Aspetar Solidifies Global Leadership in Sports Medicine and Medical Tourism in 2025
January 2, 2026
Aspetar, the Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, experienced an exceptional year in 2025, reinforcing its status as a global leader in sports medicine and a premier healthcare destination. The institution not only provided advanced care for Qatar's athletes but also attracted elite international sports figures and patients, significantly contributing to the medical tourism landscape.
Global Recognition and Unrivaled Expertise
Starting 2025, Aspetar achieved a significant milestone by securing the Diamond Accreditation from Accreditation Canada under the Qmentum International program for the second consecutive time with a perfect score. This made it the world's first healthcare institution to earn this distinction twice in a row, building on its existing reputation as a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence and an IOC Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health.
The hospital played a prominent role at the 8th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Medical Conference in July 2025. Aspetar's Orthopaedic Surgery Consultant, Dr. Khalid Al Khelaifi, received a distinguished award for his pioneering contributions to sports and orthopaedic medicine. Furthermore, the AFC recognized Aspetar for its consistent partnership and role as a primary reference in sports medicine, influencing discussions on injury prevention and athlete rehabilitation. Forbes Middle East also acknowledged Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar, among the most influential leaders in management and healthcare, highlighting his pivotal role in enhancing Aspetar's global standing and commitment to medical excellence.
Comprehensive Medical Support and Scientific Advancement
Throughout 2025, Aspetar delivered medical coverage for over 100 major sporting events, including the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup. During these tournaments, the hospital managed medical logistics, operating multiple clinics in stadiums and deploying medical teams, treating 211 cases, including 70 athletes from 17 countries. A notable incident involved Aspetar's medical team successfully intervening to save the life of the Czech Fencing Federation president during the Qatar Grand Prix for Fencing, demonstrating critical field emergency readiness.
Doha became a hub for sports medicine in 2025 when Aspetar hosted its inaugural World Conference, drawing over 1,000 participants from 75 countries, including experts from FIFA and the International Olympic Committee. The conference explored a range of topics from injury prevention to performance sciences. The hospital's research department continued its prolific output, publishing 1,660 scientific studies in over 300 prestigious journals and initiating 120 new projects focused on muscle injuries, advanced rehabilitation, and athlete performance innovations.
A Leading Healthcare Destination for International Patients
Aspetar's reputation for scientific and medical excellence solidified its position as a preferred healthcare destination for elite athletes globally. The hospital welcomed professional players from top European football leagues, including the English Premier League and French Ligue 1, as well as Formula 1 drivers, tennis players, and Olympic champions. This influx of international patients underscores Aspetar's crucial role in cross-border healthcare and patient travel.
Strengthening its international presence, Aspetar engaged in major medical tourism events in Belgium, London, and the Forbes Middle East Medical and Wellness Tourism Summit in Dubai, contributing to discussions on the evolving role of destination hospitals. In 2025, over 700 elite athletes from 71 countries sought care at Aspetar, with the majority originating from Europe and neighboring regions, further cementing its status as a significant player in medical tourism and wellness tourism.
Bottom Line
Aspetar's dual Diamond Accreditation and recognized affiliations with FIFA and IOC underscore its commitment to the highest quality of care in sports medicine.
The hospital's extensive medical coverage for major international sporting events highlights its operational excellence and emergency preparedness.
Through hosting global conferences and prolific research, Aspetar remains at the forefront of advancing sports science and providing cutting-edge solutions for athlete health protection.
By attracting hundreds of international patients and actively participating in global forums, Aspetar has firmly established itself as a leading healthcare destination and a key driver in the global medical tourism sector.
Read the full article here: https://qna.org.qa/en/News-Area/News/2026-1/3/aspetar-reinforces-its-position-global-reference-in-sports-medicine-medical-tourism-athlete-health-protection