As Saudi Arabia gears up to ratify its bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the nation is drawing key lessons from Qatar’s historic 2022 tournament. At the 2024 Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, Nasser Al Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, shared insights on overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities in hosting a global sporting event.
A Benchmark in Sustainability and Attendance
Hailed as the “best-ever World Cup in history,” Qatar 2022 achieved unparalleled milestones, including selling 3.2 million tickets—a 17% increase from the 2018 tournament in Russia. Al Khater highlighted the event’s focus on sustainability, setting a new standard for future tournaments.
Challenges and Triumphs
Qatar’s journey was not without hurdles. From navigating the global COVID-19 pandemic to addressing worker welfare and managing media perceptions, Al Khater emphasized how Qatar’s resilience turned these challenges into learning opportunities.
“One of the biggest hurdles was proving we were a serious contender,” Al Khater noted, recalling efforts to counter skepticism and negative media narratives. Despite this, visitors praised Qatar’s hospitality and safety, with many women highlighting their unprecedented sense of security at football matches.
Youth Empowerment and National Pride
Al Khater emphasized the transformative impact of the World Cup on Qatar’s youth, fostering unity and national pride. Programs involving young people in planning and volunteering provided invaluable experiences and showcased the nation’s capabilities.
“The youth of a nation are your biggest ambassadors,” Al Khater said, urging Saudi Arabia to involve its vibrant youth in the 2034 event.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for 2034
Hamad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia’s Sports Federation Bid Unit, expressed confidence in the nation’s readiness, crediting the Vision 2030 plan for the country’s remarkable transformation.
“The World Cup is a catalyst for growth,” Albalawi said, encouraging Saudi youth to seize opportunities for personal and professional development.
Advice for Saudi Arabia’s Hosting Journey
Offering guidance to Saudi Arabia, Al Khater stressed the importance of maintaining a strategic outlook while navigating the pressures of hosting.
“Always keep the big picture in mind,” he advised, urging hosts to manage expectations and focus on long-term goals.
As Saudi Arabia sets its sights on hosting the 2034 World Cup, the shared experiences of Qatar 2022 serve as a foundation for success, showcasing how strategic planning, youth involvement, and resilience can create an unforgettable global event.
