symbols of pride and honor.

Moreover, the accompanying sports and cultural events enhance the national spirit and combine sports enthusiasm with the rich heritage. Education and awareness are also considered an essential part of these facilities, as programs are organized with the aim to promote awareness of sports and cultural heritage, which in turn contributes to creating an environment that fosters pride and belonging among the new generations, he added.

Regarding the role that tournaments play in bringing together fans from different cultures and providing an integrated knowledge and heritage experience, which makes this experience contribute to consolidating Qatar’s position as a global sports and cultural capital, Al Mulla affirmed that sports tournaments do indeed play a vital role in bringing together fans from different cultures, highlighting values ​​that increase the bonds of friendship between peoples and instilling the spirit of sportsmanship among different fans. Hosting tournaments also supports the economy of the host country, in addition to stimulating trade in all fields, including hotels and shops, which reflects the centrality of these tournaments, their many roles, and their going beyond the traditional goal to other cultural or economic goals. 

Regarding the importance of the diverse cultural and artistic events accompanying major sporting events, General Manager of Msheireb Museums Abdulla Al Naama said in an exclusive interview with the QNA that sporting events represent effective platforms and bridges for genuine cultural exchange.

"From this perspective, Msheireb Museums serves as a vital hub for launching community programs and activities aimed at introducing visitors to Qatar's identity and cultural heritage", he added.

Al Naama said that the museums offer a variety of programs, including tours of the four heritage houses, temporary exhibitions, awareness campaigns, as well as art lectures and interactive workshops, through which stories of national heritage are told in an immersive way that resonates with both local and international audiences.

Holding these cultural activities in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the smart and sustainable city, highlights Qatari hospitality and social traditions, expanding the horizons of cultural offerings beyond the confines of sports stadiums to urban life, through carefully coordinated programs and partnerships with event organizers. These artistic and cultural activities connect the public to Qatar's rich traditions, develop cultural awareness, and present culture and arts as effective tools to promote dialogue and deepen understanding, he added.

On the role that tournaments play in bringing together fans from different cultures and providing an integrated educational and heritage experience, which makes this experience contribute to consolidating Qatar's position as a global sports and cultural capital, the General Manager of Msheireb Museums affirmed that the sporting events hosted by Qatar represent exceptional meeting platforms and bridges connecting different cultures, as they bring together fans and visitors from all over the world to attend world-class sporting tournaments and embark on a comprehensive educational journey during which they learn about Qatari culture, through carefully selected programs, educational tours, and immersive experiences. This integrated mix ensures a rich experience for visitors that blends the passion for sports, arts, and heritage, thus ensuring that the State of Qatar has a prestigious position as a distinguished destination for sporting events and a rich global cultural platform.

Regarding how the tournaments highlight Qatari symbols and national heritage within the stadiums and accompanying facilities, Al Naama said that Qatari heritage is present in the sports facilities and is part of the visitor experience during the sporting events. The design of the stadiums is inspired by well-known authentic heritage symbols such as the sails of traditional wooden boats (Dhow), the Bedouin tent, and the traditional head cap (gahfiya). Inside the sports facilities, carefully selected artworks and digital exhibitions are displayed that tell Qatar's history, as shown in the opening ceremony of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, through that inspiring message that highlighted the shared ancient Arab heritage in an inspiring message also for the whole world.

The four restored heritage houses in Msheireb Museums: Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and Radwani House, provide an opportunity for visitors to get to know Qatar's rich history up close, as all these efforts come together to make each site and destination a platform for exploring history and identity, and also a living platform that interacts with current events to be part of the history of today and the future. 

For his part, Director of Cultural Affairs and Events at the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), Khalid Abdulrahim Al Sayed, confirmed in statements to QNA that Katara continues to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent integrated cultural projects in the Arab world, noting that it has succeeded in turning its strategic vision into a tangible reality by hosting and organizing a continuous series of major events throughout the year, which skillfully blend culture, arts, heritage and sports.

Katara, through its diverse activities, seeks to highlight the authentic Qatari national identity while opening wide avenues for cultural exchange with the entire world. Indeed, Katara is no longer merely a tourist destination, but has become a guardian of Qatari heritage and traditions, in line with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. It works to raise awareness of the importance of cultural diversity by hosting international, regional, and local festivals, workshops, and exhibitions, he added.

In the context of intellectual and literary leadership, Al Sayed noted that Katara has become the largest incubator for Arab creators through its launch of a number of the largest awards of their kind in the region, which aim to encourage knowledge and preserve identity. At the forefront of these initiatives is the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel, which has become the most prominent global destination for novelists and critics, making Katara the city of Arabic novel, in addition to the Katara prize for Prophet's Poet, which restores Arabic poetry to its glory.

He added that Katara's interest extends to covering the aesthetics of the Quranic voice through the Katara Prize for Quran Recitation, which aims to encourage and discover exceptional talents in Quran recitation and to identify the most beautiful and melodious voices. In addition to Katara's specialized prizes in Arabic poetry, and its pioneering role in serving heritage through prizes and centers concerned with verifying and publishing manuscripts, which makes the Cultural Village a fortress for the Arabic language and its intellectual treasures, and a platform that elevates the status of the word and fine art.

