Qatar is preparing for its World Cup with zeal and vigilance, but it is also a country in need of help. While the country’s security forces are small, other countries will lend their expertise to ensure the safety of all participants. The Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom will be patrolling the skies, while the U.S. Air Base at Al Udeid will provide intelligence support. Although there are few off-field distractions, a World Cup in a country of just under three million people is likely to pose a serious challenge.
Qatar qualified as one of 32 countries for the 2022 World Cup. The tournament will feature thirteen European nations, four from Asia, five from Africa, and four from North America. Australia, as a member of the Asian confederation, also qualified for the tournament. The full field was drawn in Doha, Qatar, on April 1.
A giant tent will cover Al Bayt Stadium, reminiscent of nomadic people of the region. The stadium is designed to be portable once the World Cup is over. It seats 60,000 people and will host one semi-final match. It is expected to have an estimated budget of $17 billion.
The Qatar government has made significant progress towards its 2020 goal. Among the most notable changes is the end of the No-Objection Certificate requirement. It also introduced a mandatory minimum wage in August. However, the impact of these legal changes depends on how the Qatar government implements them. There have been concerns over poor implementation of these laws in the past, leaving thousands of workers at the mercy of unscrupulous employers.
Qatar 2022 will host the World Cup in 2022 for the first time, and will be the first tournament held in the Middle East. The country won the bid in the fourth ballot, beating Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. In addition to hosting the tournament, Qatar is also home to the World Cup’s most successful team: Brazil. With five World Cups to their credit, Brazil is hungry for another title. With a resurgent Neymar leading the way, they are expected to make history.
Qatar has pledged to protect the rights of migrant workers. This is crucial because migrant workers are an integral part of the delivery of the World Cup. Without adequate protection for migrant workers, the World Cup could be remembered for its serious human rights abuses. Fortunately, companies have an opportunity to exert influence and create a more equitable society for all.
Qatar has also made an effort to improve its image internationally, and the government has taken steps to make that happen. However, its censorship regime discourages local media from reporting on critical issues, and the local press is usually content with repeating official statements. As a result, a Brazilian journalist from TV Globo learned about the country’s problems from the New York Times and British tabloids.
