Al-Amn Magazine

SPORT T he Gulf states are using strategic sports investments to diversify economies, moving away from fossil fuels. While mega-events like the 2022 World Cup and F1 in Saudi Arabia showcase this shift, sustainable development requires stronger public-private sector collaboration. Models like Qatar’s PPP system can drive long-term innovation and grassroots growth in sports. The strategic investments in sports have designated the region as a sporting hub capable of hosting the grandest global tournaments and attracting the greatest athletes. The 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia have illustrated how the GCC is utilizing sports to develop and diversify their economies away from fossil fuels by promoting tourism, entertainment, and infrastructure development. While large sporting events can help to diversify Gulf economies, greater public-private sector collaboration is needed for such development to be sustainable. Through national strategies such as Saudi’s Vision 2030 and Qatar Vision 2030, Gulf countries have outlined the importance of capitalizing on sports to diversify their economies. While public investment I nnovat i on and grassroot s growt h Sport s sus t ai nab i l i ty i n t he GCC depends on part nersh i ps