Volunteers from around the world play key role during FIFA Arab Cup™
250 international volunteers from 42 countries are helping Qatar stage the FIFA Arab Cup™. Many of the volunteers recently enjoyed a sightseeing tour of Qatar on one of the tournament rest days, which included stops at Souq Waqif, the Doha Corniche and Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Overall, 5,000 volunteers have supported Qatar’s delivery of the tournament at six stadiums. They supported a range of functional areas, including ticketing, spectator services, protocol and media, among others, and helped to build the atmosphere on match days.
Martyn Lewis, from England, said he was thrilled to support the tournament and play a part in Qatar’s FIFA World Cup™ preparations. Lewis is familiar with the region after previously living in Dubai and Muscat.
“I joined the team because I wanted to make this event a huge success for Qatar,” said Lewis. “As someone who is passionate about the beautiful game and lived in the region, it was unquestionable for me to come here. Qatar’s World Cup stadiums are incredible to see up close. Also, I’ve been able to visit Doha – it really is a beautiful city and the people here are extremely welcoming.”
Kawa Mahmoud, from Iraq, said he was impressed with the scale of Qatar’s stadiums.
“The atmosphere in the stadiums has been exhilarating. To witness the stadiums come to life and be a part of the team is such a beautiful feeling. I have been able to meet people from so many different nationalities and cultures – and during my short stay here, I feel I have learned a lot. I can’t wait to come back for the World Cup.”
Tolulope Bakinson, from Canada, said everyone had united over their passion for volunteering and love of football.
“We have formed our own little international community here in Qatar and I am very proud to be a part of it. I have made friends from different parts of the world; from the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. We have all come together to celebrate football, our shared love for volunteering, and we all hope to be back for more of the same next year.”
For many volunteers, it was their first trip to the region, including Abdullahi Idris Muhammad, from Nigeria, who is a passionate football fan.
“My experience has been full of so many incredible moments,” said Muhammad, who supported the delivery of matches at Al Thumama and Ahmad Bin Ali stadiums. “It has been especially nice to meet members of the Nigerian community here in Qatar.”
Nasser Al Mogaiseeb, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s Volunteer Strategy Manager, praised the volunteers for their enthusiasm and dedication.
“Our international volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and career paths, so each of them brings something different to the table. Between all 250 of them, their skillsets have played a key role in ensuring the success of the FIFA Arab Cup.”
He continued: “International volunteers also offer an opportunity for cultural exchange between staff and fans. Thanks to football we are building bridges and enabling positive cultural dialogue.”
Applications for the FIFA World Cup™ Volunteers Programme will open early next year through FIFA’s Global Volunteer platform.
Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup™ final, which will take place on December 18, are available here.
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