File photo used for representation only
Qatar is keen to transform its economy into a knowledge-based economy that is based on intellect, statistics, and data. Hosting of the FIFA World Cup established Qatar as a leading destination for sports and cultural events.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Dr. Buthaina Al Ansari, Strategic Development and Human Resources Advisor, and author of ‘Countdown-Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022’ discussed about her book and topics it covers. The book sheds light on the history of the World Cup, the eight stadiums and the idea behind these facilities.
Al Ansari said, “It is important for us to highlight Qatar National Vision 2030 and preserve wellbeing of the future generations. Hosting of the FIFA World Cup showed the importance of documentation process.”
Speaking about the book, she noted that it was a very successful project which discussed about enhancing the Qatari Vision 2030 and sustainable development in Qatar. It is focused on how to empower and educate people. Everybody who was involved directly and indirectly contributed to this mission gained a lot of experience and developed their skill which is the human capital. The other is sustainable development which is documentation.
“As we are living in the fourth industrial revolution, we also need to enhance the field of reading physical books. It is very important as in case of any crisis that happens to the digitalisation field we will be in safe hands when we have our own books,” she added.
The book talks about four main chapters. The first chapter is about attracting the youth both male and female and giving them an idea how did the World Cup ceremony started since its inception in 1930 Uruguay, who developed it and who was behind it.
Al Ansari said, “Then we move to the second chapter talks about Qatari efforts to improve the living conditions of migrant workers and developments that happened regarding the legal procedures. In the third chapter we discuss who was behind the idea of the eight stadiums as all stadiums are talking about sustainable opportunities for Qatar to serve it, like environment, climate change, and digitilisation.”
“We also discuss about contribution of the private sector and how did Qatar hosting this FIFA World Cup had direct impact on the private sector, she added.
Citing a study about the impact of tourism on World Cup host countries previously, Al Ansari said that in every host nation of World Cup, usually the tourism grows. People who have not been to Qatar will be curious to see the country and like to invest which was witnessed in Brazil and Russia after the World Cup as people started going there as tourists.
She further said, “We don’t want just tourism in the country but we also want education, science, digitilisation, medicine to achieve return of investment. We are looking to contribute and develop the message for the young generation to continue and be unique with different capabilities.”
