Qatar Olympic Academy Hosts Generative AI Programme for Sports Leaders

Doha : The Qatar Olympic Academy organized the “Generative AI for Leaders in Sport” programme on June 3–4 in collaboration with Google Cloud, as part of its efforts to equip sports professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.The programme attracted more than 70 participants from Qatar and abroad, representing the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, sports federations, clubs, private academies, media organizations, and technology and innovation sectors.Designed for sports leaders and decision-makers, the programme explored the growing role of generative artificial intelligence in transforming sports organizations and enhancing institutional performance. Participants gained practical insights into the use of AI in sports data analysis, fan engagement, decision-making, and innovation.Google Cloud contributed its expertise in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, providing participants with exposure to the latest technological solutions and global best practices. The programme also enabled attendees to prepare for the internationally recognized Google “Generative AI for Leaders” certification.Commenting on the initiative, Khaleel Ebrahim Al-Jaber, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, said the programme represents an important step in preparing sports professionals to meet future challenges and capitalize on the opportunities created by digital transformation.He emphasized that artificial intelligence is becoming an essential component of modern sports management and highlighted the Academy’s commitment to promoting innovation, continuous learning, and strategic partnerships with leading global organizations.Al-Jaber added that the collaboration with Google Cloud provided participants with valuable insights into emerging technologies and their practical applications in sport, helping to strengthen leadership capabilities and support the continued development of the sports sector.The programme reflects the Qatar Olympic Academy’s ongoing commitment to developing human capital and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for sports education, innovation, and excellence. 

Qatar Basketball Team to Hold Training Camp in Turkey Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Doha: The Qatar Basketball Federation has announced that the Qatar men’s national team will hold a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, from June 11 to 20 as part of its preparations for the upcoming Asian and Oceanian Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.The camp, headed by Qatar Basketball Federation Board Member Nasser Ajlan Al Kaabi, forms part of the team’s ongoing preparation programme aimed at enhancing physical and technical readiness while strengthening team cohesion. Daily training sessions will be conducted under the supervision of head coach Hakan Demir and his technical staff.Following the conclusion of the camp, Team Qatar will face Tunisia in two friendly matches on June 23 and 25 at Al Gharafa Sports Hall.Qatar will then resume its World Cup qualifying campaign with three important Group D fixtures. The team will host Saudi Arabia on June 29 at Al Gharafa Sports Hall before travelling to Ahmedabad to face India on July 2. Qatar will conclude this stage of the qualifiers against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on July 5.The national team enters the next phase of the qualifiers following a series of encouraging performances, including a historic victory over Lebanon on Lebanese soil and a convincing home win over India.Group D remains one of the most competitive groups in the Asian qualifiers, with Qatar, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia level on five points, while India occupy fourth place.Under the qualification format, the top three teams from each group will advance to the second round, with the road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 continuing through a series of qualification windows running until March 2027. 

Team Qatar Target Historic Progression at FIFA World Cup 2026

Doha: Team Qatar will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with ambitions of making history by advancing beyond the group stage in what will be the nation’s second appearance at football’s biggest tournament.Unlike their debut at Qatar 2022, when they qualified automatically as hosts, Al Adaam secured their place at the global showpiece through the Asian qualifiers, marking the country’s first-ever World Cup qualification campaign.The draw placed Qatar in Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The team will begin their campaign against Switzerland on June 13 in San Francisco before facing Canada on June 18 in Vancouver and concluding the group stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24 in Seattle.Qatar arrive at the tournament after a demanding qualification journey. Despite entering the campaign as back-to-back AFC Asian Cup champions, they were forced into the playoff stage after finishing behind Iran and Uzbekistan in the third round of qualifying. A draw against Oman and a decisive victory over the United Arab Emirates in Doha ultimately secured their place at the World Cup.The Qatar Football Association appointed Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui ahead of the final phase of qualification, and he successfully guided the team to the tournament. While retaining the core of the squad that featured at Qatar 2022, Lopetegui has also introduced several new faces, with 12 players set to make their World Cup debuts.Team Qatar have followed an intensive preparation programme that began in mid-May following the conclusion of the domestic season. Preparations included training camps in Doha, Dublin, and Los Angeles, where the team have focused on reaching peak readiness ahead of the competition.Led by a group of experienced internationals, including AFC Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif and Qatar’s all-time leading scorer Almoez Ali, the national team will be aiming to deliver a strong performance on the world stage and achieve a milestone result by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.

