With the 2022 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in Qatar, the country becomes the first Arab nation to host the tournament. Its population of about three million also makes it the smallest country to host the tournament.
Although Doha, Qatar’s capital city, has hosted several sporting events in the past, the 2022 FIFA World Cup is the biggest event to take place in the country.
The tournament’s economic impact cannot be overemphasized for Qatar, other GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states, and the Middle East region as a whole. New opportunities are emerging for people in the Arab region as the tournament edges closer.
The Economic Impact of the World Cup in Qatar and Other States
New Infrastructural Designs
In Doha alone, new infrastructural designs for the event have emerged. These infrastructures are set to impact the city’s economy immediately.
Eight zero-carbon and air-cooled stadiums designed by first-class architects have been constructed from scratch. Numerous training centers, fan zones, and other areas have also been built to enhance the outdoor experience of traveling fans.
Growth in the Hospitality Industry
With over one million fans expected, this tournament is expected to improve hospitality and tourism massively. It is set to change Qatar’s hospitality industry’s face and help the country fulfill its 2030 national vision.
By 2030, Qatar aims to become a modern society capable of offering its people high living standards and sustaining the nation’s growth. Hence, hosting the FIFA World Cup is the right direction for achieving this vision for the country.
The World Cup has remarkably increased the demand for restaurants, shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment platforms in the country. Many recreational centers, including resorts, parks, restaurants, and gaming centers have been established to accommodate traveling tourists and fans. However, activities like drinking and gambling are generally prohibited in the country.
But, according to recent news, alcohol may be sold in selected zones within the stadiums. In addition, football fans will still be able to gamble on the tournament via a VPN. Fans can take advantage of World Cup bets from the group stage to the final. There are comparison sites that help punters compare the best odds to win the tournament outright, as well as provide information about fixtures. In addition, strategies are available on the page to take into account when placing a bet.
Regional Unity
This tournament is seen from Qatar’s point of view as a show of Arabs unity. The FIFA World Cup is set to restore the commercial relationship between Qatar and the rest of the world.
Furthermore, the tournament allows the country to mend old bridges and construct new ones between the western and Arab worlds.
Political Influence
The 2022 tournament will increase Qatar’s political influence and soft power, particularly as many sporting events are in the pipeline. One such event is the Asian Games in 2030.
It is evident that Qatar’s development and investment drive is tailored towards positioning itself as a sport, business, culture, and diplomacy hub. Moreover, the high visibility of the FIFA World Cup is expected to significantly diversify the nation’s journey towards a knowledge-based and modern economy.
Boom in the Traveling and Transportation Industry
Qatar’s transportation and travel industry is experiencing a business boom ahead of the 2022 World Cup. This boom is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s economy. With over a million fans expected in the country for the prestigious tournament, Qatar is set to experience lots of movement and exploration of its attraction centers.
In readiness for this influx of visitors, the nation has spent millions of dollars constructing new roads, metro stations, and expanding airports. As the tournament approaches, travel agents in Qatar are very busy. Lots of tickets have been sold, yet ticketing requests keep pouring in.
Positive Impact on SMEs
The benefits of the tournament aren’t for the hotel chains and big airlines alone. There are plenty of opportunities for small and medium-scale businesses too.
More customers mean greater spending power. So, if your service is ancillary to any booming sector, you can expect more demand for your services. You can also read small business guides for tips on how to take advantage of the tournament’s benefits.
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