All of us knew QATAR was relentlessly trying for some big events to showcase its image to the world. Many say this was actually intended to show other Arab countries in the region. Qatar was predominantly down rated by fellow peers despite its GDP growth and gas reserves. The time has come for the nation to act. It showed up with a bang. World Cup football is coming to Gulf. Kudos to Al Thani family- the present ruling family of Qatar.
An event of this sort is the first of its kind in the region. Accolades were cabled from other Arab countries by their top honchos. Many had in fact restricted the appreciation only to some formal exchanges of words. International media aired some dissenting notes to the actual fallout. No doubt ,countries like England, US and Japan are dissapointed. British PM, Mr.David Cameron even flew with football icon Beckham for a last minute pitch but to end up in vain ( not for 2022).
Year 2022 is a long way to go for a sports event like this. Other contestants who were missed out in the race are up in arms. Knowing the corrupt and dubious track record of FIFA there are credible reasons to belive it. All what we could garner is that the deal is squared of with absolute majority favoring Qatar, barring very few others. FIFA is all out to award the event for this region. Reason being, it want to take football out of the traditional turfs. Qatar was a perfect choice. But we did not see this vigor and enthu in the past years when ALGERIA and EGYPT had tried for hosting it but failed miserably. Never mind.. Football lovers in the region are elated. Expats have no qualms. Let the game of football win.
But there are other issues for Qatar. Despite its money reserves and on bound economic factors the infrastructure is challenging. It took several years for the gulf nations to understand that Oil & GAS alone will not make a nation prosper. Global Image too is paramount. The event hosting is an image building exercise. At least 12 full fledged stadiums are required to conduct the round matches. Qatar has just 4 and some with fewer facilities. They need to develop around 8 international stadiums from scratch. This is in addition to other practice match spots. On top of it the biggest challenge would be the scorching temperature. Qatar is really smart to convince the FIFA of its obligation to keep the temp below 27 degrees by installing cooling mechanisms inside the stadium. Technology is the King. There are unconfirmed reports that it had created a model stadium for the inspection of FIFA authorities. If these facts are to be believed, Qatar's 'never say die' attitude should be appreciated. It has dared to travel in an unknown path and left a trail for others to follow. It has banked on its experience too. Having hosted the under 19 foot ball world cup earlier also worked in favour for Qatar. We also cannot forget the adminstrative capability of Qatar while they conducted the Doha Asian Games. Almost $50 billion is budgeted for the world cup event and for other related business activites. Business is flocking to Qatar. All eying the multi billion dollar project annouced as part of the event.
All these success and efforts were ignored or sidelined in other parts of gulf region. The press too has taken sides.One of the major dailies of UAE, Khaleej Times did not even print the announcement in its front page. It has kept instead few columns in the sport page considering as a under rated news. Gulf news did the opposite. There was a front page news coverage with some stunning phots. But others restricted the news only to its editorials.
UAE should be in a dilemma. No second thoughts on that. The face of Gulf was expecting the event to miss the region by all means. The news was stunning. Another nation in this region has stolen the mantle to host an international event. This is good for football lovers but bad for nation like UAE atleast business wise. Tourism was predominantly focused to Dubai (business tourism), Muscat (Nature tourism) and Saudi ( relegious tourism). Sports tourism is something never ventured out or figured. UAE has recently started to explore this business model. Formula One (just concluded), International Cricket Matches ( Pakistan is the permanent opponent for any one day !), FIFA club matches ( starting soon) are some events in their kitty. More tourist would flow than in any other season when a sports event having substantial news making capability takes place. Hotel occupancy ratio is high than any other times. The rates are premium. They would make 3 times more money than in any other season. Other business opportunities are aplenty.
To counter this or not ,UAE is now weighing the possiblity of bidding for 2020 Olympics. One advantage is that the event shall take place in 2020, two years ahead of Qatar World Cup. The nation could take a first mover advantage. Olympics is for all and not restricted to just one sports. A global viewership is certainly guarenteed. Image make over is in place. All would vouch that UAE is struggling to keep its image with other GCC nations as the most vibrant and happening place. It can't digest another gulf nation taking the place once it has occupied and dominated. UAE may not have any animosity with her fellow nations. But its business case proves otherwise. It's a competitive world. Sustaining one's glory is an ever challenging job. UAE is simply exercising that option.
It just heard the good news from FIFA chief Mr. Sepp Blatter that Qatar could consider giving the opportunity for her neighbours in the region too for hosting some of the world cup matches. One or two matches in UAE? Well anything could happen.
All expats in this region is curious. They have sets their eyes glued to media for this. Let's hope both nations shall exibit some great sportsmanship for the world to cherish.
Antony Konnoth
bizsense.blogspot.com
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