Qatar appoints Fatima Al Kuwari as Chief Executive Officer of its 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Bid File

Doha, Qatar, June 2026 | In a step that reflects Qatar’s ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2036, Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Qatar’s bid file, as part of the State’s efforts to present the first Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Middle East.The appointment comes as preparations continue to develop a comprehensive bid that builds on the State of Qatar’s proven record in hosting major international sporting events. It also reflects Qatar’s commitment to using sport as a platform for development, bringing people closer together and promoting dialogue and cultural understanding.Al Kuwari brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience to the role, having held senior leadership roles at Ooredoo, the global telecommunications company. She has a strong track record across strategy, operations and institutional transformation in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.She has held a number of senior leadership positions, including as part of the Group Executive Committee, and has overseen operational activities across nine markets. She also contributed to the establishment of the Ooredoo Doha Marathon in 2013.In her new role, Al Kuwari will lead the strategic, operational and organisational aspects of the bid, coordinating with local and international partners to support the development of a comprehensive and competitive proposition that reflects the growth of Qatar’s sporting infrastructure and its long-term vision.The appointment comes within Qatar’s broader ambition to host an exceptional edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games that reflects the country’s standing and the region’s ability to host the world’s largest sporting events, while using sport as a platform for development, unity and the creation of a sustainable social legacy. 

Qatar Winter Sports Committee to Organize 2026 National Short Track Speed Skating Championship

Doha :The Qatar Winter Sports Committee, under the Qatar Olympic Committee, has announced the organization of the 2026 National Short Track Speed Skating Championship, which will take place from June 4 to 6 at the ice rink of Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd, featuring a selection of athletes in the Youth and Open categories.The championship forms part of the Committee’s ongoing efforts to promote winter sports in Qatar and provide a competitive environment that contributes to the development of athletes’ abilities and technical standards, while also identifying and nurturing promising talent in the sport of short track speed skating.The competition programme will feature events in two age categories. The Open category competitions will begin on Thursday, June 4, while the Youth category events will be held on Saturday, June 6.On this occasion, Hassan HIssam Al Habbabi, Secretary-General of the Qatar Winter Sports Committee, said that organizing the 2026 National Short Track Speed Skating Championship is part of the Committee’s strategy to support and develop winter sports in Qatar through the provision of a competitive platform that helps raise athletes’ performance levels and discover emerging talent.He explained that the championship represents an important step in preparing a new generation of athletes capable of representing Qatar at future regional and international events, while also contributing to expanding the base of participants in short track speed skating.Al Habbabi also called on fans and winter sports enthusiasts to follow the competition and support the participating athletes, helping to further promote the sport and strengthen its presence within the community.He added that the championship forms part of a long-term sporting project aimed at building a strong foundation of Qatari athletes in support of participation in the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Kazakhstan and enhancing qualification opportunities for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games in the French Alps.

Team Qatar Riders to Compete in Longines Global Champions Tour Event

Paris:  Team Qatar riders will compete in the Longines Global Champions Tour showjumping event, which will be held in Cannes, France, from June 4 to 6, featuring many of the world’s leading riders in one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated stops on the international showjumping calendar.Qatar will be represented by Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani aboard *Denver* and *Marco Monnet*, Rashid Al Marri aboard *Dic Van Zeir Wilmes*, Ghanem Al Qadi aboard *Caletto Cabana* and *Shaddington Blue*, and Mohammed Al Baker aboard *Dokhan* and *Imero*. The riders will be aiming to deliver strong performances and continue Qatar’s competitive presence on the global circuit.The competition will take place at Port Pierre Canto in Cannes, one of the French Riviera’s most iconic landmarks. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the venue provides a unique setting for a competition that annually attracts the world’s elite showjumping riders.The entry list also includes several of the sport’s biggest names, led by former world No. 1 Henrik von Eckermann and current overall standings leader Simon Delestre, who claimed victory in the Madrid Grand Prix. They are joined by Edwina Tops-Alexander, Scott Brash, Daniel Deusser, Pieter Devos, Cian O'Connor, Emanuele Gaudiano, Sergio Álvarez Moya, Nayel Nassar, and Yuri Mansur.The event will also feature several experienced riders with notable achievements on the tour, including Gilles Thomas, Victor Bettendorf, Olivier Philippaerts, Zascha Nygaard Lill, Grégory Cottard, Jur Vrieling, Kim Emmen, Abdelkebir Ouaddar, Jan Frederik Meyer-Zimmermann, and Sanne Thijssen, adding further depth and quality to the competition.A number of emerging young talents will also be in action, including Thibeau Spits, Tom Wachman, Max Wachman, Sara Vingralkova, Zoe Conter, Anastasia Nielsen, and Ciaran Nallon, all looking to make their mark against the world’s best.Qatar’s riders will be aiming to achieve positive results and continue representing Qatari equestrian sport at the highest level as they compete for valuable ranking points and top positions in the overall season standings.