Money never seems to be a problem in Qatar. When it comes to football, it even becomes anecdotal. According to a very in-depth report published by the Deloitte firm, the Gulf micro-state is preparing to invest more than 200 billion euros in investments linked to the 2022 World Cup. Pharaonic. Stunning. But, let's be clear, not really surprising.
Chosen by FIFA in December 2010 to host the 2022 World Cup, which Australia, the United States, Japan and South Korea also coveted, Qatar has never made a secret of its desire to donate to the event. a decor worthy of its means. The Deloitte report also demonstrates that the country intends to take advantage of the opportunity of the World Cup to build a sporting future, in terms of equipment, transport and logistics. The Q2022 program provides for an investment of around $140 billion to improve the road network, build a new metro and modernize Doha international airport.
Objective: to welcome and transport in the best conditions the approximately 400.000 visitors expected during the four weeks of the 2022 World Cup. At the same time, around twenty billion will be spent to build new hotels. The thermometer may well exceed 40° during the hottest months, but Qatar sees itself as an increasingly tourist destination. At the latest count, the number of tourists is increasing at a steady rate of around 15% per year. Forecasts give hope for a record total of 3,7 million foreigners in 2022, around the time of the World Cup.
The Deloitte report writes it in black and white. With its billions, its expectations and its World Cup, Qatar is akin to a pole of wealth for foreign companies, primarily in the construction, transport and hotel sectors. But the country wants to be very demanding, particularly in terms of the environment. He intends to spend big on his World Cup, but with the stated objective of impressing the gallery, offering an unforgettable event and nurturing his legacy. Its coffers are full, of course, but there will not be enough for everyone.
