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Qatar – Founding Member of ICTSG Overview At the AAC and 4th Collective Consultation Meeting in Istanbul on 13–14 August 2018, Qatar joined over 40 nations in establishing the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG). Represented by H.E. Mr. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, along with Mr. Mohammad Al Bloushi, Qatar signed the founding charter, signaling its commitment to traditional sports and cultural heritage. Delegation & Signing Qatar’s delegation included:

H.E. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali – Minister of Culture and Sports, official signatory Mohammad Al Bloushi

H.E. Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali signed the ICTSG foundation document on behalf of Qatar, reinforcing its dedication to safeguarding traditional games and cultural heritage across generations. Geographic & Cultural Context Qatar, a peninsular state in the Arabian Gulf, combines desert landscapes with coastal environments. Its nomadic Bedouin heritage lives on in traditional sports that reflect resilience, communal bonding, and adaptation to harsh environments. Qatar’s geographic position and economic resources have allowed it to make strong investments in preserving and celebrating its cultural identity through sport. Traditional & Indigenous Sports of Qatar

Camel Racing – A signature Qatari tradition, now technological—featuring Al Shahaniya Track and robot jockeys :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Falconry – Ancient sport, rooted in desert survival and revered as art by modern Qatari society :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Traditional Boat Racing (Regatta) – Coastal maritime competitions deeply tied to pearl-diving heritage :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Dama – A maritime board game akin to checkers, once played by fishermen at sea :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Qatar’s Role in ICTSG Formation By signing on 13–14 August 2018, Qatar became a foundational pillar of ICTSG’s mission. Minister Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali’s leadership highlights the country’s cultural strategy: bridging Bedouin traditions with global heritage sport advocacy. Read the full meeting history for more. Weather & Climate Conditions Qatar experiences a hot desert climate—sweltering summers exceeding 45 °C and mild winters. Camel and boat races are scheduled across cooler seasons (September–March), leveraging favorable conditions and lighting at the Al Shahaniya Camel Track :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. Weather adaptation plays a key role in sustaining seasonal traditions. Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals Qatar’s engagement aligns with the following UN SDGs:

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well‑Being: Traditional sports foster physical activity and communal wellness. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Regattas and camel races strengthen national identity and inclusion. SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption: Preservation of pearl-diving and maritime cultural heritage emphasizes sustainability. SDG 17 – Partnerships: Qatar’s founding role in ICTSG fosters international cultural collaboration.

Historical Legacy & Cultural Vision Qatar’s nomadic and maritime practices date back centuries—pearling, falconry, and camel racing formed survival strategies and social bonds. These traditions sustain resilience and adaptation, now becoming modern cultural heritage. Through ICTSG, Qatar continues to document practices, engage youth, and share expertise globally. Call to Action Join Qatar’s journey in preserving and celebrating Bedouin and maritime cultural heritage. Your participation will ensure that camel racing, falconry, boat regattas, and traditional games thrive for generations. Get Involved   Benefits of Joining   Support ICTSG

About ICTSG: The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and revitalizing traditional sports and games as powerful tools for education, peace, and sustainable development.

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