Doha [Qatar], February 5: The Volunteers and Sustainability Committee of the Organizing Committee of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Half Marathon 2026 organized an orientation session for race volunteers at Lusail Hall, at the QOC headquarters. The session brought together around 80 male and female volunteers, as part of the early organizational preparations for the second edition of the event.
The session opened with a comprehensive presentation delivered by members of the Volunteers and Sustainability Committee, including Ms. Noora Al Ahbabi, Salman Balmahadi, Ms. Manwah Al Mannae, Ahmed Al Samini, Mohammed Al Zubairi, and Ms. Noor Loubani.
The presentation outlined the core organizational and supervisory roles assigned to volunteers, such as managing and guiding participants, serving designated target groups, and fostering a motivating and supportive atmosphere among runners, in a manner that reflects the professional image of the event.
The presentation also covered key operational procedures ahead of race day, including a field visit to the Lusail Boulevard route, collection of official volunteer apparel, and familiarization with race routes, distribution points, and service areas, scheduled for 8 February 2026. In addition, post-race arrangements were reviewed, including the provision of meals for volunteers and the distribution of participation certificates in recognition of their contributions.
The orientation session follows the official launch of the Team Qatar Volunteer Platform by the Organizing Committee last Monday, during a press conference held at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters. The conference highlighted the latest organizational, technical, and administrative updates for the second edition of the race, which also includes short-distance races and Team Qatar Village activities dedicated to families and children. The event is scheduled to take place on 10 February 2026 in celebration of Qatar Sports Day.
The Team Qatar Volunteer Platform is a comprehensive and sustainable digital system designed to manage volunteer registration, task allocation, and operational roles across a wide range of sporting events hosted by the State of Qatar. These include the QOC Half Marathon 2026, the 4th Gulf Games 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, the FIVB Men's Volleyball World Cup 2029, and the Doha 2030 Asian Games. The platform aims to enhance sustainability through efficient volunteer management and the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the success of events and elevating the overall experience for all participants.
Ms. Maryam Al Muajaba, Project Manager of the Team Qatar Volunteer Platform and Head of the Volunteers and Sustainability Committee of the Organizing Committee of the QOC Half Marathon 2026, emphasized that volunteers were selected in accordance with precise criteria aligned with the requirements of organizing major sporting events, ensuring a high level of readiness and operational efficiency.
She added that volunteer participation in sporting events extends beyond organizational support, representing a comprehensive educational and human experience that enables volunteers to understand field operations, develop communication and teamwork skills, and build valuable social and professional networks that contribute to personal development and open promising future opportunities.
Ms. Al Muajaba also highlighted the fundamental value of volunteer work, noting that it equips volunteers with practical skills in problem-solving and crisis management, in addition to administrative, organizational, and social experience gained under the supervision of specialists, thereby strengthening a culture of community responsibility and institutional teamwork.
Reflecting on her experience with the Team Qatar Volunteer Platform, volunteer Fatima Al Haddadi expressed her delight at participating in her first volunteer experience, affirming her enthusiasm to gain organizational and supervisory skills and to build inspiring friendships that open new horizons for a bright future.
Source: Qatar Tribune