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History of amateur football in Qatar

There are currently 4 official amateur football leagues in Qatar. Three amateur leagues are under the jurisdiction of the Qatar International Amateur Football League (QIAFL), and the fourth functions as the third division of Qatar, the Qatar Amateur League (QAL). The only one recognized by the QFA is the Qatar Amateur League, which was organized in November 2013. The league has 14 teams, all of which were established through the country's government, political and social sectors.

Qatar Amateur League (QAL) member clubs

Al Galia Al Masria

Al Galia Al Masria is a team comprised of the Egyptian diaspora in Qatar. Its name translates to the Egyptian community.

Al Qiyada

Al Qiyada Al Aama, also known simply as Al Qiyada, is a public sector multi-sport club based in Doha which has a handball and volleyball team in addition to its football team. It represents the Qatari Armed Forces.

Al Quds

Al Quds currently competes in the QAL. Al Quds (القدس) is the Arabic name for Jerusalem. However, Al Quds was named after the Palestinian university.

Al Mataar

Al Matar is located in Al Wakrah. The name translates to the airport in English.

Al Thakira

Al Thakira is a football club situated in Al Thakira, a small town located a few kilometres north of Al Khor. It was founded in 2005.

Al Waab

Al Waab are located in Al Waab, Qatar; a district of Doha. They are the first champions of the QAL.

Copros United

Copros United is a team comprising mostly of African and European players. The team currently has players from Morocco, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Italy.

Doha Goans Sports Clubs

The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) partnered with Al Ahli Sports Club to promote football among the Goan Community in Qatar. Goa plays its home games at Al Ahli's home stadium. They were formed in 1984 and played in the Qatar Expatriate Football League. However, due to restrictions at the time, the club had to enter two teams in the league: Air India Wanderers and Air India Colts. Both teams secured 3rd and 4th place in the league that year.

Kerala Indian

Kerala is a team representing the Indian state of Kerala.

Qatari footballers abroad

Only those who played abroad before 2000 are listed.

• Mohammed Salem Al-Enazi – played for Al Nassr from 1997–98 and Qadsia from 1998–99.
• Adel Khamis – played for Qadsia in 1998.[1]
• Abdulaziz Hassan – played for Yarmouk in 1999.[2]
• Mubarak Mustafa – played for Al Arabi in 1999.
• Ahmed Khalifa – played for Qadsia.
• Jamal Al Khatib – Played for Beşiktaş and Khaitan.[3]

Naturalized Qatari players

Only those who were naturalized before 2000 are listed.

1970s

• Taha Bayoumi – 1970s, played for the national team of Qatar.
• Hassan Mokhtar – 1970s, played for the national team of Egypt, then Qatar.
• Salah Dafa'allah – 1970s, played for the national team of Qatar.
• Ahmed Omar – 1970s, played for the national team of Qatar.
• Jamal Al Khatib – 1970s, played for the national team of Lebanon, then Palestine, and then Qatar.
• unknown / Sami Mohamed Wafa – 1970s, played for the national team of Qatar.

1980s

• Hassan Afif Al-Yafei – 1980s, played for the national team of Qatar.
• Mahmoud Soufi – 1980s, born in Saudi Arabia; played for the national team of Qatar.
• Idrees Kheiri – 1980s, played for the youth national team of Qatar.

1990s

• Abdulla Koni – 1990s, played for the national team of Qatar.
• Ahmed Khalifa – 1990s, played for the national team of Qatar.

Qataris who were naturalized

• Mohammed Salem Al-Enazi – 2000s, born in Qatar.
• Mohanad Salem – 2000s, born in Qatar, made 18 appearances for the UAE national team.
• Mutaz Abdulla – 2000s, born in Qatar, made 27 appearances for the UAE national team.

Geography articles to create

• Jaow Al Hamar, elongated depression
• Bay of Zekreet
• Dukhan Sabkha
• Mesaieed Sabkha
• Jazirat Al Khuwayr
• Jebel Al Wakrah
• Jebel Fuwayrit
• Jebel Nakhsh
• Al Mashabiya Reserve
• Al Galail, highest point in Qatar

Archaeology articles to create

• Ruwayda Fort
• Ath Thaqab Fort

Culture of Qatar

Symbolism

The sea

The historical reliance of Qatar's inhabitants on the sea has profoundly impacted the local culture. From ancient times, the sea has served as a vital source of sustenance and livelihood, shaping the identity of coastal communities. This resonance manifests itself through the realm of oral traditions, encompassing music, poetry and folklore.

