Qatar counts down to AFC Asian Cup and World Aquatics Championships

January 9, 2024

Aquatics / Events / Sport / Venues /

Having successfully hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is gearing up to host two mayor sporting tournaments - the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and the World Aquatics Championships, the first to be held in the Middle East.

Set to kick off on Friday (12th January), and running until 10th February, the AFC Asian Cup demonstrates Qatar’s ongoing sporting legacy and showcases the ability to host large-scale events and welcome visitors from across the globe with its world-class sport and tourism infrastructure.

The 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the quadrennial international football tournament organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the 2023 edition will involve 24 national teams (expanded from 16 national sides for the 2019 edition in the United Arab Emirates) playing 51 matches across nine venues previously prepared for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

China was originally chosen as the host for the tournament but relinquished its hosting rights in May 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic and due to its zero-COVID policy.

The total prize money for the competition is set at US$14.8 million with the winners in line to pick up US$5 million.

Advising that for visitors the nation will also offer an itinerary of things to do and see pre- and post- matches, Qatar Tourism Chairman, Saad bin Ali al-Kharji stated "we are pleased to host the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (at which) visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exciting times and explore many tourist attractions in Qatar.

"Qatar Tourism will offer a rich array of exciting events and festivals that will amuse both Qatar's residents and its visitors. The kickoff of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 coincides with the organisation of various festivals and events, including Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, Qatar International Food Festiva), Qatar Kite Festival, and International Horticultural Doha Expo 2023, which continues until late March.

“Additionally, there will be a series of musical and entertainment events that together form an unforgettable and exceptional experience.

"Over the past years, Qatar has successfully become a distinguished sports tourism destination, due to its advanced infrastructure, sports facilities, and medical facilities. This is in addition to the diversity of sports events it hosts.

“Qatar has demonstrated to the world its hospitality, exceptional organisation, complemented by the presence of luxurious tourist facilities and the picturesque landscapes that characterise the destination.”

The World Aquatics Championships 2024 - taking place from 2nd to 18th February - is set to make history as the first to be held in the Middle East.

Being staged at Doha’s Aspire Dome and Hamad Aquatic Centre with open water events at the Old Doha Port, the event will be hosting around 2,600 top athletes from over 190 countries, competing in 75 medal events across six aquatic sports: swimming (open water and artistic), diving and high diving, and water polo.

Looking forward to the event, General Director of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Khaleel Ibrahim Al Jaber and Sheikha Asma bint Thani Al Thani, Director of Marketing, Communications, Opening & Closing Ceremonies Committee recently provided media with an update on the overall progress.

Emphasising the LOC’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes and spectators, Al Jaber explained "we are committed to delivering a world-class event and experience for athletes and spectators alike.

"Preparations continue to run smoothly, and Qatar has proven itself to be a world leader in hosting sports events over the past decade, which is a legacy the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024 will continue. By embracing Qatar’s hospitality alongside sporting excellence, our event promises to leave a lasting impact on Qatar and the region."

Al Thani went on to state "this landmark event symbolises a significant milestone in our dedication to promoting sport in the region. As we get closer to hosting Doha 2024, we aim to continue educating and raising awareness about aquatic sports in our local communities.

"The LOC is also providing an opportunity for passionate individuals to get closer to the action and acquire valuable experiences through volunteering across diverse fields. We anticipate a showcase of unparalleled skill, dedication, cultural unity, and we encourage everyone to join us on our journey to making history.”

Images: The 50 metre pool at Doha’s Aspire Dome (top, credit: World Aquatics), the Lusail Stadium - venue for the final of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup (middle, credit: Shutterstock) and around 2,600 top athletes from over 190 countries will compete at the World Aquatics Championships (below, credit: Doha Organising Committee).

11th October 2023 - FIA to protect drivers from future ‘extreme heat’ after Qatar Grand Prix

6th October 2023 - World Aquatics cancels Swimming World Cup open category competitions after failing to attract entrants

18th August 2023 - World Aquatics to debut ‘open category’ races for transgender swimmers

1st August 2023 - Logo revealed for Doha 2024 World Aquatics Championships

7th June 2023 - AFC names Match Hospitality Asia as commercial hospitality provider for 2024 Asian Cup in Qatar

28th April 2023 - Qatar to host 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup

16th February 2023 - Saudi Arabia announces plans for three new stadia for 2027 AFC Asian Cup

11th February 2023 - Singapore to host 2025 World Aquatics Championships

7th February 2023 - World Aquatics announces centre of excellence and regional office in Bahrain

20th December 2022 - World Aquatics President thanks organisers of Short Course Championships for ‘superb event’

19th December 2022 - Organisers claim stadium attendance ‘in excess of 96%’ for Qatar’s World Cup

12th December 2022 - International swimming’s FINA approves adoption of new World Aquatics branding and new constitution

21st November 2022 - FIFA reveals record US$7.5 billion revenue for Qatar 2022 cycle

20th November 2022 - FIFA announces new Digital Fan Experience platform for Qatar 2022 World Cup

17th October 2022 - Qatar named as host for AFC Asian Cup 2023

19th July 2022 - Australia, Indonesia, South Korea and Qatar express interest in hosting 2023 AFC Asian Cup

16th May 2022 - Covid-hit China relinquishes hosting rights for 2023 AFC Asian Cup

5th December 2021 - Aspire Academy Global Summit focuses on sports training and coaching methodology

10th August 2021 - Doha International Airport named best in the world

16th December 2020 - Olympic Council of Asia awards Asian Games hosting to Doha in 2030 and Riyadh in 2034

7th October 2019 - Ignoring small crowds IAAF President Sebastian Coe describes World Athletics Championships Doha as ‘the best in history’

11th February 2016 - Aspire Zone at the heart of Qatar National Sport Day celebrations

22nd October 2014 - Qatar’s Aspire Zone set for major expansion

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