Collection Highlight: Oman’s Golden Goalie

Qatar’s standing in international sport needs no introduction, starting with the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and looking forward to its joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.

The items on display in Gallery 5 are testimony to the range of top competitions that have been hosted in Qatar since the 1970s, from equestrian and racquet sports, to track and field contests, to motor races, to handball and football.

The shirt and gloves spotlighted in this collection highlight were items worn by a star member of the Omani team during a particularly intense match of the Arabian Gulf Cup.

Often referred to simply as the Gulf Cup, this is unquestionably the most prestigious football tournament in the Arabian Gulf. The competition launched in 1970, with Qatar clinching the winner’s cup three times. The cup has seen countries around the Gulf host, most recently Kuwait with a Bahraini win. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will host in 2026.

The shirt and gloves shown in the gallery 5 display were worn by Oman’s goalkeeper Ammar Al Rushaidi in the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, hosted by Qatar in 2019. Oman played the eventual winners, Bahrain, in a Group B match, which resulted in a 0-0 draw.

Oman were indebted to Al Rushaidi, whose double save in the 74th minute denied Bahrain a winning start. Oman finished fifth overall but Al Rushaidi’s prowess is immortalised in these items.

Plan your visit to see other items from Qatar’s sporting legacy.