Doha: The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Observation Programme began in Qatar, gathering 55 representatives from football associations worldwide for a five-day session of knowledge sharing and hands-on experience.
According to Qatar News Agency, this initiative is organised by the tournament Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Qatar Football Association, aiming to share insights from Qatar's extensive experience in hosting major sporting events.
Participants will gain first-hand experience from LOC operational teams across various functional areas, such as ticketing, medical services, security, and marketing rights delivery. The program includes visits to key tournament sites, including stadiums, training facilities, the Main Media Centre, and the accreditation centre.
LOC's CEO Jassim Al Jassim stated that the program was created in response to global federations' eagerness to learn from Qatar's success in hosting world-class events. He emphasized Qatar's commitment to sharing expertise with industry partners to build a legacy that extends beyond individual events, creating a sustainable impact across sectors.
Following the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar has continued its streak of hosting major sporting events, including the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. The recent hosting of the 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup, using a centralised format, exemplifies Qatar's organisational capabilities and the football community's trust in its ability to deliver top-tier tournaments.
Natasha Al Naber, Competitions Officer at the West Asian Football Federation, expressed her appreciation for the knowledge-sharing opportunity, highlighting the value in understanding various operational aspects involved in hosting tournaments. Norman Gwangwadza from the Zimbabwe Football Association praised Qatar's planning in delivering major tournaments, while Edna Nisola of the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association shared her enthusiasm for learning about enhancing fan experiences.
In recent weeks, the LOC also hosted members from the FIFA World Cup Saudi Arabia 2034 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 for a similar program, allowing them to learn from Qatar's successful hosting of the first FIFA World Cup in the Arab world and the Middle East.