It’s no secret that sports tourism is high on the priority list for Middle Eastern countries with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and more, improving and expanding their facilities and hosting some of the biggest matches in recent years.
And now, they’re hosting sports players on famils!
Qatar Tourism with Qatar Airways recently invited an Australian rules football (not soccer) team, Sydney Swans, on a four-day famil to experience Doha’s unique culture and world-class hospitality.
The red and white team spent some time sunbaking and relaxing at Doha’s Beach Club before riding sand dunes and watching sunsets at Khor-Al-Adaid with Discover Desert. The team also visiting Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix 2024, commencing later this month.
“You think it’s going to be nice but when you get here, every building’s different, they’ve got a little different touch to it, a lot of influence from outside and it’s just a beautiful place to look at and it’s been an amazing experience,” said Robbie Fox, Sydney Swans player.
“This [the sand dunes] are what you picture coming to the Middle East. The drivers put their foot down and they just go for it… driving in the middle of the desert and seeing the sunset and having dinner was great.”
The Sydney Swans visit to Qatar coincided with the opening of the Women’s Tennis Association in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This year alone, Qatar played host to 85 sporting events including the 2024 Artistic Gymnastics World Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024, and the forthcoming Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2024. While Saudi Arabia welcomed 1,500 athletes to the 2024 Esports World Cup and announced new stadiums including a 92,000 sports stadium for Riyadh.
Looking forward, Qatar is preparing to welcome thousands of tourists to the 2026 Rugby Nations Championships, Saudi Arabia will make history with the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, Morocco is playing host to the African Cup of Nations and they’re just a few off the top of our heads. In the next couple of years, sports tourism across the Middle East is expected to grow by 8.7%, making it a $600 billion dollar industry – well worth the investment and returns.
