The Peninsula
Executive Director of Communications and Media at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Fatma Al Nuaimi stressed that the achievements undertaken during the journey of hosting FIFA World Cup Qatar, are the perfect response to the criticism directed at the work teams during the 12 years journey to organize the first World Cup edition in the Arab world, which kicks off next Sunday.
In her remarks to the Qatar2022.qa website within the Making History series, which shed light on many Qatari competencies that played a crucial role in preparing for this global event, she said that they were subjected to several media attacks that didn't affect them or impact their work. She added that their answer to every criticism was achieving a new accomplishment in the journey of preparing for the World cup such as announcing the readiness of World Cup stadiums and facilities, hosting various tournaments to improve our operational procedures, and continuing our work to the fullest to host an exceptional World Cup edition in Qatar.
Fatma Al Nuaimi stressed that hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 constitutes a perfect opportunity to change the stereotypes about Qatar and the region in general. She said that it is expected to receive more than one million fans during the World Cup, a lot of them visiting an Arabic country for the first time, which constitutes a perfect chance to change the misconception and stereotypes about our society and culture. There is no doubt that their in-person visit, experience, and getting to know our culture and Arabian hospitality will help dispel misconceptions about our Arab world, which we seek to achieve during our hosting of the World Cup.
She pointed out that the preparation journey for hosting the tournament extended for many years, and it is natural that the team would face numerous challenges, pointing out that this is the first tournament of such scale in the region and most of the challenges were new for them. She said that they managed to overcome all of the challenges, even those that took them by surprise, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as preparing backup plans helped them complete all the projects within the decided timeframes.
Fatma Al Nuaimi - who has a Master degree in Business Administration (MBA) - pointed out that her passion for organizing sports events came at a young age, as the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar was one of the most events that inspired her and wished to participate in organizing it, especially after the significant success that Qatar achieved after hosting the first Asian Games in the Arab World.
She said: "I attended the opening and followed all the news about it. I was too young to be part of the workforce but I wished I was involved. I felt it was a missed opportunity I wish I had volunteered or done something to support it. However, it inspired me to volunteer for future sporting events. I met people through volunteering at sporting events who I now work with at the SC. I never thought the World Cup would be hosted here so it feels like we have been given a golden opportunity to work on something even bigger than the Asian Games."Executive Director of Communications and Media at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Fatma Al Nuaimi, who was involved in social and human legacy projects when she first joined, said that the work at that time was focused on setting plans and studies choosing stadiums' location, setting the designs, and setting up strategic plans on how to utilize the stadiums after the tournament. She said: "We need to look at the sustainability of the event, the economic impact and narrate the story of how the World Cup will boost Qatar long into the future. There will still be plenty of work for us to do next year."In conclusion of her statements, she stressed that Qatar has changed so much in recent years. So many things have opened. People will see the fan experience and entertainment options during the World Cup, and these things will continue to enhance the community and quality of life in Qatar