The UAE minister says the success of the Qatar World Cup shows the economic power of the sport
The success of the World Cup in Qatar should cement the Middle East’s status as a leading destination for major sporting events, a UAE minister said.
Abdulla bin Touq, Economy Minister, said he was excited about sport’s potential to boost tourism and trade, bringing new talent and more jobs to the region.
Hundreds of thousands of people enjoy the celebration of football in Doha while fan zones across the Emirates are filled with a multicultural mix of fans cheering on their teams.
Mr bin Touq, speaking at the Investopia Future of Sport conference in Dubai on Thursday, said major events like the World Cup and Expo 2020 Dubai could “bring people together” and shine a positive light on the region.
“Sports investment brings tourism, talent, creates jobs and builds infrastructure,” Mr bin Touq said.
“We’re very excited about the potential of the sport, we’ve seen what Doha has done with the World Cup and for the region.
“It has created many investment and trade routes. Sport brings people together and we see that at major events like the World Cup and Expo 2020.
“This region should continue to be a place where major international events can be held.”
The UAE economy reached 6.5 percent growth in 2022 and is expected to increase to 7 percent in 2023, Bin Touq said.
Visa reforms and a move to allow 100 percent foreign ownership of companies have been cited as factors contributing to how the UAE has transformed over the past 24 months to foster economic prosperity.
Extended World Cup broadens the sporting horizon
In 2026, 48 teams will qualify for an expanded tournament to be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The increase in teams will increase the chances of countries like India and China to grace the tournament in the future.
The United Arab Emirates, who missed out on qualifying this time after losing to Australia in the Asian play-offs, could also benefit from the overhaul.
Bernard Caiazzo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of French FA Saint Etienne and President of the Global Football Alliance, said the UAE had huge potential for sporting success on and off the pitch.
“The Middle East is of great importance for the future of football,” he said.
“The World Cup will go to 48 countries in four years, and UAE were not far from qualifying in 2022, so it is very possible to get to the next tournament. There is great potential here.
“There is a new economy in sport. The sport has changed a lot in five years and will continue to evolve.”
During the two-day forum, speakers discussed how to shape the future of football, how to build stadiums to improve the fan experience and how investors can inject money into clubs to improve global football.
Partnerships with Spanish clubs and the United Arab Emirates have already borne fruit. In 2017, La Liga co-founded the UAE Football Association Academy League with Du Telecoms to promote under-18 talent.
In September, ahead of a 15-year partnership with Dubai-based esports organization Galaxy Racer, La Liga signed a memorandum of understanding in hopes of transforming the Spanish league’s brand presence in the Mena region and India.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, announced that it will open its first international theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts.
La Liga President Javier Tebas said investment opportunities in established leagues would further globalize the game.
“In Spain we work on football but the UAE gave us the opportunity to expand,” he said.
“Sports management is becoming increasingly important and we need to seek more talent around the world to help with club development and the general advocacy of sport.”
Updated December 09, 2022 3:42 am
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