Doha: The successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup has helped to improve the quality of life of the people of Qatar. The World Cup legacy has not only improved the quality of life of the people but also helped Qatar become a competitive sports tourism destination globally.
It has been detailed in an article recently published on the Modern Diplomacy website that the heavy development of infrastructure in all areas such as transportation and travel facilities completed for the World Cup, roads and new sports and entertainment centers has led to becoming a leading sports tourism center and improving the quality of life of the people.
The article is written by Dr. Christos Anagnostopoulos, Assistant Professor of Sports Management, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Dr. Kamila Swart, Director of the Sports-Entertainment Management Program. Qatar World Cup focused on environmental improvement.
A comprehensive sustainability policy has been implemented in collaboration with FIFA to address current environmental challenges. Through the World Cup, it was possible to provide more opportunities in the field of sports for women and children as well as for the groups that need special care. The article also points out that football stadiums, Doha Metro, Hamad International Airport, ports and other road infrastructure developments are all the most immediate outcomes of the FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup legacy has even led to a positive change in people’s attitudes and behaviour, including many residents of the country adopting the Doha Metro for urban travel. The success of hosting the World Cup has strengthened its track record of hosting major international sporting events.
The World Cup was also able to positively impact the lives of volunteers through various services during the tournament, while the services of around 20,000 volunteers contributed to the great success of the World Cup.
This year’s AFC Asian Cup, 2024 FIFA World Swimming Championship, the next 10 years’ Formula One race, the 2030 Asian Games, and the upcoming large-scale sports hosting will undoubtedly make Qatar the first Olympic Games host country in the Middle East and the Arab world, according to the authors.
After successfully hosting the FIFA World Cup and hosting the Asian Games for the second time in 2030, Qatar is aiming to host the Olympic Games.