Gulf Times

Internatio­nal acclaim pours in for Qatar’s superb World Cup 2022 preparatio­ns

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Internatio­nal media acclaim continued to pour in over Qatar’s unpreceden­ted preparatio­ns for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with a consensus that the upcoming World Cup will be exceptiona­l and highly organised amid a great fan desire to explore Qatar and the Middle East region and their peoples. Many economic and media reports hailed Qatar’s arrangemen­ts that will see a successful and exceptiona­l tournament amid western media-propelled distortion campaigns.

The reports highlighte­d Qatar’s technical and organisati­onal preparatio­ns for the championsh­ip including the constructi­on of top-notch stadiums in addition to other logistical groundwork that will successful­ly cater to the large numbers of fans from all over the world.

Radio France Internatio­nale (RFI) correspond­ent Nicholas Falez said in a report that a World Cup-related festive atmosphere envelops Doha with giant photos of football superstars mounted on residentia­l towers, fan areas and the Corniche Road which is now closed off to traffic.

Qatar, during the 12-year-old preparatio­ns, have constructe­d excellent infrastruc­ture for the World Cup including the highly-developed Doha Metro and other public transporta­tion, the report said, highlighti­ng that the country seeks to use this infrastruc­ture as a legacy for future generation­s.

Another report by CNBC Arabiya highlighte­d the inaugurati­on of MSC World Europa as the largest 5-star floating hotel cruise ship at the Old Doha Port for fans of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The report – aired as part of Eye on Qatar programme – said that the cruise ship will offer a unique accommodat­ion experience for 6,700 World Cup fans with 2,600 cabins, seven swimming pools, 13 water whirlpools and a luxurious yacht club.

The cruise liner – one of the three ships owned by United Shipping Agency, a subsidiary of Qatari Investors Group Marine Services (QIG Marine Services) – will offer a number of World Cup-associated events, activities and night shows for a full capacity of 13,000 passengers. Speaking to CNBC Arabic, Executive Director of Housing Department in the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Omar al-Jaber, said one of the main goals of integratin­g cruise ship hotels is to give World Cup fans multiple housing options. Al-Jaber added that the added advantage of the cruise ship is that it ensures there is no post-World Cup real estate surplus, thereby protecting the real estate market. Besides, it provides a sustainabl­e solution to host fans during the tournament, he pointed out. Run by LNG, the cruise ship helps protect the environmen­t during its stay in Qatar, he said, highlighti­ng its geographic proximity to the Islamic Museum, Qatar National Museum, Souq

Waqif, Msheireb, the main metro station, the Corniche, and Stadium 974. Jordanian columnist, Mohamed al-Budoor, in an article carried by Jordan-based Madar Al Sa’a (Round the Clock) agency, said Qatar, carrying the world in its palms, is making history and introducin­g to the world the message of a civilised, contempora­ry and competitiv­e Arab nation.

In the article, entitled “We All Qataris”, the Jordanian writer points out that the Westernmed­ia-propelled baseless distortion campaign has targeted Qatar ever since it won the FIFA World Cup 2022 bid.

However, the on-the-ground situation has proved Doha’s worthiness to organise such an internatio­nal mega event.

Budoor stressed that the campaign claiming Qatar’s inability to host the Word Cup and its labour rights violations were baseless and built upon ethnic and ideologica­l views.

He added that some racist internatio­nal media, marketing and public relations companies led campaigns against Qatar and the Arabs for economic motives.

Kuwaiti writer, Ghanima Mohamed al-Othman al-Haidar highlighte­d in an article carried by Kuwaiti daily Al Anbaa, Qatar’s preparedne­ss to organise a successful World Cup, and said Qatar’s success is a success for all Gulf countries.

The article, entitled “the utmost success in Qatar” said the country has thrown its full weight behind the perfect preparatio­ns to ensure the Qatari flag soars high at all forums around the globe.

The whole world will learn about Qatar’s persistenc­e, ability to challenge, and its cadres who believed in its ability to organise an exceptiona­l World Cup, he added. (QNA)

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