The Promotion of Qatari Culture: Qatari Sport Leaders' Experiences of Hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup™
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Almarri, Senaid
Subsequent Statement of Responsibility
Lawrence, Suzanne
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Concordia University Chicago
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2020
GENERAL NOTES
Text of Note
128 p.
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
Ph.D.
Body granting the degree
Concordia University Chicago
Text preceding or following the note
2020
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Sports provide a connection between culture and people from around the world as fans from different cultural backgrounds gather to attend sporting events such as the Olympics or the FIFA World CupTM. According to previous research (Kim, 2011; Plenderleith, 2013; Poturyan, 2018; Rocha & Otavio, 2017; Young, 2013), past FIFA World Cup host countries have undergone many changes in preparation for hosting the event as well as throughout the event. The purpose of this study was to examine Qatari sport leaders' experiences of Qatari culture and investigate the ways those leaders plan to show the world about the Qatari culture through the processes of planning and hosting the 2022 FIFA World CupTM. Data collection utilized purposeful sampling and semi-structured interviews. Using General Qualitative Methods, the data analysis utilized thematic coding, which allowed for an in-depth understanding of participants' experiences. The major themes, which emerged from the data are as follows: a) Family Essential to Culture; b) Racial Diversity in Qatar; c) Religion as Cultural Framework; d) Sports Influence on Culture in Qatar; e) Importance of Education in Qatari Culture; f) Correcting Stereotypes; g) Values of Qatari People; h) Culture Building; i) Infrastructure Development; j) Global Marketing of Qatari Culture; k) Organizing Mega Sports Events; l) Positive Impacts; m) Negative Impacts; n) Awareness Campaigns; o) Application of Hospitality; p) Infrastructural Preparedness; and q) Creating Jobs. Current results offer Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup as an opportunity to change the globally accepted Islamophobia and mis-interpretation of the Arab world. Results also assist Qatar in reaching her strategic goals and realizing the Qatar National Vision 2030. Furthermore, this study contributes to the understanding of how sports management can affect a country's culture, society, and economy. Keywords: FIFA World Cup, Qatar, Sport Management, Mega Sport Event, Culture, development