Gulf Times had mentioned in these columns the same day last week that by the time the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 concludes, the country would have added more feathers to its crown. With just a week left for the mega sporting event to conclude, the host nation continues to win the hearts and minds of fans from across the world apart from earning acclaim for its organisational brilliance. Ranging from state-of-the-art stadiums and superb security arrangements facilitating a crime-free environment to an awesome public transport network, the feathers are many. The whole world is in awe of Qatar’s amazing achievements linked to the greatest show on earth, which has got billions of viewers glued to the screens since the tournament kicked off on November 20.
For instance, extensive preparation and strong collaboration with stakeholders are helping Qatar deliver smooth transport operations for fans, teams and officials. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and countrywide partners have worked closely over recent years to organise seamless transport options. Key lessons learned from previous events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup, helped the SC create a bespoke plan for the FIFA World Cup, which included four matches a day from November 21 to December 2.
International fans were encouraged to use the Doha Metro and shuttle bus services to attend matches and visit entertainment sites, while local residents were advised to drive. The result has been beyond excellent, with fans and media praising the ease of getting around the country. As SC’s mobility executive director engineer Abdulaziz al-Mawlawi, recalled the other day, four matches a day was a huge challenge and took years of preparation. The SC worked closely with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Interior Traffic Department, Qatar Rail, Ashghal, Mowasalat and ride share apps, along with both airports, to develop the plans, which included launching a Transport Management Centre to manage traffic and ensure a seamless experience on match days.
There has been a flood of positive feedback about transport operations and the last-mile journey, especially from fans who have flown to Qatar from all over the world. So many fans have been able to attend more than one match a day – which has been one of the unique features of this World Cup. Al-Mawlawi said clear way finding and regular communications form a key part of the project, which will continue until all the visiting fans have departed Qatar. Qatar’s robust transport infrastructure means the country is well positioned to host major sporting events in future.
Another achievement is Mowasalat (Karwa) transport company recording a significant reduction in carbon CO2 emissions by approximately 1,684,256kg over the first 16 days since the beginning of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Data on the operations of the company’s buses and services from November 20 to December 6, showed that the reduction in carbon emissions is equivalent to the planting of 12,205 trees annually. The reduction was made through the recent introduction of 900 electric buses into service to contribute to making the Qatar World Cup the world’s first zero-emission football tournament. The buses powered by Euro 5 diesel engines have the lowest emission rate to provide safe and environmentally friendly public transport.
The buses recorded as many as 141,309 service hours, travelled about 1,848,393km during which approximately 4,427,887 fans were transferred to various destinations and stations nationwide and to the events areas related with the tournament from its start to the end of the round of 16. More records are on the way during the last week of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.