In terms of music, at the heart of traditional sea music lie the "holo" songs, an art form that encapsulates the relationship between the human, divine, and oceanic realms. These seafaring melodies, which gave praise to Allah and Muhammad, served as a talisman for divers, imbuing them with strength drawn from their unwavering faith in their Creator's power. The rhythmic chants accompanying the arduous labor aboard ships, often incorporating rudimentary instruments, complemented the holo songs. Songs dedicated to the art of pearl hunting held a particularly revered status, with verses extolling the depths they plunged, the perils they braved, and the determination they exhibited. A specific type of sea music, known as fijiri, features group performances accompanied by melodic singing, rhythmic palm-tapping on water jars (known as galahs), and evocative dances that mimic the movements of the sea waves. Various versions of al-fujairi exist, such as "al-bahri," "al-adsani," and "al-hadadi," each characterized by unique performances and styles of dancing. Women also played a significant role in preserving cultural heritage through nursery rhymes and educational songs which often incorporated elements of the sea.

The economic importance of the sea, particularly evident during the era of pearl trading, further solidified this relationship. The ability to harness the sea's riches, notably pearls found in its depths, not only contributed to economic prosperity but also fostered a deeper cultural connection to sea environments. The sea became not just a source of income but also a point of inspiration for locals, impacting their artistic expressions.

Flag

Main article: Flag of Qatar

Flag-raising ceremony during Qatar National Day

The flag of Qatar, known as Al Adaam, reflects the historical practice of purple dye production at Al Khor Island during the third millennium BC through its maroon coloring. According to Strabo, the Canaanites were the original inhabitants of Qatar, and are known to have been invested in the production of purple dye, known as "imperial red", which archaeologists suggest was extracted from the Murex snail in only two places: Al Khor Island in Qatar and Tyre in Lebanon. Local tradition states that this maroon dye was used in Qatar's earliest flag at the behest of Mohammed bin Thani during the 1800s, but that it was tinted a darker shade of purple by the sun.

Throughout history, the term "Al Adaam" has held profound symbolic significance for the Qatari populace, intrinsically linked to the deep, rich crimson hue that adorned the standard of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the venerated founder of the nation. The etymological roots of this lexical term can be traced to the verbal notion of "providing support" or "buttressing" an entity. The word relates to the central pillars underpinning a structure's integrity and the supporting framework for roofs. Historically, the flagpole was a rallying point where communities gathered and military forces assembled.

Date palm

The date palm is considered a national symbol due to its widespread nature in the peninsula and its edible fruits, which are popular delicacies, especially during Ramadan and at majlis gatherings. Date palm syrup manufacturing was also a traditional practice; with the syrup being popular due to its high-calorie content and nutrient density; it was a cheap and quick source of energy for the locals, particularly pearl divers. The importance of date palms is signified through its appearance in the Emblem of Qatar, which features two date palms alongside a traditional dhow.

Migration patterns

Bedouins inhabiting the regions of north and south Qatar exhibit marked distinctions in their migratory practices, ranging from semi-sedentary lifestyles to frequent nomadism. In northern Qatar, nomads traditionally undertook only brief and sporadic movements. The Al Naim tribe, for instance, spent a considerable portion of the year, approximately six to eight months, at their summer encampments in Al Suwaihliya. Here, they erected stone houses for shelter during the hottest months, alongside their tents used as living and working spaces. Upon the onset of fall, they migrated to Al Jemailiya, where they remained for around three months before proceeding to Murwab for another three months. This cyclical pattern ensured the Al Naim tribe remained within their tribal territory throughout the year.

The nomadic lifestyle in South Qatar diverged significantly and was characterized by heightened mobility and frequent migrations. Utilizing camels as their primary mode of transport, these Bedouins traversed vast sand deserts, often engaging in lengthy migrations into the interior regions. They typically migrated northward during late winter and early spring, drawn by abundant grazing opportunities for their flocks and resources for hunting and truffle-gathering. In contrast, the scorching summer months saw them establish stationary camps near wells to the south of Qatar, congregating in larger groups. Springtime, however, witnessed the formation of smaller, more transient camps.

Mass media

Main article: Mass media in Qatar

There are currently seven newspapers in circulation in Qatar, with four published in Arabic and three published in English. Additionally, there are nine magazines.

