|
Over 70% of participants in a recent regional survey have said they feel great pride that Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. |
A total of 2,820 people from Qatar and the Mena region took part in the online survey conducted by Agency 222, providing insights that demonstrate the positive perception of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Over 60% of participants in Qatar revealed that their sense of belonging has increased as a result of the country being named host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to the survey, this sense of solidarity is echoed across Mena with over 70% of regional participants stating that they feel great pride that Qatar will host such a prominent sporting event.
Besides, over two-third of the participants foresee a positive impact throughout the region as a result of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and believe that it will provide excellent global exposure to the region as a whole.
Additionally, more than half of Arabs surveyed expect a positive impact on tourism throughout the region. This is particularly important given the current turmoil that can be seen across the Arab world and further highlights Qatar as a secure and forward-looking nation.
As a result, almost three quarters of participants believe that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will bring more investments to the country and over 60% feel that employment opportunities in Qatar will improve significantly.
With some $200bn of public investment projects in the pipeline, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is driving massive infrastructure projects in Qatar, including the development of rail and road transport and the construction of stadiums. Nevertheless, the country’s residents remain divided as to whether their day-to-day lives will be affected during the event, with half the participants agreeing that the roads will be congested during the event while the other half disagreed.
The majority of participants (62%), though, believe that Qatar is on track with its preparations and believe that construction works will be completed in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In fact, one of the biggest perceived legacies of hosting the event in Qatar is the improved infrastructure that will benefit many generations to come.
Amid recent international debate around Qatar as host country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the nation and region remain behind the event, with the majority of participants (64%) being confident that it will be a great success.
In fact, over half of those surveyed expressed a desire to be more informed and updated about the 2022 FIFA World Cup preparations.
Looking forward to 2022, the majority of participants said they intend to attend matches throughout the competition and cited Qatar’s security, luxury lifestyle and short commuting times as top motivations for doing so.
Agency 222 is an advertising and communications agency.
