Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, at a panel during Doha Forum yesterday.
Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), has emphasised the transformative spark of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in the region and the legacy impact of the tournament.
Thawadi, while speaking at the Doha Forum yesterday, echoed the long-standing view that the World Cup is a tournament for the Arab world, adding the importance of investment in platforms that promote inclusivity and dialogue.
“When we bid for the World Cup, we did so on behalf of the Arab world, because we have always understood the transformative power of such a tournament,” Thawadi said.
“This is a platform that can chip away the negative stereotypes on our region. When we meet people from different parts of the world and interact, it creates sparks of understanding in cultures. We have a great culture with food, tradition and heritage and want people to see that. It is also another opportunity for us as a people to change our perceptions of the outside world. This World Cup can break down barriers and create bonds of friendships.
“We are delivering legacy before the event, and now, months before the World Cup, I am proud of where we are today,” he added.
Thawadi said criticisms of Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup were expected but deplored the intensity and magnitude.
“When we won the rights, it was understandable that people would ask questions about us because we were an unknown entity. I don’t think another host nation has gone through the level of scrutiny that we have been through, but we have taken these criticisms and have delivered on our promises and legacy, which will continue post-World Cup. We aim to ensure this tournament breaks the stereotype of the Arab region,” he stressed.
Thawadi also underlined Qatar’s readiness for the World Cup, noting the accommodation provisions by the organisers with priority for ticket holders.
He said about 130,000 rooms, including hotels, apartments, and cruise ships starting from $80, have been secured for the tournament, besides privately-owned accommodation.
Thawadi also called recent statements from Dutch national team coach Louis van Gaal as ‘irresponsible and ill-informed.’
He said Qatar’s ability to host world-class events can’t be questioned, with a strong track record in these events. “We are passionate and a welcoming nation, and we are doing this proudly. As the test event, the Arab Cup, has shown, the level of football has improved. From a football developing perspective, the World Cup has impacted the country and the region.”
