Around 8,000 international and local competitors are expected to take part in the World Corporate Games from November 6 to 9, 2019 in Doha, making this 23rd edition one of the largest sporting events in terms participation.

The event, under the patronage of Prime Minister and Interior Minister HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, will be held for the first time in the Middle East, bringing together local, regional and international business sporting community.
“The hosting of mass participation events such as this supports our goals for developing a vibrant sports and recreation tourism sub-sector in Qatar,” Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) chief marketing and promotion officer Rashed al-Qurese said in a statement.
QTA, along with Sport for Life (organisers) officials and Qatar’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, announced the hosting of the event Tuesday. The Games take place every two years and the last edition was held in Houston, Texas in 2017. 
“Sport has a unique power to bring people together and we look forward to having this event amplify our country’s message of welcoming the world,” al-Qurese said.
He noted that QTA is working closely with the hospitality sector to ensure they can maximise on this global event by providing customised packages that facilitate both accommodation and corporate meetings.
The Games, which started nearly 30 years ago, will include e-Sports and mindsports in its 23rd edition, according to the organisers. It will feature both individual and team competitions, open equally to women and men of all ages and abilities with team events for skilled, semi-skilled or novice participants. 
Some 24 different sports, ranging from dragon boat racing and ten-pin bowling to football and basketball to golf, tennis and running, will be part of the Games, which is an all-inclusive event with para games integrated for various categories.
Organisers noted that competitions will be held in eight locations across Doha: Qatar Foundation will host badminton, chess, netball, running, volleyball, and golf, as well as the triathlon while Aspire Zone Foundation will take basketball, field hockey, rugby 7s, soccer, squash, and table tennis. 
Doha Golf Club, Katara – the Cultural Village, Losail International Circuit, Qatar Bowling Center, and Viruocity, will host eSports games. 
“Doha and Qatar together make an outstanding venue for the Games. The facilities are amongst the best in the world, the ambience of the city and the magnificence of the infrastructure together with legendary hospitality of the Qataris will create an exceptional experience for every participant and visitor,” World Corporate Games founder Dr Maureen Johnston said.
Saud al-Dulaimi, representative of Qatar’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, said this tournament is a significant addition to the calendar of international sports events that the country hosts. 
“It further strengthens Qatar’s position globally and reflects the international community’s confidence in the Qatari talent of organising international events,” he noted. 
“We value this initiative from QTA and endorse the importance of reinforcing partnerships between state institutions to achieve greater excellence in attracting similar international events which promote cultural exchange between nations,” al-Dulaimi added.
Mohamed Jaidah, Group Executive Director of Jaidah Group, said: “On behalf of the Jaidah Group, I would like to welcome the world’s sport and business community to join us in November 2019 when the World Corporate Games are hosted for the first time in the Middle East.” 
“I encourage Qatar’s business and public sector organisations, their staff and stakeholders to participate in this unique global event,” he added.
Corporations around the world can now register for the Games, a prestigious event which will provide participants with an opportunity to compete in their chosen sport, build team spirit and camaraderie within their company/organisation and improve communication between management and their front-line staff. 
The Games, organisers said, will also provide networking opportunities within the global community of professionals and a chance to play their particular sport in world-class venues and experience the amazing culture and hospitality that Qatar embodies. 
Qatar hosts nearly 80 sporting events and world-class competitions across a multitude of sporting disciplines annually. It is the first Middle Eastern country to earn the rights to host the World Championships in Athletics (2019), FIFA World Cup (2022) and the FINA World Swimming Championships (2023).

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