TV and sports presenter, commentator, actor and voice specialist Abood, otherwise known as Abdelrahman Aboughanima or abood_afro, is perhaps one of Qatar’s most well-known faces. We caught up with him to learn about his career and what makes him tick.

You’ve said that your passion for sport and performing led to your presenting career. Where did that passion come from?
Exercise and sports changed my life. I became addicted to the high of intense exercise as I transformed my body from a young age. I pushed limits and discovered what my body is truly capable of. I developed mental fortitude from exercise and sports that transferred into life. I enjoyed taking part in and watching all sorts of sports, especially mixed martial arts. Everyone in school, including my teachers, would come to me for the latest news on upcoming fights and my insights. I believe that excellence is a result of harmonious passion towards what we choose to do. I chose sport science for my university degree and achieved the highest academic award. Sports showed me what I am truly capable of.

You’ve worked on some seriously prestigious projects, from the FIFA Legends Cup to the Formula 1. Which has been your favourite and do you have any funny or unusual stories you can share?
There are a few moments in my career where I had to pinch myself. Hosting and commentating on the FIFA Legends Cup is definitely one of them. More than 100 legends and most of my childhood heroes, alongside the FIFA President and I had the sweet pleasure to be among them – Alessandro del Piero, Francesco Totti, Ricardo Kaka and Cafu just to name a few.
A funny story that I love to share, is when Roberto Carlos came out in the middle of the live broadcast and threw me a football to juggle. I was wearing my suit and not the most appropriate shoes, so you can imagine it was not a highlight-worthy performance. After repeatedly watching me fail to keep the ball up for more than three taps, he playfully took it and threw it into the crowd. All of this was being broadcast live, all over the world, on FIFA+tv and Beinsport.

Hosting at the Ooredoo Arena must be exciting. How do you prepare for these events?
I spend a lot of time on script and research. I like to know every little detail about the event, organisers, partners, competitors and how the schedule will be for the day. For Ooredoo Arena, I worked with a highly professional team at Quest Esports and we did a lot of rehearsals. When you are hosting one of the biggest regional esports events, you have to be prepared for all the different scenarios, as well as be ready to improvise.

How did you become involved with the TV show About Cinema?
My passion for acting was known in Doha from the different production houses I’ve worked with. I received a request to send a self-tape. Then, I was invited to the set by the producer Emadiddine Elsayed. We shot the pilot and the show kicked off.

What is your own personal favourite sport and do you play any sports?
I am very passionate about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. There is not enough time in a single lifetime to master everything in this sport. I love the challenge of developing my skills and putting them to the test everyday with my teammates. I train at Vision BJJ and learn from some of the best athletes in the world, Coach Tacio Carneiro and Professor Fabricio Moreira.
Also, I am involved competitively in 9mm pistol shooting and have competed in the last four major finals. I enjoy shooting and hope to be able to do it more often.

How do you like to spend your spare time away from work?
I like to eat. I take myself out to sushi or steak. I like going for walks and sometimes drives while listening to my favourite podcasts. Mostly I exercise and play sport when I am not working. I’ll tell you where you won’t find me, parties!

What are three things in Qatar that you would advise visitors to see, do or experience?
The Olympic Museum, go see Mohammed Ali’s glove from the Sonny Liston fight and much more. Come to the shooting range. Try the traditional Qatari Machboos by a campfire under the Zikreet desert’s starlit sky. ✤