Al Jazeera Arabic Building

All radio programs from Qatar are state-owned and are amalgamated as the Qatar Broadcasting Service. Radio broadcasting in the country began in June 1968 and English transmissions started in December 1971 to accommodate the increasing non-Arabic speaking expat community. The QBS currently features radio stations in English, Arabic, French, and Urdu.

Al Jazeera, Qatar's largest television network, was founded in 1996 and has since become the foundation of the media sector. Initially launched as an Arabic news and current affairs satellite TV channel, Al Jazeera has since expanded into a network with several outlets, including the internet and specialty TV channels in multiple languages. The 'Al Jazeera effect' refers to the global impact of the Al Jazeera Media Network, particularly on the politics of the Arab world.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of Qatar

Katara's amphitheater in which DTFF films premiered

Cinema in Qatar has emerged as a significant cultural and economic force, spurred by initiatives outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030. The vision's emphasis on human and social development includes a strong commitment to nurturing artistic talents and promoting Qatar's global presence through the film industry. Sheikha Al Mayassa's founding of the Doha Film Institute (DFI) has been pivotal in providing funding, production services, and educational programs to support local and international filmmakers. Through grants, workshops, and festivals, the DFI has facilitated the growth of the local film community.

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) and Ajyal Film Festival are vital events that showcase and celebrate cinematic achievements, providing platforms for regional and local talents to exhibit their work. Ajyal, in particular, focuses on engaging audiences in film-centric dialogues and cultivating young talents through volunteering opportunities and youth-focused programs. Additionally, Qumra, a part of the DFI, offers mentorship opportunities and development services for aspiring filmmakers. Established production houses like The Film House and Innovation Films, along with the emergence of notable Qatari directors and filmmakers such as Ahmed Al-Baker and Al Jawhara Al-Thani, have helped advance Qatar's position as a regional film hub.

Television

Main article: Television in Qatar

The first television station in Qatar was Qatar TV. It began producing and transmitting its programs in 1970, with color transmission since 1974. It had a monopoly on television audience until 1993, when Qatar Cablevision began broadcasting satellite channels. Despite the broadening of television offerings, Qatar TV remains popular amongst locals. The first news network was the Qatar News Agency, which was launched in 1975. In May 1977, the Qatar General Broadcasting and Television Corporation was founded.

Al Jazeera English newsroom

Al Jazeera, Qatar's largest television network, was founded in 1996. Initially launched as an Arabic news and current affairs satellite TV channel, Al Jazeera has since expanded into a network with several outlets, including the internet and specialty TV channels in multiple languages. It is accessible in several world regions. The network is a Private Foundation for Public Benefit under Qatari law, receiving its funding from the Qatari government but operating independently.

beIN Sports, a global network of sports channels, was launched in 2012. It is an affiliate of Al Jazeera Media Network. It currently operates three channels in France – beIN Sport 1, beIN Sport 2 and beIN Sport MAX – and launched two channels in the United States in August 2012. During the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, the Al-Kass Sports Channel set a world record when it deployed 51 different cameras in a broadcast of a single match.

Radio

Main article: Radio in Qatar

The evolution of radio broadcasting in Qatar follows the broader trends in media development within the Arab world. Among the notable early Arab radio stations was the Egyptian station Sawt Al Arab, established in 1953, which played a significant role in promoting Arab nationalism and anti-colonial sentiments, albeit experiencing credibility challenges during the Six-Day War. During the 1950s and 1960s, when residents of Qatar first acquired radio technology, most listened to Sawt Al Arab, and, to a lesser extent, other Arabic-language radio stations such Radio Bahrain and Kuwait Radio, both of which were established in the 1950s. On a small scale, the beginnings of radio broadcasting in Qatar can be traced back to rudimentary devices utilized by Qatar Petroleum and schools in the 1960s for internal communication. Qatar's first major foray into radio broadcasting commenced with the establishment of Qatar Radio in 1968, representing a collaborative effort between the Qatari government and the British Marconi Company.

