The Peninsula
As part of its aims to bring the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to people across the world, especially refugees and the displaced, Qatar has announced the establishment of fan zones in some countries, including Palestine, Jordan, Sudan, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Turkey and Bangladesh.
Addressing a press conference at the Host Country Media Centre on Friday, November 18, 2022, Assistant Foreign Minister H E Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater said the joint humanitarian initiative, being held under the theme “Qatar 2022 For All”, involved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatar Fund for Development, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Qatar Charity, and beINSPORTS.
Up to 6,800 fans are expected daily at the three viewing centres in Bangladesh under the initiative, while Sudan is expected to have up to 50,000 across four locations in the country daily.
In Iraq, about 2,400 fans are expected to turn up daily across the three centres, while the 10 centres in Jordan are expected to host 55,364 people.
“The aims of the initiative are to enhance the role of sports in alleviating the suffering of affected nations, promote a culture of peace and social integration, provide mental support for displaced people and refugees, and share the joy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with football fans around the world,” Al Khater said.
She added that Qatar has always believed in sports as an effective vehicle for nations to unite and cherish peace, dialogue and transparency.
“The fan zones reflect our firm belief in sports’ ability to make a positive social change that boosts sustainable development,” Al Khater said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Global Programs Officer at Qatar Charity, Nawaf A. Al Hammadi, said, “According to UN statistics, there are over 89 million refugees and IDPs in the world, forcibly displaced from their home countries and regions. Out of the figure, about 41 percent, or 35 million minors and children, are taking the brunt of displacement. The initiative is aimed at sharing the joy of the World Cup with them as well.”
Also speaking on the occasion, Director of Relief and International Development Division at QRCS, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, said, “In cooperation with partners, QRCS will install large public screens to display FIFA Qatar 2022 games and hold sports, fun, and informative activities for almost 180,000 beneficiaries in seven countries.”