H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani

International Roles

Sheikh Joaan has held several prominent roles within the international sports community. Since 2022, he has been an active member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC’s) Olympism 365 Commission. He previously served on the Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport Commission from 2018 to 2022. He has also been a Board Member of the Olympic Refuge Foundation since 2017. 

Since 2022, Sheikh Joaan has also served as Senior Vice President and Vice President for Asia of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and was a member of the Executive Board of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) until 2024.

National Contributions

Under Sheikh Joaan’s leadership, Qatar successfully bid for the Doha 2030 Asian Games. He has played an instrumental role in bringing several prestigious international events to Qatar and overseeing their successful organisation. 

These events include the World Aquatics Championships (2024), World Judo Championships (2023), ANOC World Beach Games (2019), World Athletics Championships (2019), FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (2018) and the Men’s Handball World Championship (2015). Additionally, Qatar hosted the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships and the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships under his guidance.

Passion for Sports

Sheikh Joaan’s dedication to sport is evident in his passionate support of equestrian sports. He has chaired the board of Al-Shaqab and led the Al-Shaqab Steering Committee since 2021. In 2014, he further advanced Qatar’s equestrian ambitions by founding Al-Shaqab Racing.His commitment to football is also noteworthy, having served as the Vice-President of Al-Sadd Sports Club from 2012 to 2015. Furthermore, Sheikh Joaan played a key role in the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, which was instrumental in the successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Academic Achievements

Sheikh Joaan holds an Executive MBA from HEC Paris in Qatar (2021) and a Bachelor’s degree from the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr in France (2007). His continued academic excellence is reflected in his Post-Graduate degree from the Royal College of Defense Studies in the UK (2015) and a Professional Development Diploma from the London School of Public Relations (2020).

Leadership Development & Recognition

As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Qatar Leadership Academy, Sheikh Joaan plays a vital role in nurturing leadership qualities among Qatar’s youth. His commitment to the Olympic Movement and sport has earned him various prestigious accolades, including the Contribution to the Olympic Movement Award from ANOC (2019) and the Corporate Social Responsibility Person of the Year Award from Qatar University (2015).