Looking into Global and Local Perspectives

The 7th Annual International Interdisciplinary Conference of the Gulf Studies Center of Qatar University

The FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar: Looking into Global and Local Perspectives

The Gulf Studies Center, a part of the College of Arts and Sciences at Qatar University, is pleased to announce its plans to host on 19-20 September 2022 a two-day international conference to discuss Qatar’s experience in the organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Specific attention will be paid to the analysis of socio-cultural, economic and political sides of this process. The key outcome of the event will be the publication of a collective monograph that is aimed to become one of the main reference books for anyone who is interested in the story of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, adding a country specific focus to the current more general discourse on the phenomenon of the Middle Eastern football.

Consequently, as opposed to the majority of events discussing the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the conference will not be limited to the discussion of the technical/organizational dimensions or sports diplomacy only. Its main priority is to trigger comprehensive debates on the different aspects of the World Cup and its impacts on the hosting country, Middle Eastern region and the world. This annual international conference will bring together scholars, policy makers and students from a wide-range of disciplines to engage in a nuanced debate on the multifaceted impact of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Qatari society and the region as a whole.

Key subjects of the conference:

We encourage the submission of papers on the economic, political and social-cultural aspects of FIFA 2022 in the following areas:

History of Qatar's Decision to Host FIFA World Cup 2022: Motivations and Expectations
Multifaceted Domestic Challenges of Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022: Infrastructural, Socio-cultural and Political dimensions
The geopolitics and power dynamics around the FIFA 2022 World Cup: Regional and Global Dimensions
Globalization vs Localization: FIFA World Cup 2022 social, economic and cultural impact on the MENA region and beyond

Publication:

Accepted papers will be published in an edited volume providing that the author(s) present the work at the Conference. Given that papers should be peer-reviewed and should enhance knowledge and contribute to the current debate regarding the issue, publication is not guaranteed.

How to apply

Interested participants need to submit an abstracts of 500 words as well as an updated CV to GSEvents@qu.edu.qa before April 30. When submitting the abstract, please, indicate one of four conference's subject areas your paper fits in.
Candidates whose abstracts are accepted will be notified by May 15.
Presenters are expected to submit the first draft of their papers (5000 words minimum) by July 30 (submission of the draft is the condition for financial support)
The conference is to be held in person during the full two days. Those whose papers are accepted for the conference will be invited to Doha and have their travel expenses and accommodation arranged and paid for by the organizers.