World Cup Qatar 2022 sets new benchmarks for organisational prowess

It was predicted that by the time the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 concludes, Qatar would have added more feathers to its crown – and it happened.

The host nation won the hearts and minds of fans from across the world apart from earning acclaim for its organisational brilliance.

Ranging from state-of-the-art stadiums and superb security arrangements facilitating a crime-free environment to an awesome public transport network, the feathers are many.

The whole world is in awe of Qatar’s amazing achievements linked to the greatest show on earth, which has got billions of viewers glued to the screens since the tournament kicked off on November 20.

For instance, extensive preparation and strong collaboration with stakeholders are helping Qatar deliver smooth transport operations for fans, teams and officials.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and countrywide partners worked closely over recent years to organise seamless transport options.

Key lessons learned from previous events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup, helped the SC create a bespoke plan for the FIFA World Cup.

International fans were encouraged to use the Doha Metro and shuttle bus services to attend matches and visit entertainment sites, while local residents were advised to drive.

The result were beyond excellent, with fans and media praising the ease of getting around the country. As SC’s mobility executive director engineer Abdulaziz al-Mawlawi, recalled the other day, four matches a day was a huge challenge and took years of preparation.

The SC worked closely with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Interior Traffic Department, Qatar Rail, Ashghal, Mowasalat and ride share apps, along with both airports, to develop the plans, which included launching a Transport Management Centre to manage traffic and ensure a seamless experience on match days.

There has been a flood of positive feedback about transport operations and the last-mile journey, especially from fans who have flown to Qatar from all over the world.

So many fans were able to attend more than one match a day – which has been one of the unique features of this World Cup.

Al-Mawlawi said clear way finding and regular communications form a key part of the project, which will continue until all the visiting fans have departed Qatar. Qatar’s robust transport infrastructure means the country is well positioned to host major sporting events in future.