The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) showcased the legacy of its Qatar Volunteer Programme at Bayt Qatar, as part of the Asian Games 2026, which took place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.  

Former volunteers, who worked on mega-events including FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and the Qatar Football Season 2025, were part of the SC delegation at Bayt Qatar – a Qatar Olympic Committee initiative that offered visitors an interactive showcase of the country’s heritage and sporting achievements. As Qatar prepares to host mega events in the future, the Qatar Volunteer Programme will play a key role in delivering world-class experiences.    

For Haya Al Noaimi, SC Event Workforce & Volunteers Executive Director, Qatar’s sporting legacy has helped build a strong volunteer culture within the community, which has positively shaped fan experiences: “By involving our volunteers in Bayt Qatar, we wanted to showcase how volunteerism has become a deeply rooted culture in Qatar that lasts well beyond a single event. We hope their stories inspire more people to volunteer, participate in future events and become part of the growing community we have built. Our biggest legacy is a robust community of experienced, passionate and talented volunteers, who are actively shaping Qatar’s events heritage. Their experience strengthens the nation’s wider capability and continued readiness in hosting major regional and international events.”

Participating at Bayt Qatar, Qatari volunteer Ali Al Khater, an oil and gas industry professional, shared how working as a guest relations volunteer at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ created memorable experiences: “Volunteering at Qatar 2022 showed me how different cultures can come together as one team to achieve a common goal. This is the power of sport. It was a proud moment to meet Japanese fans here in Aichi-Nagoya, relive memories of the historic World Cup, and show our passion for sport and for organising world-class tournaments.”

Qatari volunteer Lolwa Bu Karbal, an architecture student, believes every volunteering experience is an opportunity to promote cultural exchange. Being a fluent Korean speaker, she served as a translator for the South Korean national team during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, sharing Qatar’s culture with players and fans alike. “Events like the World Cup and Asian Games are a celebration of diversity. Meeting new people and learning about their cultures help break stereotypes. Volunteering enables me to share my passion for Qatar’s history and heritage. It was a dream come true to be in Japan, connect with the local community, and show them what my country has to offer,” she said.

For volunteers such as Katsuko Suzuki, one event marked the start of a lasting commitment to volunteering. The Qatar-based Japanese volunteer, who is an avid football fan, took part in a number of events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, deepening her passion for international football.

“Volunteering has helped me experience first-hand the immense work that goes behind delivering a football tournament. Watching global teams and fans come together to celebrate football in Qatar – my home for the past 18 years – fills me with pride. As a Japanese living in Qatar, I love sharing stories about my second home. While our cultures may differ, we share values of hospitality, pride in our heritage and love for football. I hope my experience inspires more Japanese to visit Qatar and discover its traditions and culture,” said Suzuki.

During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, more than 20,000 volunteers supported the delivery of a landmark edition of the tournament. Since then, Qatar has hosted a number of major tournaments, building on the volunteering legacy and community spirit that continue to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and abilities to support various functional areas.

In 2025, a total of 4,000 volunteers supported in the delivery of a record-breaking football season that saw Qatar host three FIFA finals in three weeks. This included: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™, and FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025™ as well as U17 and U23 Gulf Cups.  

This year, Qatar will host the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ taking place from November 19 to December 13. A total of 750 volunteers will be selected to support across nine functional areas.

Other upcoming international events include the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the FIFA Arab Cup 2029™, the 2029 FIVB Volleyball World Championship, the Asian Games 2030, amongst other mega cultural and entertainment events, which will see the active involvement of Qatar’s growing volunteer community.

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