Speaking about the events, Khalid Abdulrahim Al Sayed highlighted the heritage championships, for which Katara is the main host, noting that these events revive the lives of our ancestors on land and sea. "Among the most prominent annual events we are proud of is the Al-Galayel Championship, during which the public follows, for a whole month, the competition of Qataris and their brothers from the GCC countries in a desert environment, relying on traditional hunting with falcons, Saluki dogs and camels, in a vivid embodiment of the resilience and strength of our ancestors' lives", he said.

Al Sayed also noted the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi), which is preparing for its 17th edition early next year in Sabkha Marmi in Sealine, describing the festival as a landmark event that brings together falconers from the Gulf and the Arab world, and through which Katara has contributed to regulating this traditional sport with world-class standards.

Regarding maritime heritage, Al Sayed highlighted the Senyar Festival which recreates traditional diving and fishing trips. Participants compete in the "Haddaq" and "Laffah" championships from dawn till dusk, according to precise rules that take into account environmental sustainability and fish species, using traditional tools that revive the spirit of the sea and authentic Qatari heritage.

In an effort to enhance the status of Arabian horses, Al Sayed highlighted the organization of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, one of the world's most important events in the field of equine beauty. He explained that the festival aims to showcase cultural heritage in a modern and sophisticated manner, establishing Katara as a city dedicated to the cultural heritage of Arabian horses. He emphasized Qatar's leading role in possessing some of the most prestigious Arabian horse breeds.

He also pointed to the unique blend of art and sports within the Cultural Village, where Katara organizes art exhibitions and murals celebrating sports, as was the case during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, featuring the "World Cup Legacy Exhibition", in addition to football and beach volleyball tournaments and events for National Sports Day.

Director of Cultural Affairs and Events at the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), Khalid Abdulrahim Al Sayed affirmed that Katara, thus, maintains a forward-looking vision for a global future where geographical barriers fade away, allowing spirits to soar in a realm of shared values ​​that elevate the structure of culture and solidify the unity of human consciousness.

For its part, authority of the Old Doha Port affirmed that the events it hosts aim to highlight Qatar's rich heritage, combining sporting activities and traditional practices in a meaningful and effective way. The Fishing Exhibition and Competition contribute to preserving traditional maritime practices and offer visitors an exceptional experience to learn about the skills and tools that have shaped Qatar's relationship with the sea.

Meanwhile, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme showcases one of the country's most prominent heritage symbols within a distinctive maritime setting inspired by the designs of historic coastal cities, thus reinforcing the close connection between equestrian heritage and national identity.

As for Polo AlMarsa, it showcases the region's deeply rooted equestrian traditions within a modern and contemporary environment that reflects Qatari identity.

The Old Doha Port is collaborating with the Nomas Center to provide Qatari youth with opportunities to participate in workshops and popular activities designed to introduce them to Qatari customs and traditions. By integrating these cultural dimensions directly into the diverse experiences offered by the old Doha port, through the use of architecture, programming and community engagement, all championships and sporting events are transformed into a platform that celebrates national identity and Qatari heritage and enhances avenues of cultural exchange with visitors from all over the world.

The tournaments hosted at the old Doha port also offer the public exceptional experiences that showcase Qatari identity. When visitors gather for events such as equestrian and marine sports championships, they also visit heritage sites and explore architectural designs and maritime features that reflect the distinctive coastal heritage of Qatar.

The old Doha port also contributes to consolidating the prominent role that the State of Qatar plays on the map of global sporting events, and enhances Doha's status as a cultural capital that allows international visitors to enjoy sporting events and learn about the country's heritage in one integrated destination.

Calendar of events at Doha's Old Port showcase Qatar's rich maritime heritage, promoting its cultural identity, and solidifying its tourism vision. Each event plays a pivotal role, whether in bolstering Qatar's standing on the global stage, celebrating national traditions, or enriching community engagement through integrated experiences that celebrate Qatari heritage.

The Old Doha Port also had the honor of hosting the Champions Tour 2025 of World Arabian Horse Championship, one of the most prestigious international equestrian events. This distinguished event showcased Qatar's deep connection to equestrian sports, presented in a sophisticated setting and featuring internationally recognized competitions along the Port's corniche.

Polo AlMarsa is another prominent event hosted by the Old Doha Port, adding a new dimension of luxury sporting experiences to the country.

During the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, Doha's Old Port hosted a series of events, combining the excitement of the tournament with Qatar's tourism and maritime activities, welcoming visitors from across the region to experience unique experiences along the waterfront.

Each year, on National Sports Day, Doha's Old Port transforms into a community hub for physical activity, offering interactive sports programs suitable for the whole family along the promenade and the Port parks.

The Fishing Exhibition and Competition is one of the largest events hosted in Qatar, celebrating the country's maritime heritage and engaging professionals, families, and youth.

Furthermore, the Mina Pre-Owned Boat Show is the first platform dedicated to buying and selling used marine vessels in Qatar. With over 70 boats on display, the show supports the local maritime industry by connecting owners, buyers, and service providers in a convenient, open-air setting.

These events collectively reflect how the old Doha port has evolved from a historical port into a leading destination where the features of a rich heritage meet major international sporting events and community engagement, thus consolidating the State of Qatar's position on the tourism events map and enhancing visitor experiences throughout the year. (QNA)