Doha – 10 May 2026 – His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth, officially launched the digital platform for the Qatari Football History Documentation Project Since 1948, marking the beginning of a landmark national initiative dedicated to preserving the memory and heritage of football in Qatar.

The project seeks to document the rich journey of Qatari football and its achievements through a modern institutional framework that combines rigorous scientific methodology with digital innovation.

The launch ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials and prominent figures from the Qatari football community. The project reflects a firm belief that football in Qatar has served not only as a sporting activity but also as a social and cultural force that has contributed to shaping public awareness and reflecting the evolution of Qatari society across different historical periods.

Through this initiative, historical events, influential figures, and key milestones in Qatari football will be transformed into a trusted national archive that preserves the past while making it accessible for future generations.

A National Effort Years in the Making

Mr. Ali Dawood, Chairman of the Committee for the Documentation and Archiving of Qatari Football History, stated that the achievement is the result of sustained institutional work that began in August 2020. He emphasized that documenting the history of Qatari football is a national responsibility equal in importance to the achievements themselves, as it ensures their preservation and long-term legacy.

Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee continued its work with determination and a shared commitment to achieving its objectives.

Dawood explained that the committee focused on collecting, verifying, and archiving a vast range of historical materials, including documents, photographs, oral histories, and rare recordings. All materials were reviewed and authenticated through a rigorous scientific process. Specialized teams in documentation, research, and technology successfully built a comprehensive knowledge base that has been organized, indexed, and digitized to serve as a reliable national reference for researchers, media professionals, and future generations.

Institutional Excellence and International Standards

The Chairman stressed that the project is the result of collaboration among specialized teams working according to the highest standards of quality and governance. He noted that the Committee obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification within a remarkably short period, particularly given the nature of archival and documentation projects. This achievement reflects the committee’s commitment to best institutional practices and its ambition to deliver a sustainable and professionally managed national project.

The Committee operates through an integrated organizational structure comprising teams specialized in historical documentation, oral histories, archiving, digitization, verification, and quality review. Its methodology includes collecting documents, photographs, and rare audiovisual materials, recording testimonies from pioneers of the game, conducting cross-referenced historical verification, and digitizing content to create an interactive database based on international standards.

A Growing Digital Archive

The Committee revealed that the project has already reached an advanced stage of development. The digital platform currently contains approximately 15 terabytes of historical data and content, with ongoing updates and expansion efforts. The volume of content is expected to nearly double in future phases under a structured development plan designed to ensure the project’s comprehensiveness and sustainability while strengthening its position as a living national reference for the history of football in Qatar.

Specialized Publications

As part of the broader documentation initiative, the Committee has also produced a series of specialized books covering significant milestones in the history of Qatari football. These publications include works on the origins of football in Qatar, the national team’s participation in the Gulf Cup, and Qatar’s journey in FIFA World Cup competitions.

Among these publications is “The Story of the Beginning,” which documents the early development of football in Qatar, tracing its origins in early labor communities, its spread throughout Doha’s neighborhoods, and the formation of clubs, teams, and playing fields. Drawing on firsthand testimonies, rare documents, and historical photographs, the book provides a detailed account of the foundations upon which modern Qatari football was built.

Another key publication, “Qatar in the Gulf Cup: Legacy and Impact,” chronicles Qatar’s participation in the Arabian Gulf Cup from its inception, examining the tournament’s role in shaping football development, technical progress, organizational growth, and fan culture within the Gulf region.

The Committee also highlighted “Qatar in the World Cup: The Journey and Milestones,” which documents Qatar’s World Cup history, from its early qualification attempts to the historic hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and its qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through competition. The book offers both historical and analytical perspectives on a journey marked by ambition, challenges, setbacks, and achievements.

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

The Committee emphasized that the project goes beyond preserving documents and records. It aims to interpret sports history within its broader national and social context, strengthening cultural identity, supporting researchers and media professionals, and helping younger generations connect with the roots of Qatar’s football heritage.

The initiative also serves as a model for institutional preservation of sporting heritage and aligns with Qatar’s broader vision of building a knowledge-based society while safeguarding its national memory.

This project represents a significant milestone in preserving Qatar’s sporting history, recognizing it as an integral part of the nation’s heritage and ensuring that its story is documented through a scientific, professional, and sustainable approach for generations to come.