World soccer fans descending here to for FIFA World Cup in 2022 will be able to watch two matches a day due to the proximity of stadiums and an excellent local public transport system, says a top official.

“One of the most unique elements of the 2022 experience will be the compact nature of the tournament,” said Ghanim Al Kuwari, from Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy.

The council is tasked with making the best conditions available to host the 2022 event.

Al Kuwari was speaking at an event organised by American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar).

The event was the chamber’s latest edition of its Distinguished Speaker Series.

This was a panel discussion and participants from the council talked of progress on “eight to 12” FIFA-compliant stadiums being built or refurbished.

Al Kuwari reiterated the council’s commitment to provide local businesses with opportunities to work on projects.

For main construction works, local contractors are invited to bid and encouraged to enter into and lead joint ventures with international contractors, he said.

“The strategy aims to ensure local economic benefit while utilising global capabilities and expertise needed to deliver the event.” For example, he said, demand for steel, lighting, seats and ACs for 2022 venues were prime opportunities for local businesses.

Attention is being paid to the iconic, 86,000-seat Lusail Stadium, the proposed venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of 2022.

Officials from the council provided to AmCham Qatar members with an overview of design, engineering, enabling works and contracting opportunities available. The project forms a central component of the distinct concept that won Qatar the 2022 hosting rights.

Business leaders got an inside look at preparations for the tournament. AmCham Qatar members from construction, hospitality, legal and professional services industries heard from Al Kuwari, Competition Venues Director at the council; Afraa Al Noaimi, HR Manager and Director, Operations, Josoor Institute; Fatma Al Nuaimi, Human/Social Legacy Manager; and Farah Al Muftah, Chairwoman, Workers’ Welfare Committee.

AmCham Qatar Chairman, Robert A Hager, said: “I remember the all-night celebrations on the Corniche when Qatar won the bid to host the World Cup and I am encouraged to see how far it has come in delivering this historic event.”

Council officials also discussed innovative local training opportunities in the sports industry and regional youth engagement initiatives leading up to the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East.

Image: imgkid.com

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