Alkass English
His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth, presented a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s 2023–2030 strategy during the Shura Council’s regular weekly session held at the “Tamim bin Hamad” hall. The session was chaired by His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim and brought forward a clear vision for advancing Qatar’s sports and youth sectors through a results-driven approach.
At the core of the strategy is a commitment to elevating the quality of sports and youth services by modernizing legislation, strengthening the regulatory framework, improving service delivery, and enhancing the effectiveness of programs and initiatives. The Ministry aims to ensure that all efforts are aligned with measurable outcomes that contribute to national development goals.
A key component of the strategy lies in its diverse portfolio of programs and projects. These include the development of youth center activities, initiatives to build and enhance youth capabilities, and support for social entrepreneurship. The plan also prioritizes increasing the participation of Qatari youth in regional and international organizations, integrating young people with disabilities into youth programs, and fostering an inclusive environment across all initiatives.
In parallel, the Ministry is placing strong emphasis on sports excellence. This includes supporting elite athletes, promoting high-performance achievements, and ensuring the optimal use and management of sports facilities. Governance reforms across sports institutions and youth centers are also central to improving transparency and operational efficiency.
To ensure accountability and sustained impact, the strategy is anchored in a robust framework of key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitoring systems. These mechanisms are designed to track progress, measure outcomes, and enhance execution efficiency. The Ministry is also fostering a culture of evaluation through initiatives such as the Sports and Youth Excellence Award, which provides a structured approach to assessing institutional performance and encouraging continuous improvement across the sector.
The presentation further highlighted Qatar’s ongoing commitment to hosting major sporting events and maximizing their developmental impact. Preparations for the 4th Gulf Games – Doha 2026 are already underway, underscoring the country’s position as a regional hub for international sports. Alongside event hosting, the Ministry is focused on preserving Qatar’s sports legacy through talent development and the sustainable use of world-class facilities.
Health and well-being are also central pillars of the strategy. By promoting sports and physical activity as essential components of daily life, the Ministry aims to improve public health, enhance quality of life, and encourage healthier lifestyles. These efforts are closely tied to reducing the risk of disease and fostering a more active society.
In line with its inclusive vision, the Ministry is working to provide integrated sports facilities that cater to all segments of society. This approach ensures that individuals of all ages and abilities have access to environments that support active and healthy living.
Youth empowerment remains a defining focus of the strategy. Through targeted programs and innovative initiatives, the Ministry seeks to build strong, capable young individuals equipped with the skills, values, and sense of responsibility needed to contribute to society. Strengthening national identity, fostering community engagement, and promoting a sense of belonging are key objectives within this ????.
The development of national talent is equally prioritized. The Ministry continues to invest in training, qualification, and capacity-building programs to enhance the capabilities of professionals working in the sports and youth sectors. These efforts aim to build a skilled national workforce capable of sustaining long-term growth.
Finally, the success of the strategy is closely tied to strong partnerships. The Ministry is expanding collaboration with educational institutions, government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Notably, cooperation with the National Service Academy and support for small and medium-sized enterprises are expected to play an important role in ensuring the sustainability and broader impact of the strategy.
Through this comprehensive roadmap, Qatar is positioning itself to strengthen its sports and youth ecosystem while contributing to wider national development, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, inclusion, and innovation.