As FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is to be one of the most accessible tournaments in history, Qatar has ensured accessibility beyond the stadiums.
With few days into the World Cup, experts from Qatar Foundation (QF) and Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) discussed about Qatar’s goal of hosting the most accessible tournament.
The experts disclosed that Qatar 2022 features a number of firsts for differently-abled fans, including the availability of audio descriptive commentary in Arabic and English at all matches. Three stadiums host sensory rooms for fans with sensory access requirements, while every match venues were built to exacting accessibility standards, including accessible parking, seating, bathrooms and concession stands.
The panel discussion at the Host Country Media Centre for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in Msheireb Downtown Doha included Accessibility and Inclusivity Strategist at the SC Mark Dyer and he shared about feedback the event has received.
“I feel we are getting pretty close to what we were expected to deliver. We are working closely with many people here to understand any issues, how we can help in the process, and encourage people to share their thoughts on their experience,” said Dyer.
“It is not just about going to a match, but there are lots of other areas that we needed to provide for. We have gone beyond looking at what we provide in the stadiums, and that creates a challenge because the more accessible seats we provide in matches, the more demand we create for us and for the rest of the country in terms of accommodation, transportation, and attractions,” he added.
Dyer also emphasized that a huge number of people with disabilities going to places like the fan festivals, the Corniche, and other areas.
“So even if you have come over here to experience the matches, you still have places that can offer you calmness and comfort and you still can feel integrated and that you belong to the experience,” he said.
Experts from QF reflected on the accessibility efforts and initiatives that it has established as part of supporting the delivery of a truly accessible tournament.
“With added access, we have added participation, and this is a benefit not only to people with disabilities, but also for the community as we see the transition in the way we talk about accessibility,” said an accessibility adviser at QF Nihal Al Saleh. “It is a journey, and there will be things that come up with we will address as we go along, but it is not the end of the story. It started before the World Cup, but will continue to go beyond that for a fully accessible Qatar and it will make a great case study for the world,” she added. QF has contributed to the World Cup with its Ability Friendly Program, sensory rooms, audio-descriptive commentary of matches, the Accessibility Volunteers program, and the Qatar for All accessibility guide.
“As we were preparing for this World Cup, we were touching on areas that had not been addressed before. We started teaching and training experts that are now on the ground delivering services. We have seen the engagement of people with disabilities themselves – testing and trying, and helping us correct what was not perfect before,” said Associate Dean for Social Engagement and Access at QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University Professor, Joselia Neves. She emphasised that the accessibility guide developed by the QF and available on the Hayya app in multiple forms helps persons with disabilities — residents and visitors alike — explore Qatar.
“We all enjoy football and events in different ways, so it is important to enable people who come from transport hubs and as they come to the metro and parking areas —making sure they can access the stadium in a safe and comfortable way, whether through tactile areas for those who may need sensory regulation in their way to the stadium, or by checking access from the mobility perspective,” said Manager of Engagement and Activation at Education City, QF, Brooke Reid.
