Security summit focuses on impact of World Cup

The Public Safety and Security Summit, held in Doha this week, laid the foundations for Qatar’s road map for the future, with strategic planning and implementation the key messages for attending delegates. Among the high-profile speakers were Stephen Cooper OBE, head of security for the Olympic Delivery Authority, and Wayne Harris, HSE and security director for Qatar Project Management.“Given the acceleration of infrastructure and construction projects in Doha, it is vital that standards are established and implemented to better protect workers, and the general public. The development of safety and security management practices is seen as one of the key factors to ensure the successful delivery of any major international project,” commented Harris.Qatar plans to spend an estimated $100bn over the next five years on infrastructure projects, including roads and a new rail network. Another $900mn will be invested by 2013 in hospitality development to cater for the demands of a rising population and the growing influx of tourists.On the final day of the summit yesterday, Chris Eaton, head of security for FIFA, and Kevin Murray, HSE manager for the Qatar Foundation were among the speakers. It featured a comprehensive agenda, primarily focusing on the impact of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar’s infrastructure and hospitality sector. The initiative is organised by leading business information company Naseba