Survey shows majority of residents positive about 2022 World Cup impact
The 2022 World Cup has been a source of excitement and controversy ever since Qatar won the bid to host the largest sporting event on the planet.
A recent survey by a team of researchers at the University of Florida pinpoint the views of Qataris and expatriates about hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The idea behind the survey was to asses the attitudes of Qatar’s residents towards hosting the event, and their beliefs about whether it would improve the economy and overall standards of living for many within the country.
The results were astonishingly positive, considering the common debate among residents of just how practical the massive project really is. 9 out of 10 respondents, including white-collar expatriates, believed that Qatar will be able to host the event successfully.
93% of white collar workers believed that hosting the event will create more employment opportunities and better work relations, while 91% of Qataris agreed that it would create a greater sense of pride among Qataris and residents.
The original budget of a whopping $200 billion was allotted to infrastructure for the Cup, though it was recently slashed by 40%, partly because they claim to have a clearer estimate of what is needed, and also due to the waverings of the oil and gas market.
Residents in Qatar have felt the sting of this as companies have had to clamp down on budgeting and downsize. Yet an air of optimism remains, as many believe that the market will pick up and opportunities will improve.
Photo Credit: AMA Sports Agency
The biggest concern will be filling of galleries. Oil and gas people started leaving Qatar, supporting industries will soon face problem. Recently observed record population is due to metro, roads and other infra projects. Those projects should be completed before 2021 or 2022 and people will be leaving. Other sectors like tourism and medical are still to grow. May be north field development will come fast to boost the oil and gas industry.
WELL, I READ THE FEATURE WHICH IS ONE SIDED. MY PERSONAL OPINION IS THAT THE ECONOMY OF QATAR WILL BE MOVED DOWN TO ARRANGE THE BIG SHOW-2022. AS WE ALL KNOW THAT THE ECONOMY OF ITALY (FOOTBALL WORLDCUP), GREECE (OLYMPIC), BRAZIL ()FOOTBALL WORLDCUP HAS COLLAPSED SINCE THEY ARRANGED SUCH A HUGE SPORTS SHOW.
MAY BE I AM WRONG ABOUT MY VISION. BUT NEVER FORGET THE PAST....