Qatar Hosting 2022 World Cup & its Infrastructure - Term Paper Example

Qatar Hosting 2022 World Cup & its Infrastructure Table of Contents Introduction 3 The Bid 3 Planning for the Infrastructure Development 4 Economic Support for the Project 5 The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Infrastructure Guide 5 Project for Infrastructure 6 Stadium Development 8 The Lusail Iconic Stadium 8 Doha Port Stadium 8 Sports City Stadium 9 Education City Stadium 9 Umm Slal Stadium 9 Qatar University Stadium 10 Al-Gharafa Stadium 11 Al-Khor Stadium 11 Al-Rayyan Stadium 11 Al-Wakrah Stadium 12 Al-Shamal Stadium 12 Khalifa International Stadium 13 Infrastructure Enhancement 13 Development Plans 14 Conclusion 15 References 16 Introduction The Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) regulations form the Constitution of football’s international governing body. They provide the general laws for the world football and numerous rules are set for competitions, doping issues, transfers and host of other factors. The selection of FIFA World Cup host is done under the periphery of the rules set by FIFA. Qatar, a country in the Middle East has recently awarded the opportunity to host the football world cup in 2022. Thus Qatar became only the second country of Asia to stage a world cup football event after the joint hosting of the event by the Korea Republic and Japan in 2002 (FIFA, “Organization”). The Bid For the World Cup football scheduled to be held in 2022, Qatar has been selected as the host. There were many countries competing for hosting the World Cup 2022. Australia was a tough competitor of Qatar but they missed the bid and it was Qatar that won it (2022 World Cup, “The Real Shame About the 2022 World Cup Bid”). There was a secret ballot in Zurich on December 02, 2010 in which the FIFA Executive Committee voted and the announcement was made that Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter remarked on the occasion that "The World Cup is going to new lands and I am a happy President as we speak of the development of football" (FIFA, “2022 FIFA World Cup Awarded to Qatar”). According to the press release FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter said on Thursday that “he had confidence in Qatar’s organizational ability to host an exceptional FIFA World Cup in 2022” (QFA, “FIFA Chief Roots For Of Qatar 2022 World Cup”). Planning for the Infrastructure Development Qatar being awarded the rights for staging the World Cup football will encourage the countries infrastructure projects related development that has been estimated to be over $100 billion based upon Public and Private Partnership (PPP) model. Qatar is planning to develop the infrastructure for the purpose of FIFA World Cup 2022. The main objectives are to construct football stadiums, airports, new roads, rail networks and all means of communication in the hot climate before the world cup. The planning has been set in such a way that a significant amount of these tasks are completed by 2015. Qatar has been planning this through the PPP model and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Infrastructure Guide (The Peninsula, “World Cup to Boost Infrastructure Sector”). Economic Support for the Project In spite of the global recession related economic crisis Qatar’s economy has been able to stay strong. They have maintained a growth in the economy over this period. The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the country in 2010 stood at $128 billion but it was $101.2 billion in 2009. There is an expectation of economic growth due to the development of the infrastructure. There was 9.2% of real growth rate in GDP and the GDP-per capita was $121,400 in 2009. There is a sign of increase in the GDP-per capita (ITA, “Economy Overview”). The economic condition of Qatar is growing as the GDP is growing more than expected. This augurs well for growth in the infrastructure for the upcoming World Cup. Since oil and natural gas are the biggest sources of revenue of Qatar and an increasing demand in the international market; it has been sourcing huge revenue to the country. The country will be able to utilize the revenue for the purpose of development in the infrastructure with the aim to host the World Cup 2022 successfully. There have been budgets that will focus especially upon the enhancement of transportation and infrastructure. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Infrastructure Guide According to the GCC Infrastructure Guide for Qatar concerning FIFA World Cup 2022, for the infrastructure development the PPP model will be followed. The public-private partnership project will be funded jointly by the government and the private firms. The PPP model was initiated through the IPP (Independent Power Project) that was the result of Al-Manah IPP. In recent times, this model has been used in more than fifty projects and has achieved success through long term concession agreement. The implementation of the PPP model for the projects sector has guided towards the expected development in the projects. In the finance sector, companies wanted to get hold of credit for the purpose of project development from the banking community and this was possible through the application of PPP. Over the past five years, more than $70 billion values of infrastructure schemes in Qatar have been through project financed (Qatar Financial Centre Authority, “Report Underscores Qatar’s US$100Bn Infrastructure Opportunity”). Over $55 billion i.e. approximately half of the projected $100 billion are currently being utilized for the major infrastructure projects that will enhance the value of the infrastructure. Apart from offering long term sanguinity related to future growth, the report related to GCC validates that the Qatar infrastructure market in considered as unique within the periphery of GCC. It is because most of the funds invested are utilized for the purpose of developing non-real estate sectors. In order to develop the national transportation system that will boost the mode of communication during the FIFA World Cup 2022, $35 billion is being invested in national railway and metro network. This will aid in travelling