The FIFA Executive Committee voted in a secret ballot on December 2, 2010 in Zurich, accordingly the State of Qatar was awarded the bid to host FIFA World Cup 2022. For many the time was too far, but yesterday (November 21) Qatar along the whole world celebrated ‘2 Years To Go’, eager to see the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
This event by all means is unique as the World Cup for the first time in its history will come to a new land, new region and different environment. After 24 months, the world will witness the groundbreaking edition of Qatar 2022, at the time the ongoing preparations and accompanying distinctive features will make the event memorable and will be described in the history of football as an exceptional edition.
As Qatar 2022 will feature an exciting schedule with four daily fixtures, travelling fans from all over the world will be able for the first time to attend more than one match a day during the group stage. This is because Qatar’s World Cup edition will be the most compact version of the FIFA World Cup in modern times as fans will not need to travel from city to another but just cutting very short distance from a venue to another.
Infrastructure planned for the event has exceeded 90% completion, with the three stadiums tournament venues are in the final stages of construction and two are set to be completed in 2021. This is along all infrastructure and logistic projects that have been delivered at a rapid pace, such as Doha Metro and new roads and the expansion of Hamad International Airport, which is planned to cater for more than 50 million visitors a year by 2022.
As part of the holistic preparation for Qatar 2022, the government enforced labour reforms and implemented strict measures to protect rights and health of workers. This is what makes Qatar proud of the progress it has made in all aspects, as the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi, stated: “We are immensely proud of the progress we have made over the last 10 years.”
For its part Qatar Airways, Official Partner and the Official Airline of FIFA, on Friday unveiled a specially-branded Boeing 777 aircraft painted in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 livery, to mark two years to go until the tournament kicks off on 21 November 2022.
“Qatar 2022 will introduce billions of people to the Middle East and Arab world for the first time, and help to foster a greater understanding and break down stereotypes that people may have of our country and region. We’re very excited to welcome the world in 2022,” Al Thawadi outlined. This is what makes this event incredibly important for Qatar and the entire region.
