Former volunteers who participated in major sporting events in Qatar, such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, recently represented the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) at Bayt Qatar. This showcase took place during the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, highlighting Qatar’s commitment to volunteerism and its sporting legacy.
The Qatar Volunteer Program: A Legacy of Excellence
The Qatar Volunteer Program serves as a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to deliver exemplary sporting experiences. As Qatar gears up for future international events, many former volunteers, who have gained invaluable experience, will play a crucial role in ensuring seamless execution. This program is not merely about event staffing; it’s about fostering a strong culture of giving back and enhancing the fan experience to create memories that last a lifetime.
SC’s Event Workforce & Volunteers Executive Director Haya Al Noaimi emphasized how Qatar’s rich sporting culture has become intertwined with volunteerism. She stated, “By involving our volunteers in Bayt Qatar, we wanted to showcase how volunteerism has become a deeply rooted culture in Qatar.” This initiative aims to further inspire community engagement and participation for upcoming events. According to Al Noaimi, the ultimate legacy is in the robust network of passionate and skilled volunteers who are shaping Qatar’s events heritage, significantly enhancing the nation’s capacity to host major international occasions.
Inspiring Stories from the Field
Volunteer Ali Al Khater, who works in the oil and gas industry, recalled his enriching experience as a guest relations volunteer during the FIFA World Cup. Al Khater reflected, “Volunteering at Qatar 2022 showed me how different cultures can come together as one team to achieve a common goal. This is the power of sport.” His experience in Japan, where he mingled with local fans, offered him a chance to relive the World Cup moments and share Qatar’s enthusiasm for sports.
Similarly, architecture student Lolwa Bu Karbal served as a Korean-language translator during the World Cup and shared the profound impact of cultural exchange. “Events like the World Cup and Asian Games are a celebration of diversity,” she stated, adding that meeting people from various backgrounds helped her to break stereotypes. Her journey to Japan allowed her to showcase the richness of her home country, emphasizing the transformative power of volunteering.
A Community of Dedicated Volunteers
The spirit of volunteerism is also echoed by Katsuko Suzuki, a Japanese volunteer living in Qatar who has been part of several major events. “Volunteering has helped me experience first-hand the immense work that goes behind delivering a football tournament,” she noted. Sharing her perspective as a Japanese residing in Qatar, she takes pride in narrating stories about her “second home” and its rich culture, further bridging the gap between communities.
The commitment to volunteering is evident, with over 20,000 people supporting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 alone. Looking ahead to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, there will be 750 volunteers aiding in various functions, which highlights the continued growth and importance of volunteer initiatives.
Future events are on the horizon, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 and the FIFA Arab Cup 2029, creating opportunities for many more to engage in Qatar’s burgeoning sports culture. The Qatar Volunteer Program aims not only to enhance the execution of events but to promote lasting connections among communities and celebrate diversity through sports.