In a landmark moment for sports education in the region, Oryx Universal College (OUC)
successfully hosted the inaugural Sports and Exercise Sciences Education Symposium at its
new campus last week on the 16th of April 2025. The event, held in partnership with the School
of Sport and Exercise Sciences of Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and in strategic
collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth of the State of Qatar, Aspire Academy and
the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation, marked the first symposium of its kind in the GCC
dedicated to advancing dialogue, innovation, and excellence in the field of sports science
education.
“This symposium is not an end in itself. It is the first step in our broader vision to bring the
best of global sports science knowledge, research, and educational excellence to Qatar and
the wider GCC.” said Mr. Azmy Ameer, President of OUC, during his opening address. “It is our
declaration of intent—to be a meaningful contributor to Qatar National Vision 2030,
particularly in the development of a sustainable, knowledge-based sporting economy.”
Held at the Al Majlis auditorium of OUC’s new state-of-the-art campus, located in Fereej AlSoudan, the symposium also reflects the institution’s broader evolution. In recent years, OUC
has carved out its identity as a pioneering higher education provider in the GCC, with a core
focus on STEM disciplines, innovation, and globally benchmarked academic partnerships. As a
transnational UK university franchise in Qatar offering STEM-based degrees in partnership
with Liverpool John Moores University, OUC continues to play a distinctive role in shaping the
future of education in the region.
Highlighting the importance of collaborative endeavors Mr Ameer stated that, “We believe
that real transformation happens when partnerships move beyond formality and evolve into
fraternity—a fraternity of purpose, of values, and of commitment. This year, we begin by
fostering such a fraternity among the strategic leaders present here. In the coming years, we
aim to extend this circle of collaboration across the Gulf region and beyond.”.
The event welcomed internationally recognized experts including Dr. Rebecca Murphy,
Director of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences from Liverpool John Moores University
— ranked #6 in the UK and among the top globally, and Professor Valter Di Salvo, Director of
Football Performance & Science from Aspire Academy, whose career spans elite athlete
development across Real Madrid, Manchester United, and national federations.
Leading academics, Professor Khalid Bibi, Dean of the College of Sports Sciences at Qatar
University, and Professor Markus R. Wenk, Dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences at
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, offered insightful academic perspectives rooted in research and
regional priorities. Complementing these were policy-oriented contributions from Ms. Lina
Zukari of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Mr. Jassem Al-Jaber, School
Principal at Aspire Academy, who highlighted the pivotal role of education and national
frameworks in the long-term development of athletes and youth. This was further enriched
by the participation of Ms. Hatoon Saeb, Project Manager at the Ministry of Public Health.
A significant contributor to the event was international football legend Tim Cahill, now Chief
Sports Officer at Aspire Academy, Advisor to the President, and Technical Director of Qatar’s
National Team. Mr. Ameer recognized Cahill for his contributions to regional sports
development. Cahill highlighted the importance of a scientific approach to sports and exercise
science as a catalyst for transformation and unity.
“Despite Tim’s demanding international commitments, he made time to be with us today—a
gesture that speaks volumes of his commitment to sports advancement in the GCC,” President
Ameer noted.
As a token of appreciation for his ongoing commitment and inspiration to future generations,
OUC named a new lecture hall “Everton Hall” in tribute to the club where Cahill became one
of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders.
Another powerful moment came when Mariam Farid, a young Qatari track and field athlete
and advocate for women in sports, took the stage. As one of the first female hurdlers
representing Qatar internationally, Farid spoke passionately about how sport has empowered
her to challenge stereotypes and inspire young Qatari women to break barriers. Farid’s
participation emphasized the event’s focus on inclusion, youth empowerment, and cultural
shifts in Qatari and regional athletics.
With attendees ranging from senior government officials to early-career researchers, the
symposium served not only as a milestone but also as a launchpad — setting the stage for
long-term collaboration, applied research, and strategic initiatives that aim to shape the future
of sports and exercise science education across Qatar and the wider region.
The symposium also welcomed Mr. Khalifa Al Haroon, CEO of the popular digital media
platform I Love Qatar a well-known voice in the country’s social and sports media space who
also represented the Qatar Football Association and. As a member of the Qatar Football
Association, Al Haroon brought a unique perspective on the role of media, community
engagement, and cultural identity in shaping Qatar’s evolving sports ecosystem.
Participants left energised, with many expressing a strong desire to stay engaged and
contribute to the initiatives set in motion by the symposium. OUC and its partners are now
working to build on this momentum — exploring new collaborations, research opportunities,
and regional projects that will carry forward the ideas and energy sparked during the event