Doha: HE Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi, affirmed Qatar's success in delivering the best FIFA World Cup edition in history, showcasing the ability of nations in the Southern Hemisphere to organize world-class sporting events with professionalism and quality.
According to Qatar News Agency, speaking during a panel discussion on the second day of the Qatar Economic Forum, HE Al Thawadi remarked that before hosting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, many claimed that Qatar's success would only be due to vast financial resources, but Qatar has proven that this is not true, emphasizing that the greatest legacy of the tournament is that people are still discussing it today.
Reflecting on Qatar's journey from bidding for the World Cup to successfully delivering it, His Excellency highlighted the importance of creating a lasting legacy, stating that his team recognized the challenges from the outset and carefully planned capacity-building efforts.
His Excellency affirmed that human capital was the cornerstone in executing the project effectively, enabling Qatar to overcome obstacles and ensure the tournament's success.
His Excellency offered guidance to upcoming World Cup hosts, underscoring the importance of defining the purpose behind hosting major sporting events and prioritizing operational efficiency within organizational structures.
His Excellency pointed out that Qatar's hierarchical structure during the tournament, along with its security infrastructure, proved highly effective, ensuring seamless coordination among security agencies and stadium authorities. Alternative plans and multiple contingency scenarios were devised to address potential challenges.
Among the key factors behind the tournament's success was Qatar's ability to tackle diverse challenges through horizontal, not vertical, communication, allowing fans to comprehend regulations before and after matches.
HE Al Thawadi highlighted the urban transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia and Morocco, particularly as Morocco prepares to co-host FIFA World Cup 2030 alongside Portugal and Spain.
His Excellency said that perceptions of the region have changed dramatically, reflecting on Qatar's prior struggles with global media narratives. However, hosting the World Cup helped shift international opinions, and he expressed confidence that the GCC will continue revolutionizing sports event hosting and making future tournaments extraordinary.
HE Al Thawadi announced that Qatar will host FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, with plans to host the tournament for five consecutive years.
Additionally, Qatar will organize FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, alongside annual sporting events such as Formula One, tennis, continental championships, and cultural forums.
He emphasized Qatar's growing role in niche sports, particularly padel, as the country continues to establish itself as a key player in the sport.
Discussing the economic impact of sports, Al Thawadi highlighted that hosting major sporting events requires more than just stadiums, it demands a vast transportation network, tourism incentives, and supporting services.
He added that sports serve as a primary economic driver, fueling other industries, affirming that football, basketball, along with conferences and forums, have become lucrative investment sectors.
HE the Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy also touched on the importance of storytelling in Arab heritage, expressing Qatar's ambition to establish a thriving film industry that rivals global narratives.
His Excellency asked why shouldn't Arabs convey their stories to the world through filmmaking and content production?
Concluding his remarks, HE Al Thawadi stressed that time management remains his biggest concern, given that every major project depends on efficient planning.
His Excellency underscored the importance of avoiding distractions, maintaining balance, reviewing past projects before pursuing new ventures, and leveraging available opportunities while exercising caution.