Doha: Executive Director, Community Engagement and Commercial Development at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Khalid Al Naama said the availability and ease of access and movement were at the forefront of priorities during the preparation phase to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the FIFA Sustainability Strategy.
Al Naama said in press statements on the eve of the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is marked on December 3 every year: “Our commitment to accessibility has been part of our planning for the tournament from the very beginning. By working with the Accessibility Forum, we ensured that disabled people played a direct role in determining what type of services are available to them during the tournament, and how the World Cup can leave a long-lasting accessible legacy for the country and the region as a whole."
“For each edition of the FIFA World Cup, we step up our commitment to sustainability. Qatar 2022 is becoming a standard bearer for other major sporting events when it comes to accessibility, going beyond basic infrastructure. This is about ensuring that every fan feels welcome and a part of this event, and we are proud of what we have achieved,” added FIFA’s Head of Sustainability and Environment, Federico Addiechi.
Working with local stakeholders, the SC, FIFA and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC have set up sensory rooms for fans with access requirements at three Qatar 2022 stadiums: Al Bayt, Lusail and Education City.
The spaces allow fans to watch matches in a quieter space, equipped with assistive technology and managed by expert staff. This edition of the FIFA World Cup has included the largest deployment of sensory rooms at a mega sporting event in history.
A number of mobile sensory rooms have also been set up across Qatar to give fans the opportunity to step away from large crowds or loud music. Locations include the Corniche, where the SC has organised a vast number of cultural activations, and the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park.
For Yassine Chahboub, it has been a lifelong dream to attend the FIFA World Cup. However, the 30-year-old Morocco fan has sensory needs that make it difficult for him to attend live matches. Big crowds, loud fans and bright lights can be overwhelming for Chahboub but thanks to the availability of sensory rooms at Qatar 2022, his dream has become reality.
The SC, FIFA and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC have worked together closely to priorities accessibility throughout tournament preparations, in line with the FIFA Sustainability Strategy. The SC launched the Accessibility Forum in 2016, with members playing an active role in providing feedback on the SC’s infrastructure projects, working towards meeting FIFA Accessibility and inclusive design standards while helping to drive the accessibility agenda in Qatar.
