FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 delivers QR 2.89 billion of economic value

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, held from December 1 to 18, 2025, generated an impressive QR 2.89 billion in economic value for Qatar’s local economy, according to the Local Organising Committee for Football Events (LOC).

An economic impact study conducted in partnership with Nielsen Sport highlighted the tournament’s major role in boosting tourism and supporting growth across Qatar’s travel, hospitality, retail, and transport sectors.

Strong International Fan Attendance

The tournament attracted more than 305,015 international visitors, significantly contributing to the country’s economy.

Visitor spending included:

QR 288.9 million on flights
QR 315.5 million on accommodation
1.5 million room-night bookings during the tournament

According to the report, 97% of international visitors believed the tournament had a positive impact on Qatar.

Tourism, Food and Retail Growth

Fans attending the FIFA Arab Cup explored Qatar’s tourism and entertainment offerings, resulting in major spending across several sectors.

Key economic contributions:

• QR 246.1 million generated through food and beverage sales

• QR 200.7 million spent on retail shopping across tourist destinations

• QR 84.2 million spent on local transportation services

Visitors also made extensive use of Qatar’s modern public transportation network to travel between stadiums and tourist attractions.

Infrastructure and Tournament Operations

The competition utilised six world-class stadiums previously used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

The LOC reported spending approximately:

QR 793.6 million on operations, logistics, and promotional activities across the country

Media Coverage and Digital Engagement

The tournament also achieved strong global media exposure through dedicated broadcasting and media facilities.

Media and digital impact included:

QR 241 million in media value generated globally
QR 24.6 million economic impact through social media engagement
A Main Media Centre and a special Broadcasting Hub in Souq Waqif helped support international coverage throughout the tournament.

Qatar Continues as a Global Sports Destination

The FIFA Arab Cup™ formed part of Qatar’s record-breaking football season, which also included:

FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™
FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025™

Qatar is now preparing to host the second edition of five consecutive FIFA U-17 World Cups from November 19 to December 13, 2026.

Discover how the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ boosted Qatar’s economy with QR 2.89 billion in economic value, strengthening tourism, hospitality, and global sports recognition. Stay tuned for more updates with qatar live news.