Exclusive | ONE Championship signs MOU to bring live events to Qatar, with Doha on the cards for 2023
- Singapore-based martial arts organisation reaches agreement with Media City Qatar as part of its expansion into the Middle East
- ONE’s first Qatar event expected to be held in Doha and could happen as soon as this year, with plans to feature international and regional athletes
ONE Championship has agreed a deal to bring its live martial arts events to Qatar for the first time, the Post has learned.
The Singapore-based organisation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week with Media City Qatar (MCQ), as part of its expansion into the Middle East.
The MOU is an extension of a strategic partnership both parties entered into last year. MCQ describes itself as “a global media hub and incubator for companies, innovators, entrepreneurs and creative talent”.
ONE’s first Qatar event is expected to be held in Doha and could happen as soon as this year, with plans to feature both international and regional athletes.
“The specific timing is something we’re still working on for now. We want to focus on making sure that first event is successful,” ONE’s co-founder and group president Hua Fung Teh, who was in Doha this week for the signing of the MOU, said.
“But I’m sure it won’t be the only one that happens in the next 12 to 18 months, and preparations are under way.”
ONE has also recently been making a push into the Middle East through a multi-year broadcast partnership with Qatar-owned multinational network beIN Sports.