Emphasizing locally produced content, Qatar Radio prioritized programs reflecting Qatar's identity and heritage. The station's commitment to community inclusion led to specialized radio services catering to diverse linguistic and cultural demographics, exemplified by the establishment of Holy Quran Radio, English Program, Urdu Program, and French Program, among others. Initially operating for two hours weekly, the station garnered a sizable audience before expanding its transmission to four hours. Sawt Al Khaleej Radio was established in 2002, and Sawt Al Rayyan Radio in 2007, both focusing on promoting regional music and folklore. A third radio station, Katara Radio, was inaugurated in 2014, and besides broadcasting programs on cultural practices and folk music of Qatar, it also produces programs on the Arabic language and Islamic history.

In a bid to enhance diversity and accommodate Qatar's multicultural populace, in 2020 the government granted licenses for private radio stations in various languages. These private initiatives, such as "Malayalam," "Snow," "One," and "Olive," catered to specific linguistic communities, such as Malayalam and Hindi.

Folk medicine

Before oil was discovered, healthcare consisted of traditional medicine: barbers performed circumcisions and other minor procedures, and herbalists dispensed natural remedies. Cauterization was a prominent practice in folk medicine. Before embarking on a pearl diving trip, a sailor would often be cauterized to prevent ear problems from developing. The practice was also used to cure a number of illnesses. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Thani, a state official during the 1930s and member of the ruling family of Qatar, was noted for his curing of illnesses by using cauterization. Cupping therapy was also a prominent feature of folk medicine. It was commonly used in conjunction with herbal therapy, a form of treatment which utilized traditional herbs in Islamic medicine. Bitter aloe was the most prized herb. Other natural remedies used by Qataris include incense, thyme and saffron. Locusts were also venerated for their purported healing abilities in local nomadic culture and were considered a delicacy because of their nutritious properties, leading to their additional use as livestock feed. Of all the forms of folk medicine, herbal therapy was the most popular. Traditional practices were seldom documented, instead being passed down through oral methods.

Folk astronomy

The Qatari Almanac (Arabic: التقويم القطري, romanized: al-Taqwīm al-Qaṭari) was an annual almanac authored by religious scholar Sheikh Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Ansari that integrated traditional and astronomical knowledge, offering invaluable insights into prayer timings, seasonal weather patterns, and local celestial navigation across the Persian Gulf region. Following his father’s legacy, Al-Ansari published the almanac since 1957–58, incorporating knowledge from ancient Arabic texts and almanacs, including one from 1906 by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Uyuni of Al Hasa, which he republished in 1960. In 1966, the almanac was formally declared as the official calendar of Qatar by Emir Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani. According to researcher Daniel Varisco in 1990, "[...] the Qatari Almanac has become a standard source for much of the Gulf. Indeed, it is difficult to find an informant in Qatar who is not familiar with the almanac."

The Qatari Almanac integrated formal astronomical knowledge with local time-keeping systems. It featured charts detailing the zodiacal months, lunar stations, planets, the lunar Hijri and Christian solar calendars, shadow lengths for calculating prayer times, and the navigational system based on Canopus, among other data. It also offered insights into the distances between Doha and other Qatari towns in kilometers and included poetry and sayings reflecting traditional knowledge of environmental shifts with each season.

Al-Ansari’s work not only aligned the Hijri calendar with the zodiac but also preserved a treasure trove of star lore dating back to the pre-Islamic period in the Arabian Peninsula, encapsulated in a genre known as anwa. One of the seminal texts in this tradition was the Kitab al-Anwa' by Ibn Qutayba, who provided extensive descriptions of Arabic star names, traditional meteorological beliefs, and seasonal characteristics.

Additionally, the almanac chronicled the practical use of shadow lengths to determine prayer times before the advent of modern clocks, a method still observable in many older mosques. The almanac also described local seasonal terminologies and the significant navigational and pastoral practices dictated by the stars, such as the rising of Canopus marking the onset of autumn rains and pastoral migrations. Al-Ansari notes six separate seasons, each spanning two months in length: wasmi (corresponding to autumn rains), shita (winter), rabi (winter to spring), sayf (spring), hamim (early summer), and khareef (late summer to early autumn). Al-Ansari's method of classifying the seasons soon became commonplace, appearing in Saudi Arabian and other Arab almanacs. As modern methods of timekeeping became more prevalent, the almanac was made redundant.

Marriage in Qatar

Marriage in Qatar is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and often favor relatively early unions and familial matches, particularly between cousins, to maintain tribal cohesion and status. The process begins with social upbringing, where children are prepared for their future roles through cultural practices, children's songs and folk games that instill values of masculinity (rojoolah) and femininity (onoothah). The transition from childhood to adulthood is marked by these preparatory stages, setting the stage for marriage. Cultural norms and demand for a larger workforce in traditional activities such as pearl diving and fishing have historically necessitated early marriage. Despite rapid modernization and globalization, these customs persist, with many marriages still occurring between the ages of 17–21 for women and 22–24 for men.

