The record-breaking striker retired last year after appearing 163 times and scoring 44 goals for his country, including three goals at four consecutive World Cup finals from 1994 to 2006.
Al Jaber said he was delighted at the opportunity which a World Cup in Qatar would offer to the Middle East region as a whole.
“This is an extremely exciting role for me because I wholeheartedly believe that our passionate football region here in the Middle East deserves the opportunity to host football’s greatest event, which I have been fortunate enough to experience on four occasions throughout my career,” he said.
“My experiences tell me that Qatar would be a fascinating, innovative and unique host nation for a World Cup of the future, and help to inspire millions of kids from the region to follow in my footsteps and represent their country at the World Cup finals.”
The Qatar 2022 Bid CEO, Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi said: “We are happy to welcome Sami to our team. Sami embodies the passion and talent that exists in Middle East football today. We believe he perfectly represents the unity and power of football which Qatar 2022 will offer to the world of football, opening a new market to FIFA and the wider football family.”
Al Jaber, who spent nearly 20 years at home club Al Hilal and retired in 2008 with a 3-2 testimonial match victory over Manchester United – in which he fittingly found the back of the net once more, also played in England for the Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He first burst onto the international scene in 1992 and was part of the legendary Saudi Arabian team that reached the second round of the USA 1994 World Cup two years later.
Al Jaber also became the first player from Asia to score in two consecutive World Cup finals when he netted in a 2-2 draw with South Africa in France in 1998.
“To score at a World Cup finals for your country is the greatest of honours,” Al Jaber said, “and I will take on this new role as Qatar 2022 Bid Ambassador with the same pride and confidence.
"I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to show the world our passion for the beautiful game, and to host a World Cup which will remain in memory for a long time and serve to inspire millions of children and further develop the game of football in our region.”
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