Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) partnered with Qatar University (QU) to host a panel discussion titled “Looking Back, Moving Ahead - The New Era for the Sport Industry in Qatar and Beyond” on September 14. The event took place at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, with the participation of international and local guests, representing academia and several major sports organizations in Qatar. 

Discussions focused on the evolution of the sports industry in Qatar as it gears up to host the FIFA World Cup 2022TM in just over 60 days. The event was also an introduction to the fourth World Association of Sport Management (WASM) Conference, which will be co-hosted by HBKU and QU from March 5-8, 2023. 

Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Othman Al Thawadi, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the College of Business and Economics at QU and the WASM Budget and Sponsorship Committee Chair, who also moderated the discussion. The featured panelists were Dr. Ahmad Al-Emadi, Professor in Sport Management at QU and WASM Co-Chair; Dr. Kamilla Swart, Associate Professor and Director of the Sport and Entertainment Management Program at CSE, HBKU and WASM 2023 Co-Chair; Dr. Holger Preuss, Professor in Sport Economics and Sport Sociology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz; and Eng. Fahad Ebrahim Juma Muhana, Director of the Strategy and Projects Department, Qatar Olympic Committee. 

Speaking after the event, Dr. Al-Emadi said: “Our panel discussion aimed to promote the fourth conference of the World Association of Sports Management (WASM), which will be held in the Middle East and North Africa region for the first time, co-hosted by Qatar University and HBKU. It was also an opportune time to reflect on Qatar's journey in the field of sports so far, through its international strategy for sports and the development of the sports industry in the country.”

For his part, Dr. Al Thawadi said: “The symposium represented an opportunity for those interested in the sports sector in Qatar to meet and discuss the future of the sector, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup. It was also a prelude to WASM 2023.”

The international WASM conference will bring together students, scholars, practitioners, and professionals from around the world to share expertise and knowledge about the global sport business industry.

Dr. Kamilla Swart said: “WASM will be one of the most exciting platforms for the international exchange of ideas, best practices, and scientific inquiries, and will advance research agendas that build a body of event knowledge to inform sport management. In light of that, this event was important to reflect on the potential legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but also a massive opportunity to widen the focus on Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its positioning as an international and regional sport hub.”

The World Association of Sport Management (WASM) Conference 2023 will be held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, under the theme “Bringing the World Together: Global and Local Perspectives on Sport Management”. 

For more information, please visit www.qu.edu.qa/conference/wasm