Qatar offering free COVID-19 vaccine to football fans will pave the way for a safe and secure edition of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, residents and football fans have said.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani said Qatar remained on course to completing World Cup related development work ahead of schedule.
Next year’s World Cup will be held from Nov 21-Dec 18 across eight stadiums including seven brand new venues.
“If you look at the numbers in Qatar compared to the region, it’s easy to see that, as of now, Qatar has the lowest community transmission rates and death count in the region,” Qazi Mohammad Asghar, Chairman, Pak Youth Society and a resident of Qatar for 45 years, told The Peninsula.
“Obviously, Qatar’s proactive approach in mass screening, extensive contact tracing and investment in world-class healthcare facilities underpins this accomplishment. These steps also demonstrate that for Qatar every life matters,” Asghar said.
“As a 70-year-old individual who benefitted from the State’s generous offer to receive one of the earliest batches of vaccine, I am sure that Qatar will extend the same generosity to football fans from around the world,” Asghar added.
“Given how popular football is in the country, I have no doubt that Qatar will exert every effort to deliver a truly magical experience in 2022,” he added.
“The fact that every World Cup stadium in Qatar embodies a specific story is so remarkable. Yes, to be able to attend the matches in person would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people in Qatar and around the MENA region,” Asghar concluded.
Mohammed Salman, IT Support/ Event Organizer at Qatar Tennis, Squash & Badminton Federation, said Qatar has withstood pandemic-related challenges with bold moves to sustain the pace of development at World Cup projects.
“Qatar has taken well-measured steps to sustain the pace of development at projects linked with World Cup. Despite the blockade, pandemic issues and subsequent global economic crisis, Qatar continues to proudly and maintain their promise ahead of the World Cup,” Salman said.
“As per Qatar’s PM announcement, it is heart-warming to see that the host country is offering free COVID-19 vaccine to all the fans who want to be in Qatar to support their teams and players. People sitting inside the stadium or at Fan Zones, will enjoy football matches without any problems or won’t be bothered about pandemic concerns. I would go on to say to the fans what are you waiting for, get ready, pack your stuff and come to Qatar. Every Qatari citizen or an expatriate would like to welcome you to witness history in the making,” Salman added.
“We have seen in the past five years, how Qatar has completed World Cup stadiums and that too ahead of schedule. Commute also won’t be an issue thanks to the Metro that now takes care of transportation. We have even heard of water taxi service set to be launched soon. The last five years have truly been fantastic in terms of infrastructure development,” he added.
“Each of the World Cup stadium has remarkable facilities and they have everything the fans want to see. Yes, attending World Cup matches is my dream. We, as expatriates, support Qatar every inch of the way,” Salman added.
Haroon Qureshi, Founder and President of Pakistan Cricket Academy, Qatar, said the Prime Minister’s pledge to provide free COVID-19 vaccine to fans is a timely move.
“Although the threat of COVID-19 still exists around the world, it is great news that Prime Minister of Qatar has announced that they will provide one million COVID-19 vaccines to football fans who will be attending World Cup from different parts of the world,” Qureishi told The Peninsula.
“I think this would be the first example of its kind in the history of sports that a host country providing such an opportunity to the visiting fans. Qatar clearly is working hard to prevent the pandemic from spreading. It is a remarkable gesture and it will be remembered for long. Qatar is clearly proving to be extraordinary hosts for their World Cup guests,” Qureshi said.
“When I came here in 1976, there were few football stadiums in Qatar. Around that time Qatar built one of the biggest sports venues in the region and named it Khalifa International Stadium. The same venue later hosted the Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies in 2006. We also saw the AFC Asian Cup matches being played at Khalifa International Stadium in 2011.
“We should appreciate the vision of the Amir of Qatar. As a long-time resident of Qatar, I have seen so much of infrastructure development with my own eyes and it all feels pretty amazing. I have enjoyed my commute on Qatar Metro. The leadership of Qatar has changed the face of the country. I have travelled to many countries in the world but it is my belief that Qatar is best for all types of visitors,” Qureshi said.
Mohanad Fahed Mustafa, a teacher at Palestine School, said: “Qatar has built some superb football stadiums in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. These venues are considered as one of the best stadiums in the world. They are smartly designed to host football matches. I hope to attend the World Cup matches with my family. Qatar has always been a pioneer in providing all that is good for everyone in the fight against the Corona pandemic.”
Azim Abbas, MD Al Sulaiman Jewellery & Watches, said Qatar will go all out to make the event a mega success.
“Qatar has worked very hard to win the bid to host FIFA 2022. The preparations under way suggest that it’s going to be the most spectacular event ever hosted. The generous initiative by Qatar to provide one million free vaccines will encourage football fans to come and enjoy the FIFA 2022 matches in a COVID-free atmosphere,” Abbas told The Peninsula.
“The wise investment on infrastructure is in line with Qatar’s 2030 vision and it is considered as an investment for future generations. The fast-growing population, economy and tourism will get a big boost as things get back to normal post-COVID-19. Qatar offers experiences that combines tradition with modern look."
“Qatar will be the first Arab nation to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup at eight new stadiums. All stadiums have modern designs but still offer the traditional look. All are equipped with cooling technology and the fans will be treated to a great show. 2022 will be a historic year for me as I will be celebrating my 40th year in Qatar. It’s going to be a proud moment to see Qatar develop so fast and become a most favoured hub for sporting activities,” he added.
