FIFA World Cup 2022 will be a strong point to attract foreign investment and promotion of Qatar. It will reflect positively on the country’s future as an investment and tourism destination.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed (pictured), Entrepreneur and Philanthropist said, “The GCC tourism will grow 10 fold because the World Cup is going to create a major impact on all the other GCC countries which couldn’t make it for the event as time goes by. Even UAE and Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring countries are benefiting from Qatar hosting the tournament and they will benefit from Qatar’s growth.”
He noted that sports will grow in the country as the Asia Cup 2023 will be held in Qatar, we have the World Judo Championship and the Horticultural Doha Expo 2023.The events Qatar is always preparing for the coming years will keep it going.
Speaking about the lasting legacy of World Cup for the region to be proud of for many years to come Al Sayed said, it will trigger the economic growth for Qatar and the region. “Qatar Airways will play a big role right after the World Cup to grow the network which is currently around 150 destinations to perhaps 200 destinations in the coming years. This will increase the tourism inflow to Qatar. With the state-of-the-art Hamad Port and 5-star airline we have, I think there is no stopping in regard to growth,” he added.
Al Sayed elaborated that the rest of the tournament will be enjoyed by the world not just Qatar. Highlighting the high standard of the World Cup Al Sayed said that this is the highest standard of the World Cup ever held anywhere in the world. In Qatar the stadiums are in a very close proximity to each other and the fans don’t have to take flights to go in between stadiums.
“The World Cup is not only going to impact the business sector but it is also going to leave a big mark on sports and economy and also the gas sector which is going to expand. Qatar is always on the world map in the fields of energy, economy, and LNG supply. The projects will continue even after the World Cup in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and will continue progressing and still Ashghal has a lot of projects to finish as per the 2030 Vision,” he added.
Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed who is also the President for Walking Football Federation, Asia and Qatar said it recently hosted Ambassador’s Walking Football event which had big impact on ambassadors. “We had around 11 ambassadors showing solidarity. This shows how the diplomatic community is standing up with Qatar and its friends all around the world. We have 130 plus embassies in Qatar which shows that we are closely connected with international community.”
