Qatar 2022/ SC Mobility Operations Director: Hosting World Cup is Qatar's New Milestone

Sports- Qatar Doha, November 07 (QNA) - Mobility Operations Director at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Eng. Thani Khalifa Al Zarraa stressed that hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is a new milestone in Qatar's history. Al Zarraa's journey with the SC started with the legacy department, which aims to fulfill the commitment that Qatar made to the world after winning the bid to host the World Cup in 2010 to leave a sustainable legacy that benefits the individuals and societies in Qatar, the region, and the world. Commenting on the nature of his work back then, Al Zarraa said - in an interview with the SC's website - "Back in 2012, we only had plans on paper and feasibility studies, which weren’t even complete. Back then, I was with the legacy department and we used to create legacy benefit case studies to explore the potential use of World Cup venues after the tournament." "We used to conduct focus groups with local communities to ask them how they could benefit from World Cup facilities and to find out any concerns they had. Later, I moved into construction and eventually became Al Janoub Stadium Project Director," Al Zarraa added. Currently, Al Zarraa holds the position of Mobility Operations Director. Al Zarraa believes that transport, after the venues, is the main artery of any mega-event. As part of his role, he ensures that different transportation projects in the country are being delivered to a high standard – as part of the bid commitments to FIFA. They are making sure the different transport options, whether bus, metro, tram or taxi, work efficiently for the different constituent groups, including fans and players. In this context Eng. Al Zarraa said: "We consider the whole experience – from the moment people arrive at the airport to the moment they depart. We work closely with a range of stakeholders to make sure our plans are streamlined and communicated effectively. Another key aspect of our operations during the tournament will be the command center, where we will gather all transport elements under one umbrella and review their operations continuously during the tournament." During the interview, Al Zarraa tackled the compactness of the tournament, which is considered a unique feature of the tournament, especially regarding the fans' movement from one place to another during the tournament. Al Zarraa said: "I think the compact nature of the tournament is a huge advantage – but we are encouraging all fans and visitors to plan their journeys carefully. I think fans will be amazed how close everything is – from their accommodation to stadiums to fan zones. We have worked very hard to cater for everyone and ensure their journeys are as smooth as possible." Twelve years ago, when Qatar was declared the host country for the FIFA World Cup, Al Zarraa said that he remembers this moment with pride, as it was on December 2 when he was a graduate student in Australia. Al Zaraa said he gathered with his Qatari and Gulf friends and colleagues to watch that historical announcement. "We were all wearing bid T-shirts to show our support. Australia was also part of the bid, so when we heard the news, we were ecstatic, we went out into the streets to celebrate," Al Zarraa added. (MORE)