Rising to the Occasion: Qatar’s Pandemic Experience

Abstract

This study investigates Qatar’s strategic utilization of sports mega-events, with a focus on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as a means to achieve economic diversification, geopolitical objectives, and global recognition through soft power. The research aims to analyze Qatar’s successful navigation of hosting major sporting events amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the study seeks to highlight the lessons learned from Qatar’s pandemic experience and how it has contributed to the country’s positioning as a prominent destination for international sports events. By examining Qatar’s sports diplomacy efforts, the findings emphasize the country’s effective use of sports as a tool to enhance its international image and soft power influence on the global stage.