Popular Culture and Political Identity in the Arab Gulf States by Alanoud Alsharekh Robert Springborg

Author:Alanoud Alsharekh, Robert Springborg [Alanoud Alsharekh, Robert Springborg]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780863566929
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 7684578
Publisher: Saqi Books
Published: 2008-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

Conclusion

Sports play an important role as a cultural and identity marker for many nations. The Gulf states, grappling with their identity, particularly amid the effects of globalisation and their sociopolitical and economic needs, have used sport to help establish their individual cultural and national identities. The GCC governments have encouraged traditional sports as well as spending a great deal of their wealth on promoting modern sports in the region. Ruling families in the GCC have been at the forefront, promoting sports, and some of the young ruling elites are leading by example in their sporting ambitions.

Despite the high spending on a variety of modern sports infrastructure and the hosting of many types of competitions, football remains the most popular sport in the GCC. The Gulf Cup tournament is the regional apex of football competitions and is effectively a derby between the neighbouring GCC member states as well as Iraq and Yemen. The Gulf Cup enjoys a high level of both official and public support and unleashes public feelings and national sentiments. Along with other international sporting events held in the region, it helps to promote popular Gulf culture and bolster national identity and the image of the GCC states.

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