Arab World Cup Qatar impresses teams - sets a flawless stage for FIFA 2022 and new Qatar investors
As we write this, the Arab World Cup in Qatar 2021 draws to an end, with Tunisia just entering the finals after an incredible own-goal by Egypt.
Spirits are high for the 16-nation tournament, which committees see as a crucial opportunity to refine preparations for Qatar's 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Peninsula says players, coaches, fans, and even the head of the Moroccan delegation, Noureddine El Baide, have quickly praised the ambitious Gulf nation for its outstanding efforts to organise a safe event in environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art stadiums.
The key outcomes of the event were a more strengthened vision of Qatar's new infrastructure, what to expect from the immense FIFA tournament next year, its rich and diverse culture, rising confidence and demand to buy property in Qatar by local and overseas investors alike.
Magnificent new infrastructure
Fans were welcomed to six of eight new architecturally-striking stadiums, all within a 30-mile radius of Doha: Al Bayt, Al Thumama, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Stadium 974, Education City and Al Janoub.
Accessible seating and audio descriptive commentary were available to fans with disabilities. Alongside on-site shops, restaurants and health facilities, with fans soaking up the thrilling atmosphere on the edge of the desert and exploring local culture, many for the first time.
Testing the waters
Doha Metro, a light rail system, tested its readiness for the 2022 World Cup, “operating 71,000 journeys and running for 21 hours per day, rather than the usual 17 hours”, said committees.
High numbers of football fans enjoyed the seamless transportation experience that took them within steps of multiple stadiums and away from traffic congestion.
After 28 matches at the Arab World Cup in Qatar, committee leaders discussed other key topics of the event that related to the future of Qatar's economy, tourism and its rapidly growing population.
Welcoming tourists and expat workers
They mention “Our workforce totalled 1,100 from 54 countries, in addition to 5,000 volunteers from 90 countries.”
New workers and fans made great use of newly laid roads, more parking spaces, and recreation, such as new luxurious floating hotels, as we hit the 12-month run-up to the 2022 FIFA event.
Room for investment
Plans are to have “130,000 rooms available for… more than one million fans expected to descend upon Qatar”, they note. However, according to estimates by Qatar Tourism, fewer than 50,000 rooms will be ready.
The lack of accommodation could leave fans scrambling when matches start next November, with the government capping hotel rates to level the playing field.
Homeowners in Doha have therefore been urged to rent spare rooms via Airbnb or VRBO as part of the "Host a Fan" campaign, as seen during the FIFA Arab Cup.
New expat workers may also find it difficult to secure accommodation, with leases of furnished apartments and villas a viable solution for those who wish to stay.
This also poses an opportunity for local and overseas property investors to rent to high numbers of fans and expats during and after to take advantage of the high investment potential in emerging areas near the stadiums, witnessing rapidly increasing rental prices.
The future is filled with promise
Qatar continues to make great strides in inclusivity and world-class infrastructure development, boosting its economy as it has over the last decade ahead of the two sporting events. In addition to easier routes for foreign direct investment and more lending options for first time home buyers.
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