Football and nation-building in Gulf monarchies: Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar

Abstract

Football is one of the remarkable mass phenomena of the globalisation era—a game followed by millions worldwide. No country remains alien to the enormous collective impact of football, where pure entertainment is mixed with political and power elements. In this sense, the populations of the Gulf monarchies have a long-standing connection with this sport, which leads them to combine their passion for national competitions and teams with the following of international tournaments, clubs, and stars. Football expansion as a social phenomenon in the Gulf monarchies coincides with the construction and consolidation of nation-states throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. The most direct result is that this sport becomes an intrinsic part of the local identity and maintains a particular relationship with the established power. The chapter analyses the socio-political dimension of football in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. The research is structured in four sections. First, a brief historical overview of the development of football in the countries analysed. Second, the main objectives for which football can be used as a political tool. Third, how the case studies exhibit a close link between football and the construction of nation-states. Finally, the central dilemmas surrounding the future evolution of this sport within the Gulf monarchies.