The FIFA World Cup can bring people together in a way that is not possible through other events. The World Cup 2022 is a turning point for the region, thanks to the great enthusiasm and attention being given to the role of sport in international relations and cultural communication between peoples of the world. Billions of global TV audience are tuning in to watch the tournament.
While Qatar seeks to preserve its own values, traditions, culture and identity, it is welcoming visitors from around the world as Qatar believes that sporting event like the World Cup is an opportunity to enhance communication by providing an appropriate environment for cultural dialogue between nations and introduce its cultural identity.
The tournament is important for Qatar also from an economic point of view as it aims to attract over 6 million tourists every year by 2030 and diversify its economy. It seeks to showcase its tourism and holiday potential to about expected 1.5 million visitors and football fans during the tournament.
Since being awarded hosting rights in 2010, Qatar has spent more than $200bn on developing and improving infrastructure, including building seven new football stadiums. During the past 12 years, it has built highways and developed means of public transportation, hotels, tourist spots, public parks and many other amenities.
The World Cup is seen not only benefiting Qatar, but also the GCC economy, according to Oxford Economics. Given the recovery in travel and tourism, it forecasts 4.9% and 3.4% growth in the region’s non-oil sector in 2022 and 2023, respectively. It expects Qatar to gain the most.
The preparations for the World Cup and the month-long event will drive 7.6% growth in the non-oil economy this year, the fastest pace since 2015.
Highlighting that the World Cup has played a pivotal part in Qatar’s journey to diversify its economy away from the energy sector, it said by the end of this year, the share of the non-oil sectors in GDP (gross domestic product) looks poised to reach close to 63%, up from 50?ecadeago.
Diversification has been achieved through strong gains in construction and real estate, transportation and financial services.
The travel and tourism sector will spur this rebound. The World Cup is strengthening the momentum in travel and tourism in Qatar and across the GCC region this year. In the longer term, the infrastructure upgrade linked to the World Cup will attract foreign direct investment, helping fulfil some of the diversification goals charted in its National Vision 2030.
