Eco-friendly trips, hi-tech facilities for those who flock to Qatar 2022 World Cup

Doha: Work on setting up the infrastructural facilities for the FIFA 2022 football world cup being hosted by Qatar is almost complete, with the event exactly two years away. In fact, the construction is taking place at a fast pace by following all COVID-19 protocols.

While 90 per cent of the work on basic facilities such as accommodation and transportation is over, 98 per cent of the stadium construction and road development have been completed. The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the local organiser of the event, is spending US Dollars 650 crores for building the stadia and training sites.

Hi-tech accommodation

The accommodation facilities being arranged by the Supreme Committee in Qatar for players and spectators stand apart from the previous world cup events. They include rooms in hotels having three to five star-rating, luxury ships, 16 hotels on the beach at Qetaifan Island, apartment complexes and Arabian tents will all modern facilities in the desert. The organisers have announced that at least 90,000 rooms would be available at these places.

In addition, the Supreme Committee has sought the willingness of the local citizens as well as residents hailing from other nations living in Qatar to host spectators arriving from abroad for the tournament. In case the survey attracts a good response, the ‘Host a fan’ programme also would be implemented.

Eco-friendly trips

The Doha Metro is now ready for the world cup. Free Metro link buses and Metro Express taxis have also been arranged to ferry spectators between the stadia and Metro stations. Trams too will operate at Education City and Lusail City. Moreover, Karwa buses and taxis have been electrified to provide ecofriendly transportation.

Meanwhile, work on airport development and vehicle parking at the stadia is also underway. The authorities informed that the minimum distance between venues is 5 km between Education City Stadium and Al Rayan and the maximum distance is 75 km between Al Baith and Al Janoub.

Entertainment options

All the venues are designed including fun and relaxation facilities for spectators. For instance, the stadium where the opening ceremony would be held, Al Baith Park, has artificial lakes, restaurants, play area, gardens and seating areas. The organisers have also planted 16,000 trees around the various stadiums to provide shade. A ‘Fan zone’ is also envisaged at Al Bidda Park in Doha Corniche. In addition, top-class entertainment programmes would be arranged by Qatar National Tourism Council.

High security

The Supreme Committee, along with the Interior Ministry of Qatar, is geared up to provide fool-proof security during the football world cup. These arrangements are being made with the cooperation of Interpol and expert training has already been given to security personnel. Cyber security measures are also in place.

Team base camps

A unique concept being implemented in Qatar is hi-tech ‘Team base camps’ (TBCs), where players can stay as well as practice. There would be at least 20 TBCs - one for each team – having floodlit pitches adhering to FIFA guidelines, other team facilities, parking and spectator areas. Each practice pitch would be 5 m away from another one and have the same standard as those at the venues. Every TBS would also flaunt dressing rooms, restrooms, dining areas, space to host media meetings, IT and communication facilities and rooms for the media. Excellent water supply and drainage facilities also are arranged.