ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the geopolitics of sport in the Middle East and North Africa regions. The geographic, demographic, economic, religious, ethnic, and social contexts of the countries in the region are explored. The chapter provides a historical discussion of sport in the regions while highlighting important emerging themes, such as women in sport, elite sport, and modernization. The Gulf Cooperation Council’s role in rivalry and hosting sports mega-events is discussed. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the legacies of the region and the potential future developments for nation-state building, identity formation, sport migration, and elite sport development.
