H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani had a distinguished career in the Qatar Armed Forces before turning his hand to sports management. His Excellency has held many high offices in the sporting world, including the posts of Vice-President of the International Fencing Federation, President of the Qatar Fencing Federation, Board Member of the GCC Sports Commission and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia.

A keen sportsman, who excels at shooting and football, Sheikh Saoud graduated in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University in the USA. He then went on to earn a Master Degree in Sports Management at University of Lyon (France) under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee.

His Excellency was also the Director General of the 17th Arabian Gulf Cup - Qatar 2004, Director General of the 3rd West Asian Games in Qatar in 2005 and was a member of the board of the Organising Committee for the 15th Doha Asian Games in 2006, the Board of Directors of Doha Bid for 2016 Summer Olympics, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of International Association of Athletics Federations World Indoor Championships Doha 2010 and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of 12th Pan Arab Games, Doha 2011. His Excellency is currently the Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee since 2002.