Whether you’re a World Cup fan or not, you’ve probably heard about Qatar’s massive investment in sports facilities. The country is home to a number of clubs and tournaments, including the QCFL and Asian Cup. The sweeping investments in competitions and clubs are indicative of sportswashing in the 21st century. Despite this, human rights groups have reported on serious abuses, including labor shortages, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions.
For the past decade, Qatar has been busy building World Cup facilities, including seven stadiums. The largest is the Al Rayyan World Cup 2022 stadium, which is scheduled to host 40,000 spectators. In addition to the stadium, Qatar has invested in a new airport and metro system, as well as roads connecting the stadium and other venues.
The stadiums in Qatar are designed to blend the country’s culture with the modern world. The design of Al Janoub is inspired by traditional dhow boats. It features swanky changing rooms and state-of-the-art jacuzzis. The stadium also features a semi-automatic offsides system. It is expected to host the opening game of the tournament between Qatar and Ecuador, as well as the semi-finals and final. The stadium’s design includes a central green park and fan zones with live music, food, and drinks.
Qatar’s World Cup facilities will be completed in time for the tournament. But despite all the work, migrant workers are not having a good time. Many have been unpaid for five months in March. And reports from news media indicate that their working conditions are unsafe.
The stadiums are also family-friendly entertainment hubs. For those interested in a more intimate experience, FIFA will provide a tour of one of the eight stadiums. You can also visit without an official chaperone. Most people arrive in Qatar by car. In fact, the country’s vast parking capacity makes traveling to the stadium feel like traveling to an out-of-town shopping mall. During the World Cup, shuttle buses will be available to transport fans between the stadium and hotels and other areas.
Aside from the stadiums, Qatar is home to the Al Rayyan National Sports Complex, which houses a 3-2-1 Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history of sports. It contains memorabilia signed by household names such as Ali Al-Habsi, who played for Wigan Athletic before winning the FA Cup in 2013. The facility is also home to a sports library, a soccer museum, and other sports-related facilities.
The country is also home to a vast mall, a common social venue in Arab countries. In addition to restaurants and shopping, the mall contains a live performance stage and a food court. It also boasts extravagant greenery and a giraffe-shaped roof support.
Throughout Qatar’s vast sports empire, you can also see some of the migrant workers who helped build the facilities. The news media has reported on wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and other abuses. Some reports put the death toll of migrant workers at 6,500. The Supreme Committee, the body that oversees Qatar’s stadiums and construction projects, has said that workers’ welfare is the most important aspect.