purpose for the countries participating and people coming from different parts of the world to witness the 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar Financial Centre Authority, “Report Underscores Qatar’s US$100Bn Infrastructure Opportunity”). Project for Infrastructure Qatar has budgeted more than $100 billion, for the development of infrastructure in the sectors of building and renovating the stadiums. Qatar has planned to spend more than $50 billion in order to upgrade the infrastructure and spend more than $4 billion to construct nine stadiums and modernize other three existing stadiums (Zawya, “FIFA World Cup 2022 Award - An Impetus to Qatar Economy”). The stadiums will be constructed in such locations where there is proximity among them. The roads will be developed with the aim that it doesn’t take more than one hour to commute from one stadium to another. This plan is proposed for the convenience of the visitors. This aims to provide fewer nuisances to the people coming from different parts of the world (Zawya, “FIFA World Cup 2022 Award - An Impetus to Qatar Economy”). Qatar is a hot climatic country and for this reason the government has taken certain measures and investment plans in order to reduce the heat level. The government has proposed to utilize solar power system to provide air-cooled stadiums. Therefore, the government has planned to invest in the solar technology that is to be used in the stadiums and after the FIFA World Cup 2022, these solar technology appliances will be donated to the developing countries (Zawya, “FIFA World Cup 2022 Award - An Impetus to Qatar Economy”). The vision of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, HH the Emir and HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad has taken Qatar to a high potential in the international market by managing to win the bid for 2022 FIFA World Cup. Due to the world time zone and Qatar’s location more than 3.2 billion visitors will be able to watch the matches live. This provides an opportunity for Qatar to provide an enhanced infrastructure to support the program. This will help the country to attract more tourists even with its hot climatic conditions. Qatar has a unique opportunity to show the world its economic strength and that they are a beautiful tourist destination. For the future development in sports and as a tourist destination place, the Qatar government will spend more amount of money for the development of the infrastructure (Zawya, “FIFA World Cup 2022 Award - An Impetus to Qatar Economy”). For the proposed plans and promises that have been made for the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar needs to take enormous development activities. Most of the plans are being coordinated according to the proposed activity that has been expressed through Qatar National Plan. The success of 2006 Qatar Doha Asian Games has become a helping plan for the implementation and planning of the 2022 event (Zawya, “FIFA World Cup 2022 Award - An Impetus to Qatar Economy”). Stadium Development The Lusail Iconic Stadium Lusail Iconic Stadium will host the opening and closing matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The sitting capacity has been increased to 86250 seats. (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Doha Port Stadium The new Doha Port Stadium is going to be an absolute modular stadium with a capacity of holding 44950 seats. The stadium will be situated on an artificial peninsula in the Gulf. It is designed by considering the marine settings. In order to generate a cool atmosphere in the stadium, the water from the Gulf will run over its outer surface and add visual pleasure. There is a choice for the fans to arrive at the stadium through water taxi. This site is developed for the purpose of attracting more tourists (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Sports City Stadium The stadium is designed by taking inspiration from conventional Arab tents. The stadium will provide 47560 seating capacity. This stadium is going to be the Qatar’s premium multi-use facility in the upcoming 2022 event (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Education City Stadium This stadium is going to offer 45350 seating capacity. It will be positioned in the center of numerous universities at Education City. In order to provide quick accessibility to the stadium, high-speed rail facility will be offered especially for the people of Qatar and Bahrain (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Umm Slal Stadium Umm Slal Stadium is going of offer 45120 seating capacity. It is designed to interpret conventional Arab forts. This is going to be one of the most important historical forts. (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Qatar University Stadium The Qatar University Stadium will have 43520 seating capacity with free open surface. The stadium represents geometric patterns. (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Al-Gharafa Stadium The Al-Gharafa Stadium seating capacity will be extended from 21175 to 44740 seats. According to the Bid Committee, “The facade will be made up of ribbons representing the nations that qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and will symbolize football and the mutual friendship, tolerance and respect that the tournament represents” (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Al-Khor Stadium The Al-Khor Stadium is a new stadium that will offer 45330 seating capacity and has an amazing structure with flexible roof. (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Al-Rayyan Stadium The Al-Rayyan Stadium has a capacity of 21282 seats and this will be extended to 44740 seats applying modular elements to outline the upper tier. According to the bid committee “The stadium is designed with a special "media membrane" facade that acts as a screen for projecting news, updates and current matches” (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Al-Wakrah Stadium The Al-Wakrah Stadium is being developed in Al-Wakrah, the oldest city of Qatar and is known for pearl diving and fishing. The seating capacity is going to be 45120 seats (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Al-Shamal