Event planners key to Qatar’s accessibility goals

While Qatar possesses a strong will from decision-makers to create accessible spaces, the ‘missing link’ for more inclusive events lies with event planners embedding accessibility into their on-the-ground culture, according to Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy’s senior media content specialist Ahmed Habib.Speaking to Gulf Times, Habib said the nation’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its legal framework, which significantly impacts the creation of accessible spaces, events, and experiences. However, he pointed out that government regulations are only part of the equation."In the same way or similarly as important, event planners, organisers also have a huge responsibility themselves. Regardless of what the laws and regulations say, they need to implement best practices and the latest thinking in accessible design,” he said.Habib stressed that inclusivity must be woven into the fabric of event planning from the very inception, rather than being an afterthought. He said the user journey for any attendee, including those with disabilities, begins long before the physical event."It begins when a person is interacting with your digital content, social media website, registration forms, etc. Going back and trying to make something accessible after it’s been designed will be costly, more difficult, but doing so from the beginning, involving disabled people in the design of the event, is the best approach,” he said.The success of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Habib noted, served as a model of how accessible events can create long-lasting legacies and societies. He added that following the tournament, Qatar has become more accessible and is now recognised as one of the more inclusive countries in the region.He attributed this positive transformation to the foresight of event planners and designers who prioritised accessibility during the tournament’s organisation.Habib cited the existing culture of accessibility in Qatar and the broader region, driven by the constant advocacy of disabled individuals seeking greater inclusivity. He highlighted a strong will among decision-makers to foster accessible spaces. However, he reiterated that the key factor for future progress rests with the individuals directly involved in executing events."If they also embed accessibility into their culture,” then I’m sure that I will see much more accessible events and experiences in the country,” he said.