Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and Qatar University (QU) co-hosted the launch of the fourth World Association for Sport Management (WASM) Conference on March 6, 2023 at QU’s College of Education campus, the first edition to be held in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency (HE) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), the conference - which runs until March 8, 2023 -  kicked off with opening remarks from HE Member of the Shura Council and first Vice-President of QOC Mohamed bin Yousef Abudelrahman Almana, HE the EU Ambassador to the State of Qatar Dr. Cristian Tudor,  HE the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi, President of HBKU Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President of QU Dr. Hassan Al-Derham, Dean of the College of Education at QU Sheikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and President of WASM Prof. Karen Danylchuk.

The conference is being held under the theme “Bringing the World Together: Global and Local Perspectives on Sport Management,” featuring several distinguished speakers including Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; Dr. Mezna Al Marzooqi, Director General, Leaders Development Institute, Ministry of Sport, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and Dr. Holger Preuss, Professor of Sport Economics and Sport Sociology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz.

HE Member of the Shura Council and first Vice-President of QOC Mohamed bin Yousef Abudelrahman Almana said in his introductory speech, “This international conference is being held in Doha, the world capital of sports, and a hub of international sporting events in the world, providing a valuable opportunity to explore the latest international and regional trends of the sports industry.”

QU President Dr. Hassan Al-Derham said in his speech, “This conference is taking place in Qatar a few months after the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the first mega sport event to be held in the MENA region, which considering the organization, the mobilization and the logistics behind it, the venues,   the enthusiasm on and off the pitch, the performance of national teams and number of goals, number of viewers, it was a significant milestone for the whole region.”

“The fourth WASM conference brings together local and global perspectives on sport and the future of sporting events. Qatar’s successful hosting of the world's largest football tournament was the ultimate success story, proving to the international community that the Arab world and the local community can carry out such historic events. Its legacy holds insights we can learn from, and helps Doha continue to position itself as not just as a place where athletes gather to compete, but where sport professionals can meet to exchange ideas,” said Dr. Ahmad M. Hasnah, President, HBKU.

He added, "At HBKU, our Sport and Entertainment Management program aims to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to take on significant positions in the sport industry, thus driving the progress of knowledge in this area.”

President of WASM Prof. Karen Danylchuk, spoke about the formation of WASM in her speech and said, “The mission for WASM is to facilitate sport management research, teaching and learning excellence and professional practice worldwide. WASM represents the collective goals of the six regional members, and the conference represents one of the primary areas of focus of WASM.”

Dean of the College of Education at QU Sheikha Dr. Hessa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani said, “This years conference theme ‘Bringing the World Together: Global and Local Perspectives on Sport Management’, is both timely and critical. We believe that sports values are a major part of social well-being, which involves building a harmonious society that is formed by cooperative, interconnected and responsible individuals. Because coaching is teaching the art of coaching is crucial in sports management and physical education as learners are equipped with knowledge and skills necessary to succeed the industry.”

During the opening, HE the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi, delivered a video message describing the legacies that were achieved following Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022, which was then followed by a panel discussion led by President of WASM Prof. Karen Danylchuk.

The conference focuses on sport business practices, issues, networking, collaborations, management, and marketing of global sport business, and offers a platform for the international exchange of ideas, best practices, and scientific inquiries. It attracts experts and professionals from around the world to share expertise and present research on contemporary topics within the global sport business industry, ranging from sport marketing, events and tourism, governance and social responsibility, and other sectors.