The engagement process in Qatar, traditionally brief and straightforward, has evolved to incorporate more elaborate celebrations. Dowry and bridal trousseau arrangements vary significantly across social classes and regions. The wedding night, known as laylat al-ors, is a significant cultural event, involving specific rituals and celebrations highlighting the transition into married life. The initial days of marriage, marked by the dakhla and sabahiyya, are characterized by rituals designed to foster affection between the newlyweds, with celebrations continuing to affirm the social bonds formed through marriage.

Early marriage

In Qatar, marriage is closely tied to cultural traditions and social customs, with childhood being the initial step in the process. The communal gathering place, the majlis, plays a pivotal role in initiating childhood as the precursor to marriage in Qatari society. This setting serves not only as a meeting and entertainment venue but also as an educational space where children learn values of manhood, manners, and social commitment. The intimate and routine interactions among men in Al-Majlis, mosques, and during shared activities like pearl diving facilitate discussions about potential marriages. A common practice involves one man proposing a marriage between the children of another, leveraging their deep acquaintance and mutual respect. Traditionally, it is considered improper for a father to directly seek a husband for his daughter, as the familial relationships and regular interactions ensure that the moral character of the prospective families are well-known. This custom is encapsulated in the Qatari proverb, "the plant's qualities come from the seed's qualities", the equivalent of the popular saying "like father, like son".

Early agreements on marriage are often arranged in childhood in Qatari social tradition. Marriages frequently occur between paternal cousins, and occasionally maternal ones, under the concept of tahyeer, or early availability. This practice ensures that a paternal cousin has the first right to marry a girl unless he releases this claim, which he might exercise even against opposition. However, increasing education and urbanization have diminished these traditions.

Childhood socialization

Children are socialized into the concept of marriage through daily life and special occasions. Certain religious festivals serve as platforms where boys and girls are reminded of their future roles as spouses. Parents, particularly mothers and grandmothers, frequently offer prayers for their children’s future happiness and prosperity, emphasizing the importance of marriage. Girls, perceived as the bearers of family honor, receive more focused prayers and guidance. Proverbs and folk sayings are employed to instill the significance of family and the importance of choosing partners wisely, often highlighting the preference for cousin marriages. A certain proverb goes, "the long dress will exhaust you", and it is often said to young girls to remind them to choose a spouse of a similar social status.

From a young age, girls are taught domestic responsibilities by their mothers, who involve them in household tasks and serving the guests in the majlis. This training intensifies as they grow older, particularly around the age of ten, where girls are subtly prepared for their marital roles through repetitive affirmations and practical guidance. Mothers often use everyday interactions, such as hair combing sessions, to discuss future marriages and instill the cultural expectations of early marriage. In the extended family structure of Qatari society, grandmothers are central to the socialization of children. They not only narrate stories but also involve grandchildren in practical activities like milking and preparing traditional foods, teaching children about their future roles in marriage and family life.

Folktales and folk songs

Folktales and stories play a crucial role in reinforcing marriage traditions among children. At bedtime, mothers or grandmothers would share stories reinforcing the idea of marrying within the family. One such story involved a man who deeply loved his first cousin. He had to leave for a distant journey, and upon his return, he was told that she had died. However, an old woman revealed to him that his cousin was not dead but had been forcibly married to a foreigner. The grave he had seen was merely a ruse, with a slaughtered lamb buried there to deceive him. Determined to marry his cousin, the man confronted his uncle, seeking the truth and demanding to know her whereabouts. This tale underscores the cultural preference for cousin marriages and the persistence in upholding this tradition, even against familial concealment.Additionally, cautionary tales about stepmothers serve to prepare girls for potential domestic challenges and reinforce the virtues of diligence and obedience. In rural regions, grandmothers would caution young girls about men before marriage, referring to them as "wolves" in an effort to safeguard the girls' honor. They would use verses to impart this warning:

"My daughter, beware of the wolf that may bite you with his fangs,

Know that a wolf's bite has no remedy."

This message implies that a woman who offers herself to a man outside of marriage faces severe social repercussions.