Al Watan, The Peninsula Highlight Qatar's Readiness to Host 2022 FIFA World Cup

Doha, November 22 (QNA) - In their Sunday editorials, daily newspapers Al Watan and The Peninsula highlighted the Communications Regulatory Authority's (CRA) Spectrum Plan for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 that match with the opening day of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which is going to be hosted by Qatar from November 21 to December 18, 2022. The newspapers pointed out that the publication is in compliance with FIFA requirements to publish the Spectrum Plan two years before the start of the event by the responsible authority in the host country. This event by all means is unique as the FIFA World Cup will come to a new land, new region and different environment for the first time in its history, the papers added. For its part, Al Watan newspaper said that the CRA published Saturday the Spectrum Plan for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on its website, which it considers an indication of the near completion of the infrastructure work to serve the tournament according to the plans. The paper indicated that three stadiums out of eight had been completed, and major work is about to complete in two others, while all stadiums must be completed more than a year before the start of the tournament to test their readiness before the event. Al Watan added that Doha Metro is now operating at full capacity, and the country is nearing the completion of local and express roads, and the expansion of Hamad International Airport is proceeding according to the specified schedule, as the airport is expected to meet the needs of more than 50 million passengers annually by 2022. Al Watan also noted what President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino said, "2020 has surely been a challenging year for the entire world, and football was no exception. Despite the difficulties, steady progress was made in the last few months, showing yet again Qatar's strong and continued commitment - under the leadership of the Amir, whom I personally thank - to hosting an unforgettable FIFA World Cup in two years time, which will no doubt build a legacy long beyond 2022." Al Watan concluding its editorial by noting HE Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi's affirmation of the legacy projects of the tournament have begun to leave a positive impact on people's lives in areas such as workers' rights, education and entrepreneurship, noting that this FIFA World Cup is of great importance to the State of Qatar and the region as a whole, adding that billions of people will be able to closely get acquainted with the Middle East and the Arab world. The Qatari English newspaper, The Peninsula, noted in its editorial on Sunday that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is approaching, with only two years remaining before the world sees this outstanding version of the tournament. The Peninsula stressed that this event is unique, as the World Cup for the first time in its history will come to a new land, new region and different environment. The newspaper added that the tournament will be exceptional, as Qatar 2022 will feature an exciting schedule with four daily fixtures, and fans will be able for the first time to attend more than one match a day during the group stage. This is because Qatars World Cup edition will be the most compact version of the FIFA World Cup in modern times as fans will not need to travel from city to another but just cutting very short distance from a venue to another, the newspaper said. The Daily newspaper said that infrastructure planned for the event has exceeded 90 percent completion, adding that all infrastructure and logistic projects have been delivered at a rapid pace, such as Doha Metro and new roads and the expansion of Hamad International Airport, which will cater for more than 50 million visitors a year by 2022. The newspaper hailed the progress Qatar made in all aspects. It highlighted the statements of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi who stated, "we are immensely proud of the progress we have made over the last 10 years." The Peninsula concluded its editorial by saying that Qatar 2022 will introduce billions of people to the Middle East and Arab world for the first time, and help to foster a greater understanding and break down stereotypes that people may have of the country and region. (QNA)