Qatar Attracts Worlds Attention at FIFA World Cup 2022
Sports contribute significantly in enhancing the reputation and image of the nation. A quick look at Qatar, hosting the massive 2022 FIFA World Cup, makes sense immediately. By spending a record $220 billion to host the prestigious event, Qatar stunned the world. It broke new ground by becoming the first country to spend so much money to host the World Cup.
The Islamic nation has faced many difficulties since being selected to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022 twelve years ago. Its governance policies have drawn harsh criticism from the Western media, including human rights abuses, allegations of bribery in the bidding process, and its stance against homosexuality. But Qatar overcame all those hurdles and successfully organized the massive event and won the hearts of football lovers.
In the presence of other dignitaries, King Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani officially opened the World Cup. Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also attended the opening ceremony of the World Cup.
To establish itself in the world of football, the Arab country has enormous resources for infrastructure development (creating new roads, shopping centers and subway stops), as well as adopting cutting-edge technology.
Semi-automated offside technology was used for the first time in the World Cup. A total of 12 cameras are placed under the stadium dome to track the exact positions of the players on the field and follow the ball. In addition, a high-level sensor is placed in the middle of the ball, sending data to the video operations team to determine the exact location of the kick positions.
To protect players and spectators from the intense heat, every football stadium in Qatar is equipped with solar-powered, fully functional air-conditioning systems. Those who attended the inaugural ceremony received precious perfumes, a small la’eeb (official mascot), mementos, a headdress and a shirt.
Al Bait Stadium, newly built to reflect traditional Arab culture and traditions, hosted both the tournament’s opening ceremony and its opening game. In addition to the Al Bait Stadium, the country has spent a fortune building 6 additional state-of-the-art stadiums.
Total Expenditures of Previous World Cup Hosts:
- 2018 World Cup: $11.6 billion for Russia
- 2014 World Cup: $15 billion for Brazil.
- 2010 World Cup: $3.6 billion for South Africa.
- 2006 World Cup: $4.6 billion for Germany
- 2002 World Cup: $7 billion for South Korea/Japan