Staff Reporter
Doha: The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 generated QR2.89bn in economic value for Qatar’s economy during the tournament period from December 1 to 18, according to figures released by the Local Organising Committee for Football Events (LOC).
An economic impact assessment conducted in partnership with Nielsen Sports highlighted the tournament’s significant contribution to tourism and commercial activity, reinforcing Qatar’s growing status as a leading destination for major international sporting events.
The report revealed that the tournament attracted 305,015 international fans, whose spending created substantial gains across the aviation, hospitality, retail and transport sectors. International visitors spent QR288.9m on flights and QR315.5m on accommodation, while the tournament generated 1.5 million room-night bookings during the competition period.
According to the assessment, 97 percent of international visitors believed the tournament had a positive impact on Qatar, reflecting the success of the event in enhancing the country’s global image.
FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 LOC CEO Jassim Al Jassim said mega sporting events continue to play a major role in supporting economic diversification and sustainable growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
He noted that the second edition of the tournament brought together millions of football fans from across the Arab world and beyond in a celebration of football, Arab culture and regional unity, while further strengthening Qatar’s position as a premier global sports and tourism hub.
Al Jassim added that Qatar remains committed to building on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 by hosting world-class sporting events that showcase the country’s hospitality and culture while delivering long-term economic and social benefits.
The tournament also delivered strong returns across consumer sectors. Food and beverage sales generated QR246.1m as fans explored Qatar’s culinary scene, while retail spending across major tourist destinations reached QR200.7m.
Public transport and local mobility services also experienced increased demand, with fans spending QR84.2m on transportation while travelling across the country and visiting tourist attractions and cultural landmarks.
Leveraging infrastructure developed for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the tournament utilised six world-class stadiums previously used during the global showpiece. The LOC recorded QR793.6m in operational, promotional and logistical expenditure linked to hosting the competition.
Media exposure generated significant additional value for Qatar. The LOC operated a comprehensive Main Media Centre alongside a dedicated Broadcasting Hub in Souq Waqif, which served as a major gathering point for supporters during the tournament.
This extensive international media coverage generated an estimated QR241m in media value, while social media engagement across major platforms contributed an additional QR24.6m in economic impact.
The FIFA Arab Cup formed part of a record football calendar for Qatar in 2025, during which the country also hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025™.
Qatar is scheduled to host the second of five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 19 to December 13, 2026, further underlining the country’s expanding role as a global centre for international sport.
