Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani puts his signature on Al Rihla, the Official Match Ball for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, on the sidelines of International Sports Conference held in Doha yesterday. Pic: Amr Diab
Key stakeholders to Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 yesterday announced their complete readiness to stage a successful football showpiece.
Speaking at the International Sports Conference organised by Qatar Lawyers Association (QLA) in partnership with the Qatar Football Association, the top officials expressed their confidence in hosting a blockbuster World Cup edition, with 24 days remaining in the historic tournament.
A vast array of activities and their preparations were discussed during the conference, which was also attended by Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq, Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Al Thani.
The conference was also attended by representatives of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Ashghal, Ministry of Transport and Katara.
During the November 20 to December 18 World Cup, Katara alone will host a total of 380 activities.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al Sharq Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani; General Manager of Katara Prof Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and President of Qatar Lawyers Association Mubarak bin Abdulla Al Sulaiti and Vice-President of the Qatar Lawyers Association Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani at the conference. PICS: Amr Diab
It was reviewed yesterday that Ashghal completed 1,719km long road network to ensure a perfect infrastructure for an estimated 1.2 million fans.
It was also noted that all eight state-of-the-art stadiums besides all the training facilities were ready to provide best experience for the 32 participating teams.
Beefed up security to ensure a safe and smooth World Cup also came under discussion.
Addressing the opening ceremony, President of Qatar Lawyers Association, Mubarak bin Abdulla Al Sulaiti said the conference with its four sessions focused on readiness of Qatar from logistical and legal points of view for hosting the mega sporting event.
“The country is ready for the largest sport event, first time in an Arab country, Qatar. Eight state-of-the-art stadiums, venues of World Cup, are fully ready to host the matches,” said Al Sulaiti.
He said that QLA hosted this conference to demonstrate the readiness of State institutions for hosting the mega sporting event and appreciate their efforts.
Chief Executive Officer of Qatar International Court & Dispute Resolution Office (QICDRC), Faisal bin Rashid Al Sahouti lauded QLA for creating awareness about the laws and hosting conferences to support upgrading the laws and legislations to keep pace with fast development of the country.
“We, QICDRC, are signing today a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Lawyers Association to enhance the cooperation for creating awareness about the laws and justice in the country,” said Al Sahouti. A panel discussion on “Readiness of Qatar for Hosting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022” was held on the sidelines of the event.
Speaking at the session, Director of Building Affairs Department at Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Eng Jarallah Al Marri, said that Ashghal built a complete infrastructure including roads and other facilities especially those related to the mega sporting event.
He said all projects are sustainable and ready to host the World Cup. “Ashghal built 1,719km long road network, 203 flyovers and bridges, 143 tunnels, and roads leading to stadiums, venue for hosting mega sporting event,” said Al Marri.
Land Transport Regulations and Policies Section Head at the Ministry of Transport Eng. Najla Malallah Al Jabir said that the Ministry developed transport system and infrastructure, increasing the capacity significantly to meet the need during the World Cup.
She said the upgraded transport system helped greatly in connecting the vital areas in the country. “The public transport system is integrated, merging services of Doha Metro with public buses for the comfort of the passengers offering them multiple options of public transits,” said Al Jabir.
Panelists during the International Sports Conference yesterday.
She added that the Ministry put sustainability on top of its strategy in implementing the public transport projects, supporting the State efforts to host first carbon neutral FIFA World Cup.
SC’s Community Engagement and Commercial Executive Director Khalid Al Naama said: “We are fully ready to host the World Cup fulfilling all commitments which were made in this regard.”
“The mega sporting event will be historic not only in Qatar but for all Arab world. Stadiums were tested and they are fully ready to host the matches. Over 40 training facilities are ready.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy Commander of World Cup Security Operations Lt Col Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Otaibi said all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure security and safety during the World Cup.
“A huge security arrangement was made to cover stadiums, hotels and other facilities. From August, we started deploying security personnel on ground covering facilities and roads. Now we are waiting to start the mega sporting event,” said Al Otaibi.
Director of Research and Studies Department of Katara Cultural Village, Nadia Al Mudahka, said Katara, in coordination with SC, will host 380 activities during the World Cup.
She said various cultural events will be also held in coordination with a number of embassies. On November 21, marine festival on Qatar-GCC heritage will be held at Katara, Al Mudahka added.
The panel discussion was moderated by journalist Dr. Ilham Badr Al Sada. The conference also hosted three more sessions hosting a number of officials to discuss issues related to the World Cup.
