DOHA: Qatar is steaming ahead with its preparations to stage what the organizing committee feels will be a ‘memorable 2022 FIFA World Cup.’
Tomorrow (November 21) will mark seven years to go until opening match in 2022 and Nasser Al Khater, Assistant Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), said: “Great progress has been made so far in preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. Since winning the bid in 2010, incredible amounts of work have gone in.”
Excerpts from a chat with Al Khater who has been there for the entire journey that kicked off with Qatar winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup bid race in December 2010.
Q. With exactly seven years remaining for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar to kick off, what is the current state of progress on the stadium construction sites?
A. Great progress has been made so far in preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. Since winning the bid in 2010, incredible amounts of work have gone in. We have planned, strategised and put together a strong team, currently over 420, working in the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC). A lot of people look at stadiums as a sign of progress. We do agree that stadiums are the largest chunks of work that the SC has undertaken. However, it is important to understand that a lot of other work has taken place. To host a World Cup many organisations need to work together delivering on a national vision and political will of staging the best World Cup ever.
Coming specifically to stadiums, we are pleased about where we are seven years from kick-off, with six stadiums including the final venue under construction and the first one - Khalifa International Stadium - set for completion by the end of next year. Locally and internationally, stadiums are the thermometer for measuring progress as the most visible signs. But a lot of work has happened in other sectors as well.
The transport ministry is working diligently to make sure infrastructure requirements are in place for the World Cup. Our partners Qatar Rail are delivering on the rail infrastructure.
Q. With the digital age there is a transformation in how fans consume football. How are you targeting a next generation fan experience in 2022?
A. We initiated a project over a year ago, which we have internally called the Hosting Concept. As part of this, we look at our target audiences and charts out their journeys even before they get on an aeroplane to Qatar. We want to start influencing their experiences before they get on the plane. We want to anticipate the feelings and emotions we want them to feel when they get to Qatar. It is about mapping out their experiences from their arrival at Hamad International Airport, to the transportation to their accommodation and from there to the stadiums.
Q. Has this been undertaken before in any previous World Cup?
A. I cannot speak for other World Cups. However, what I can say is that this will be the most compact World Cup ever and we’ll make sure it will be the most connected as well. People will have everything at their fingertips – tournament, transportation and entertainment. We want to integrate everything into one smart tournament.
Q. What are the operational challenges arising out of delivering such a ground-breaking tournament and how confident are you of meeting these challenges?
A. All big tasks come with challenges. The compact nature of the tournament comes with advantages but also gives rise to challenges. We need to maximise the positives and mitigate the challenges. When we won the bid in 2010, we felt 12 years is good enough time to prepare. But we are aware that we do not have extensive time to work at a leisurely pace. Hence work is progressing at a rapid pace even now with seven years still remaining. We are preparing for the World Cup simultaneously with a country building its infrastructure in accordance with a national plan and this puts a lot of stress on infrastructure whether it be human or ports. A lot of stress is felt by people living in Qatar on a day-to-day basis, and all this is related to building the national infrastructure for the World Cup.
Q. Is your message to local residents that Qatar 2022 is going to be worth it despite the stress?
A. That is the message. People in Qatar already know this and I don’t need to reinforce this. The people know this World Cup is worth it on many levels. On a football level, everybody is looking forward to the first ever mid-season tournament. Fans of all the different competing teams will be based in close vicinity and this will add to the atmosphere. As you rightly said, ours will be a World Cup of many firsts, a unique one which people are looking forward to.
Q. This is the first World Cup ever in the Middle East and only the second in Asia. Which are the regional and Asian countries you are targeting during the lead-up to 2022 and why?
A. Asia is passionate about football. It is true that South America and Europe have a bigger presence in the World Cup. However, if neighbouring countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia qualify for the tournament it will greatly enhance the experience. There is great passion for football in both the countries which are in close geographical proximity of Qatar. Saudi Arabia is even connected through land. Turkey is another country which can enhance the flavour. It is only four hours by flight from Doha. The first time they qualified for the World Cup in 2002 they put on a fantastic show and clinched third place. We hope the Asian World Cup will also be a good one for them. .
Q. Seven years is a long time and many technological innovations are bound to happen between now and 2022. How are you keeping pace with that development?
A. We are making sure that we are keeping pace with the latest technology in terms of the broadcast and various other platforms which fans use to engage with football action. We are going to make sure we’ll visit all major tournaments between now and 2022 so that we are at the cutting edge and deliver the most technologically advanced World Cup.
Q. Some critics claim that Qatar has no football culture. How do you answer these critics now and going forward?
A. I would first question if these people have been to Qatar. Secondly I would encourage them to watch some national team games or even some big Qatar Stars League matches here. That will answer their doubts. The whole region is passionate about football, not just Qatar. With the World Cup getting closer and the national team improving, things are converging to create the momentum that the World Cup is meant to create. There are a lot of expectations on the national team. A lot of effort is being put in by the Qatar Football Association, and by the Aspire Academy in youth development. The results are showing and you can feel the passion grow.
Q. What are your thoughts about the FIFA Presidential election next year and are the results going to have any impact on the preparations for 2022?
A. For us it is important that FIFA is strong and that it moves forward, we’ll stay away from the politics surrounding the elections. We are focusing on the day-to-day work of delivering an amazing World Cup in 2022 – ensuring we deliver on our promises, having the best infrastructure in place. We are willing to work with anyone elected into the position of FIFA President.
THE PENINSULA
