Research: Sport in the Middle East

Research summary

Our research examines the economic, political and socio-cultural factors influencing the Middle East’s increasing engagement with – and investment in – global sport.

Among the examples of how the region has become a significant force in the business and management of global sport are:

• the highly controversial award of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar, which has shown an increasing appetite for hosting major international sporting events
• Middle Eastern cities and states - such as Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Istanbul and Bahrain - seeking the prestige of a regular place on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit
• acquisition of major European soccer clubs, such as Paris Saint-German and Manchester City, by state-funded sovereign wealth funds from the Arabian Gulf
• Middle Eastern brands – such as Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines – sponsoring various sports clubs, leagues and tournaments around the world

Dr Paul Michael Brannagan’s research has focused on Qatar’s efforts to host the 2022 World Cup. In particular, he has analysed the political opportunities and consequences facing the small Gulf state through its staging of one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Dr Seth Perkin’s research in the United Arab Emirates has focused on the construction of disability and sport. With the United Arab Emirates becoming increasingly influential within the Paralympic movement, he has examined the developments of disability sport in the country and the cultural conditions that have shaped the landscape of disability.