The Middle East conflict has forced the cancellation of major events, dealing a blow to the Gulf’s long-term strategy of using sport to diversify economies and boost global image.
THE Gulf’s decades-long strategy of using vast sporting investments to diversify economies and reshape global images has been rocked by the ongoing Middle East war. The conflict has forced the cancellation or postponement of dozens of major events, dealing a significant blow to regional ambitions.
Around 80,000 fans were denied a clash between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal in Doha. Thousands more missed Formula One grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as the war upended the sporting calendar.
The Gulf states have invested billions to host global events, building ultramodern stadiums and upgrading infrastructure. Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a climactic moment for this strategy.
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the tournament in 2034. James Dorsey of Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies said the region had “projected itself as an island of stability”.
That projection has now suffered “significant reputational damage” according to Dorsey. The damage extends beyond sport to other economic sectors reliant on stability and foreign investment.
Since the war began in February, dozens of scheduled events have been scrapped. Cancellations include football’s ‘Finalissima’ between Spain and Argentina, two F1 races, and the Qatar MotoGP.
“I was looking forward to seeing the match of a lifetime,” lamented Rabih, a 45-year-old Barcelona fan in Doha. Major preparations for many events were complete, representing a total loss according to Qatari editor Jaber Al-Harmi.
He told AFP that sponsor confidence “is a major challenge”. Al-Harmi insisted, however, that sports would remain a priority and “that strategy won’t be called into question”.
Expert Danyel Reiche outlined the three-pillar Gulf strategy: sponsoring events and federations, buying clubs like Manchester City and PSG, and hosting events. He noted only hosting is currently affected by the war.
Reiche has “no concerns that events will return to the Gulf after the war has ended”. He believes international federations will return to a “financially lucrative, professional and reliable location”.
To regain trust, Reiche suggested Gulf countries might even expand their sponsorship activities. Many future events remain scheduled, including the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia and the 2027 Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
Qatar also intends to bid for the 2036 Olympics. Dorsey said the war’s conclusion will be crucial, stating that a change in Iran’s government could boost Qatar’s Olympic chances.
Conversely, continued chaos or a more hardline Iranian regime would make organising major events “extremely difficult”. The long-term success of the Gulf’s sporting vision now hinges on regional stability.
The Sun Malaysia
