RIYADH: The impact of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was one of the highlights of this year’s MISK Global Forum 2024, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Coinciding with the tournament’s two year anniversary, Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater took to the stage to reflect on the success of Qatar 2022 and the impact it had on the youth of the Arab world.
The discussion saw Al Khater and Hammad Albalawi, Head of the Saudi 2034 World Cup Bid Unit, engage in a fireside chat to highlight the role of mega sporting events in driving positive change in the Middle East and Arab World.
Al Khater spoke about the importance of youth at every stage of Qatar 2022, from planning and execution to post-event initiatives. He praised the thousands of young volunteers, professionals, and entrepreneurs from across the Arab world who contributed to the event’s success, creating pathways for young people in sports management, technology, hospitality, and cultural diplomacy.
He said: “The World Cup was such an important moment for Qatar. It was more than just an event, it was a matter of national pride for our country and our region. The opportunity to deliver this tournament was inspirational for a young team and organisation that grew into the challenge. We hope it inspires the next generation of people in our region who want to achieve what others say is impossible.”
Two years after welcoming 1.4 million visitors to Qatar for the tournament, the legacy of 2022 continues to be felt across the Middle East and Arab world. From December 11-18 , the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024will be held in Stadium 974 and Lusail Stadium – culmianting in a Final featruing Real Madrid on the two year anniversary of the FWCFinal.
With a final decision set to be made on Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World 2034, Hammad Albalawi admitted his team have looked to Qatar 2022 as a foundation to galvanise regional solidarity and youth empowerment.
He said: “Qatar really set the standard by hosting the best FIFA World Cup of all time. As we have navigated our own bid, we have learned from Qatar and asked questions of the 2022 team. They have been through it all and delivered on their promises for the region. We are a young team looking to achieve."
The MISK Global Forum 2024 invites all aspiring changemakers, educators, policymakers, and thought leaders to join the discussion and be part of this ongoing movement toward regional and global progress.
Participants at this year’s event included HRH Prince Turki Bin Talal Al Saud, Microsoft founder Bill Gatesand Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
