The real story of Qatar 2022

Beyond the Pitch: How Qatar’s World Cup Redefined Possibility

His Excellency Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery Legacy, reflected on Qatar’s audacious bid for the World Cup. Despite initial skepticism and being “left out of a lot of business,” an unwavering belief in their ability and ambitious goals guided their efforts. The leadership provided a clear path, transforming challenges into opportunities.

Secretary General Al-Thawadi emphasized that every obstacle faced during the 13-year journey was viewed as an opportunity for growth. The team never questioned their commitment, even during difficult moments. This mindset allowed them to continuously strive towards their goals, aiming for the stars while keeping their feet on the ground.

Mr. Ayman Mohyeldin inquired about owning their narrative. His Excellency Al-Thawadi noted that many tried to box Qatar in, imposing expectations on what they could achieve. Critics doubted the compact World Cup format, fan experience, and legacy plans. However, Qatar was determined to tell its own story, showcasing its capabilities and culture.

The goal was to shed light on who Qataris are, building bridges between cultures. Secretary General Al-Thawadi realized the nation possessed a talented, dedicated, and ambitious population capable of achieving the unexpected. This required self-confidence, tenacity, and camaraderie, focusing on their own values despite external pressures.

Ayman Mohyeldin asked about the World Cup’s impact on the average Qatari. His Excellency Al-Thawadi stated that “everything’s changed.” The concept of what Qataris can achieve is different; the ceiling has been broken. Qataris now understand they are part of a generation that has transformed the nation, fostering a belief that anything is possible with the right foundation.

The World Cup accelerated Qatar’s development, building on previous major events like the 2006 Asian Games. This was a natural evolution of the nation’s ambition. Over 12 years, capabilities in urban development, construction, and operational readiness were significantly enhanced, preparing the country for such a large-scale event.

Qatar invested heavily in human capabilities. Initiatives included sending people globally to observe and work at major events like the 2018 Russian World Cup and the Olympics. This created a workforce and a nation that understood the complexities of hosting international events, developing strong resilience and a strategic approach to problem-solving.

Despite internal issues, Secretary General Al-Thawadi proudly noted that fans generally did not experience these problems due to resourceful staff. The World Cup was described as the “most inclusive tournament” in history, with 400,000 volunteer sign-ups for 20,000 positions. It fostered a global cultural gathering, celebrating football and diverse cultures.

When asked about improvements, His Excellency Al-Thawadi suggested an app for fans to communicate, share information, and navigate events. This would help manage crowd flow and inform attendees about activities, creating a community. He believes in using digital platforms to enhance physical interactions at major events.

For young entrepreneurs, Secretary General Al-Thawadi advised appreciating good times and preparing for hard times. He stressed the importance of a strong support system—whether internal, spiritual, family, or friends—to endure challenges and truly enjoy successes. He admitted to sometimes rushing past celebrations, focusing too quickly on the next task.