Stadium The Al-Shamal Stadium will have a seating capacity of 45120 seats. The stadium is designed in such a way that the shape is interpreted from the dhow fishing boat design. For the purpose of commutating there is an option through the water ways and through Doha Express ways (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Khalifa International Stadium The Khalifa International Stadium has a seating capacity of 50000 seats but it is being redesigned to increase the seating capacity to 68030 seats. Renovation is going on in the stadium to make it more attractive for the 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). Infrastructure Enhancement All the stadiums will bind the power of the natural sun rays that will provide a cooling environment for the fans and the players. The solar energy will be used to convert the energy generated by solar power to electricity that will cool both the players and fans. During the phase, when the games are not being played in the stadiums the solar setting will export power into power grid. This energy will be drawn by the stadiums from the power grid during the matches. In this way the stadiums will manage carbon-neutrality (Qatar Bid Committee, “Stadiums”). To ensure that there is lot of space for the fans for 2022 FIFA World Cup; Qatar Government has planned $17 billion for building hotels and other tourism-related infrastructures. Qatar is offering visitors with an amazing collection of international hotel chains and resorts that will provide the visitors luxurious beaches and pools with other facilities (Qatar 2022 Bid, “Infrastructure”). Qatar has a well structured transportation system. For the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is looking forward in partnership with a German firm Deutsche Bahn AG in order to develop an integrated rail network. The Doha Metro Network will help in easier transportation from Doha stadium to other stadiums. The rail network will also be able to interconnect Doha and other cities in Qatar and the neighboring countries. The system will comprise of high-speed line that will make possible to cross approximately 45 kilometers of the Gulf to other island nations. The fans will be hugely benefited from the system. They will enjoy the system because it will be convenient to travel from the hotel to stadium and fan zones (Qatar 2022 Bid, “Infrastructure”). New international airport is being developed for the fans and football teams and it is expected to open from 2011. The Qatar Government with PPP model has been able to develop such project. The airport will accommodate up to 50 million passengers per year. This airport will act as a hub for the Qatar Airways and six airlines will operate with a 5 star rating service. Since there are increased numbers of routes for the airlines, there will be less trouble for the fans to reach Qatar and they will be also able to enjoy the five star rated services (Qatar 2022 Bid, “Infrastructure”). Development Plans Qatar’s development plans are based upon four pillars. These pillars are “economic, human, social and environmental” (Qatar Bid Committee, “Future”). The economic condition of Qatar is in a better situation and is positive towards the development of the infrastructure. This will enhance the economic development and the social factors. The local people too want development in the infrastructure that will be beneficial for them. Qatar comprises of hot climatic condition, thus the development plan includes measures and investment plans in order to minimize the heat effect through utilization of modern technologies in stadiums. The teamwork effort, chase for goal, reasonable cooperation and steadiness between the tradition and innovation have made Qatar development plan to succeed in the upcoming future. Qatar and the people represent all the qualities mentioned in the success of development plan in order to ensure the countries quick development. They are being well equipped to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup (Qatar Bid Committee, “Future”). The new infrastructure is developed to ensure fan-friendly environment and will allow fans to speedily commute between stadiums, fan zones and hotels through Qatar’s integrated rail system and other means of public transportation. The development of the infrastructure will enhance the economic development of Qatar (Qatar Bid Committee, “Future”). Conclusion The 2022 FIFA World Cup has provided an opportunity to the Middle East/ Arab world to show its potential in hosting global events. In the Middle East, Qatar is known to be one the most developed countries as it has been successful in hosting 2006 Asian Games. The development due to the 2022 event will help in the growth of the economy and everyone will be benefited from the proposal laid out by the Qatar Government. This will also help in developing the tourism industry despite being located in a hot climatic zone. Since 2022 is approaching, there are lots of things to be completed. Qatar as a country is all geared up make the 2022 FIFA World Cup a grand success like the Asian Games in 2006. References 2022 World Cup. “The Real Shame About The 2022 World Cup Bid”. December 11, 2010. Word Press, 2010. FIFA. “Organization”. December 11, 2010. FIFA Statutes, 2010. FIFA. “2022 FIFA World Cup Awarded To Qatar”. December 11, 2010. News Centre, 2010. ITA. “Economy Overview”. December 11, 2010. Qatar Economy, 2010. QFA. “FIFA Chief Roots For Of Qatar 2022 World Cup”. December 11, 2010. Qatar Football Association, 2010. Qatar 2022 Bid. “Infrastructure”. December 11, 2010. Qatar Football Association, No Date. Qatar Financial Centre Authority. “Report Underscores Qatar’s US$100Bn Infrastructure Opportunity”. December 11, 2010. Media Centre, 2010. Qatar Bid Committee. “Stadiums”. December 11, 2010. Qatars Plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, No Date. Qatar Bid Committee. “Future”. December 11, 2010. Bidding Nation Qatar, No Date. The Peninsula. “World Cup to Boost Infrastructure Sector”. December 11, 2010. Peninsula News Paper, 2010. Zawya. “FIFA World Cup 2022 Award - An Impetus to Qatar Economy”. December 11, 2010. Press Release, 2010. Read More