Abu Dhabi : It was not only Qatar which celebrated its winning bid to stage the 2022 Fifa World Cup but the entire region was in a jubilant mood as the biggest sporting spectacle graces the region in 12 years.
A few years ago, even if one spoke of a World Cup in the region the idea was nothing more than daydreaming as the event is held between June and July, the hottest months in the region. But with all the GCC countries and other Middle East nations strongly backing the bid, Qatar was able to pull it off on the sheer strength of their innovative approach.
In a region where almost everything is possible, Qatar, which has in the past staged the 1995 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, the Asian Games in 2006 and next month will stage the Asian Cup football, adopted a different approach to the hurdles and pulled off the spectacular success.
Making every Arab proud, Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, said, "This achievement is a big one for all Arab countries and I hope that Qatar will successfully stage this tournament. We can promise that the infrastructure will be in place and that all Arabs will support our efforts. A lot of people think that we are a small country, but we can accomplish great things."
However it was Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar's bid, who revealed what he felt was instrumental in swinging decision in his country's favour. "What made us different is that we pushed the boundaries; we created new concepts, things which were not conventional but still very possible, very realistic for a country like ours. Therefore we are very proud to represent a new era, a new age for Fifa to look towards the future — the World Cup is for everyone," he said.
The Qatar bid envisions a concentration of almost all key event facilities and venues in a relatively compact area within a radius of 60 km. The compact games plan is expected to save fans travel time and money as well as reduce the impact on the environment.
A carbon-neutral World Cup through utilisation of environmentally friendly cooling technologies is another key feature of their successful bid. Renewable technologies and architecturally advanced venues and facilities built to the highest environmental standards would also ensure players and fans enjoy each match in a cool environment.
Three of the 12 stadiums will be renovated, and nine will be constructed. After the event, modular sections from the stadiums are planned to be used to construct 22 stadiums around the world in developing countries. "On behalf of millions living in the Middle East I want to thank you for having a bold vision," Shaikh Mohammad told Fifa.
"We were written off early on and no one saw that we had a chance to win. But because of the millions of people who stood with us, we won."
Rulers congratulate Qatar's success
Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates have sent cables of greetings to Emir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani on the selection of Qatar as host of the 2022 World Cup. The cables were sent by Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah, Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman and Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla of Umm Al Quwain.
— WAM
