Qatar Airways has introduced a new global youth empowerment initiative in partnership with football legend Rio Ferdinand. Called Qatar Airways United, the program aims to bring confidence-building experiences to underserved young people by connecting them with world-class sporting events and role models.
The airline launched the initiative at the Milan Derby in November 2025, marking the beginning of a wide-ranging effort to use sport as a pathway for inspiration and growth. Children with visual disabilities were among the first to join the experience, giving them rare access to one of football’s most iconic rivalries at San Siro Stadium.
The event set the tone for a series of projects designed to create meaningful opportunities for young people who may have limited access to such moments.
A Launch Rooted in Mentorship and Connection
The launch in Milan brought together Qatar Airways partners, Inter Milan representatives and Real Eyes Sport, a local social responsibility organization.
The young participants were able to feel the atmosphere of the match from close range and meet Inter players, creating an experience that extended far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch.
Inter’s Vice President Javier Zanetti joined the visit, reinforcing the initiative’s emphasis on mentorship and exposure to positive influences. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized that the power of sport lies in its ability to open doors for young people from every background.
He noted that the initiative aims to provide tools, confidence and encouragement for youth to pursue their own ambitions, whether within sports or in other fields.
Rio Ferdinand echoed this sentiment by reflecting on how sport shaped his life. He described football as a gateway that introduced him to new cultures, broadened his perspective and gave him opportunities he never expected.
Through Qatar Airways United, he hopes to show young people that sport can do the same for them. His vision is for the program to help them see possibility, build ambition and develop the kind of self-belief that stays with them long after the final whistle.
Expanding Global Access Through Major Sporting Events
Following the launch in Milan, the initiative will extend to a range of premier sporting events through Qatar Airways’ extensive partnerships. Next, children supported by Education Above All will take part in a behind-the-scenes experience at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix in November 2025.
Additional events planned for 2026 include the Paris Saint Germain vs Marseille match in Paris, the UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest and the FIFA World Cup 26 Final in New York. At each location, Ferdinand will join young participants from the hosting cities, offering mentorship while guiding them through unforgettable experiences.
The initiative will be documented and released through Ferdinand’s official YouTube channel and Qatar Airways’ platforms, reaching a global audience and later appearing on the airline’s Oryx One in-flight entertainment system.
Through Qatar Airways United, the airline continues to build on its expansive sports partnerships across football, tennis, racing and more. The initiative underscores how large-scale sporting events can serve as powerful platforms for positive social change.
By connecting young people with these moments, Qatar Airways aims to create experiences that foster belonging, confidence and long-term inspiration.
