Qatar Prioritizes Women's Participation in Sports

Qatar Prioritizes Womens Participation in Sports

Rouda Al Attiya, a member of Qatar Foundation’s Communications team, shared how sports deeply influenced her personal growth and reinforced her Qatari identity.

She recounted how her love for sports blossomed under the scorching heat of Ras Laffan. Reflecting on her journey, Al Attiya spoke of her early days playing on makeshift fields in her grandmother’s yard and the alleys of Alsadd, where sports became her refuge and stage. She expressed pride in Qatar's transformation, guided by a national vision of excellence, and recalled how, as the World Cup 2022 ended, she still found herself reminiscing about her childhood dreams of football greatness at the age of 12. Al Attiya highlighted Qatar's bold progress, noting how the country now places women at the forefront of sports, embodying the essence of this journey.

She described her journey as beginning not in grand arenas, but in the simpler, joyful setting of her grandparents’ home. These early experiences were crucial, but it was at Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Academy school that her street-honed skills, nurtured by her brother Nasser, were tested in formal competitions. She noted that her brother’s memory continues to inspire her in sports.

“Beyond the victories, it’s the camaraderie that stays with me—the bonds with my teammates that grew into lifelong friendships and sisterhood. Sports were more than just a pastime for me; they shaped my character, taught me resilience, and helped me navigate moments of both joy and frustration,” Al Attiya said.

She added, “Football, a cherished family tradition, still unites us today—whether we’re cheering, debating tactics, or simply enjoying the game together. But my journey wasn’t limited to football. From basketball’s rapid pace to volleyball’s powerful spikes, and now padel’s strategic play, I’ve embraced the evolution of sports in Qatar.”

Al Attiya reflected on her place in a country where tradition and progress intertwine, seeing herself as one thread in the rich fabric of Qatari sportsmanship.

For her, sports went beyond conventional expectations, offering a way to discover her own strengths and passions. Sports, she explained, taught her to adapt, thrive amid change, and embrace Qatar's evolving sports landscape.

“As Qatar enters a new era, where women’s voices are louder than ever in stadiums, I’m reminded that my journey, though deeply personal, reflects a broader narrative of ambition shared by many women. From the hot sands of Ras Laffan to Qatar’s sporting heights, my story is a testament to the transformative power of sports—a legacy that continues to shape my life and the vibrant Qatari society,” Al Attiya concluded.

Rouda Al Attiyah, now a Senior Newsroom Specialist at Qatar Foundation and a former producer at Al Jazeera English, is a passionate supporter of Al Sadd Sports Club—a devotion deeply rooted in her family’s history. Her love for sports is evident in her active participation in local padel tournaments and the sports events she organizes for her friends, blending her strong media background with her enthusiasm for sports.