I think Qatar will have to loosen up, perhaps become more cosmopolitian, like the model of Dubai. You can't have people yelling at strangers in the mall because they're wearing shorts during a major international event like this, after all. Culturally, they have a lot of growing up to do to get ready for all the tourists!

I';m really hoping they actually follow thru on their promises of a metro and more taxis, as well as improved roads and infrastructure. These things are needed badly!

More importantly, I'm hoping we don't see an upsurge in worker abuse: a lot of what I'm hearing predicts that huge numbers of labourers will be imported, and there is a good chance they won't be treated properly. I'm hoping that isn't true, and Qatar takes this as an opportunity to prove they are a fair, equitable country.