Investment opportunities in ticketing services offered

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has unveiled new investment opportunities in ticketing services for sporting, cultural and entertainment events, based on the findings of a study on sports investment opportunities in Qatar.

The study indicated that this activity is expected to grow rapidly, from QR 30 m in 2016 to QR 62 m in 2025, at a compounded annual growth rate of 8%, as the country prepares to host major local and international sporting events such as the 2016 Road World Championship, the 2019 World Championships in Athletics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar also hosts a myriad of annual events such as Doha Diamond League, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open tennis tournament and the Moto GP World Championship.

The study, undertaken by the Ministry in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Qatar Olympic Committee, Aspire Zone Foundation, and Qatar Tourism Authority, is part of efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships and provide support for the sports sector.

The study noted that local companies lack the ability to meet the requirements to host international events by focusing on less complex and attractive sectors (such as cinemas). The sports sector offers investment opportunities that allow new competitors in the market (both local and international) to provide additional services in various fields to differentiate themselves from the competition.

The study outlined the financial plan for investments in ticketing services, noting that investors can take advantage of this opportunity through the allocation of investments worth about QR31 m. The net value of these investment is expected to increase to QR26 m over the next 10 years (from 2016 to 2025) at an internal rate of return of 19%.

Local companies with limited financial capacity can invest as low as QR15m with a net present value of QR13m. When investing QR5m, the net present value rises to QR4m.