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  • Socioeconomic Transitions: Youth Sports as a Means For Human Capital Development and Economic Diversification in Qatar and Saudi Arabia

    Author: Nuha KhanAs part of their national visions, GCC states seek to reduce reliance on oil and natural gas revenues by promoting diversified economic growth and social development. In particular, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are utilizing sports to advance youth-empowerment and long-term development. Qatar capitalized on the 2022 FIFA World Cup to institutionalize youth sports…

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  • QATAR: Diversifying An Economy With Soccer

    Author: Nuha Khan As the world slowly shifts towards adopting renewable energy sources, the Gulf states have prepared strategies to diversify their economies and decrease reliance on revenue from fossil fuels. As part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the country seeks to reduce reliance on oil and natural gas by promoting economic growth and…

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  • Sports Sustainability In The GCC Depends On Public-Private Partnerships

    Author: Nuha KhanThe Gulf states are using strategic sports investments to diversify economies, moving away from fossil fuels. While mega-events like the 2022 World Cup and F1 in Saudi Arabia showcase this shift, sustainable development requires stronger public-private sector collaboration. Models like Qatar’s PPP system can drive long-term innovation and grassroots growth in sports. The…

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  • Jordan Qualifies for the 2026 World Cup: A Historic Feat and Economic Opportunity

    Author: Nuha Khan With a 3-0 win over Oman, Jordan earned its place in the 2026 World Cup — marking the country’s first-ever qualification for the tournament. While qualifying for the World Cup is an accomplishment in itself, Jordan can leverage this historic spotlight on the global stage to both earn greater sporting recognition and…

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  • Hamza Choudhury Becomes First Premier League Player to Join Bangladesh National Team: A Diaspora Story

    Author: Nuha Khan Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury makes history as the first Premier League player to join the Bangladesh national football team. Born in England to a Bengali mother and Grenadian father, Choudhury made history in 2017 by becoming the first (and currently only) premiere player of Bengali origin. The 27-year-old started at Leicester…

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  • Doha Forum Features Panel on Sports and Sustainability: Key-Takeaways and Analysis

    Author: Nuha Khan Since 2003, the Doha Forum has brought together thousands of leaders and thinkers from across the world to discuss pressing global issues. During the 2024 edition, held from December 7-8, over 4,600 participants, including 350 speakers convened to explore global issues under the theme of “The Innovation Imperative”. Innovative diplomacy and policy…

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  • Albania v Serbia: Can 2027 Heal a Violent Rivalry On and Off the Field?

    Author: Nuha Khan In May 2024, the Serbian and Albanian football federations submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 mens’ U-21 European Championship. Having been the only ones to meet the deadline to submit a detailed plan, UEFA announced on September 26 that the two countries are set to host the tournament. Despite deep…

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  • French Footballers vs The Far Right: How Les Blues is Appealing to Voters 

    Author: Nuha Khan  As France prepares to hold a snap parliamentary election from June 30 – July 7, the country’s political divisions are evident in every aspect of society – including sports. This election is a competition of extremes with the far-right and far-left set to force out President Macron’s Renaissance and other centrist parties…

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  • Argentina’s Soccer Triumph in Doha Leads to Diplomatic win in Dhaka

    Author: Nuha Khan 1986 saw the year that Argentinian football legend, Diego Maradona, captured the love of Bangladesh. The 1986 World Cup held in Mexico was the first to be televised in color in Bangladesh, drawing the excitement of the entire country. From his ‘Hand of God’ goal to dribbling past five England players over…

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  • Morocco Makes History Once More: Nouhaila Benzina Becomes First Player to wear Hijab at the World Cup 

    Author: Nuha Khan Nouhaila Benzina makes history as the first hijabi women to play in the Fifa World Cup. The 25-year-old Moroccan player’s selection in the team’s roster only emphasized the historic nature of the tournament. The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was the first time the Moroccan national team,…

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