Migrant Workers Sport Tournaments – AL KHOR

Kamilla Swart, Ray Jureidini & Simon Jones

The hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar presents many opportunities and challenges for the host destination. While the World Cup has provided Qatar with opportunities to enhance its prestige on the world stage, the global spotlight has also raised concern about allegations of human rights abuses, especially in relation to workers’ rights. In order to address some of these concerns, a sport and recreation facility – Al Khor Migrant Workers Sports Complex – was built in 2014 in the Al Khor Industrial Area. This multi-sport complex is aimed at enriching the quality of life of blue-collar workers. The project was developed by Barwa Real Estate in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Qatar Foundation. This case study aims to present an evaluation of two tournaments that took place in late 2016 to early 2017 for users of the facility. The organisers wanted to explore the impact of sports participation on the health and wellbeing of migrant workers in Qatar. Results of a survey conducted with participants in the tournament are presented. Furthermore, challenges in organising and sustaining these tournaments are highlighted.