Podcast blurb: This video highlights current and emerging patterns in the event industry in the Middle East region, especially focusing on countries in the Gulf. One of the most significant trends is the rapid increase in the hosting major international sporting events. Many of these countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are investing in sport and hosting these events as part of the respective countries’ economic diversification strategies, profiling their destinations and attracting visitors from around the world. Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 in several countries, amongst others, are used as illustrative cases of recent and future trends.

Kamilla’s bio: Dr. Kamilla Swart is Associate Professor and Director of the Masters in Sport and Entertainment Management program, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation. Her research interests include sport and event tourism, with a specific focus on mega-events, impacts, sustainability, legacy and inclusion in sport. Her work focuses on contributing to sport, tourism and event knowledge in the developing context, and in the global South in particular. She worked closely with Qatar Foundation 2022 FIFA World Cup Master Program and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in driving the 2022 FIFA World Cup Research Agenda.

Further reading and resources:

Academic journals

There are a number of academic journals that publish articles on event trends (and sport) in the Middle East:

o Event Management

o Journal of Destination Marketing and Management

o Journal of Global Sport Management

o Journal of Arabian Studies

Books

• Routledge Handbook of Sport in the Middle East – Eds. Danyel Reuche, Paul M. Brannagan 2022.

https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-Handbook-of-Sport-in-the-Middle-East/Reiche-Brannagan/p/book/9780367470227

• The Geopolitical Economy of Sport: Power, Politics, Money, and the State – Eds. Simon Chadwick, Paul Widdop, Michael M. Goldman 2023

https://www.routledge.com/The-Geopolitical-Economy-of-Sport-Power-Politics-Money-and-the-State/Chadwick-Widdop-Goldman/p/book/9781032390598

• Sport Management in the Middle East A Case Study Analysis – Eds. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Sean O'Connor, David Hassan 2015

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9780203131770/sport-management-middle-east-mohammed-ben-sulayem-sean-connor-david-hassan

• Research Handbook on Major Sport Events by HarryArne Solberg, Rasmus Storm and Kamilla Swart (anticipated publication date – Jan. 2024)

https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/research-handbook-on-major-sporting-events-9781800885646.html

Associations: There are several associations that provide information on events trends in the Middle East. Some of these include:

o IFEA International Festival and Events Association Middle East

https://www.ifea.com/p/about/ifeaglobalaffiliates/ifeamiddleeast

o ICCA International Congress and Conference Association Middle East

https://www.iccaworld.org/about-icca/chapters-sectors/chapters/middle-east-chapter/

In addition to the academic and practical resources mentioned above, people can also attend events and conferences that focus on events trends in the Middle East.

• Arabian Travel Market

https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

• Middle East Event Summit

https://informaconnect.com/middle-east-event-show/

University programs (which have sport management-related degrees)

• HBKU

https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cse/ms-sport-entertainment-management

• QU

http://www.qu.edu.qa/artssciences/departments/sports-science/bsc-sports-science

• AUE

https://aue.ae/master-of-sports-management/