FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to be the Most Accessible World Cup Edition for Disabled People

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to be the Most Accessible World Cup Edition for Disabled People

Stakeholder Relations Director at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Khaled Al Suwaidi stressed that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is going to be the most accessible World Cup edition for disabled people in history, pointing out that Qatar has succeeded in raising international standards for access and movement during the preparation for hosting mega sports events, by including the requirements of fans with disabilities in all aspects of planning and operational processes for the tournament.

In his statements Tuesday, Al Suwaidi said that the tremendous efforts made by Qatar to organize the most accessible World Cup edition in history put the organizers of future editions in a great challenge to reach this level of providing the facilities and services of the tournament to fans with disabilities.

Al Suwaidi added that Qatar's hosting of the World Cup played a significant role in Qatar's distinction in accessibility and mobility for disabled people throughout the country. He pointed out the country's commitment from the beginning to organize the most comprehensive and accessible World Cup edition in history by involving the disabled community in designing stadiums and facilities for the tournament while employing best practices that emphasize the importance of their contributions to planning services and spaces for fans with disabilities.

The Accessibility Forum launched by SC in 2016 has been at the center of planning to ensure tournament facilities and wider public infrastructure meet the requirements of the disabled community.

In this context, Al Suwaidi said: "The Accessibility Forum ensures that the most important stakeholders in the country, including disabled people, play a direct role in determining how the tournament can leave a legacy for generations to come. We wanted to make sure the World Cup made Qatar more accessible, while setting new standards in how to host accessible sporting events." "We are aiming to deliver the most accessible version of the FIFA World Cup in history," added Al Suwaidi. "We are continually working with stakeholders to ensure the entire user journey is barrier-free. It is important we involve all sectors of society in our activities. We want everyone in Qatar to be a part of the first World Cup in our region." In addition to direct engagements with the SC and tournament organizers, members of the Accessibility Forum have worked closely with organizations in the transportation, hospitality and cultural sectors to make Qatar more accessible. The result has been substantial enhancements making it easier for people to move around the country and access key sites and services. 

For his part, a blind member of the Accessibility Forum Ikrami Ahmad spoke of the impact of hosting the tournament on disabled people in Qatar.

"There has been a marked difference across the country in recent years," said Ahmad. "There’s more of an interest in accessibility, regardless of the cost or return on investment. It’s regarded as a human right and this commitment will be felt by fans visiting Qatar for the World Cup."

Ahmad said that the Doha Metro helps him lead a more independent life. "The metro system is one of the best places for blind people in Qatar. The floor indicators and audible announcements create a barrier-free journey. Knowing the delivery of the metro system was accelerated due to the World Cup is one of the many ways that the legacy of the tournament is already being felt by the disabled community in Qatar," he added.

For his part, Wheelchair athlete Ahmad Al Shahrani confirmed the progress made in recent years. "We can see greater accessibility in shopping malls, libraries, universities and hospitals. I would say that that 80% of key locations in Qatar are wheelchair accessible – something which benefits disabled people and others," said Al Shahrani.

Accessibility researcher Ghanimeh Al Taweel believes the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is creating a fundamental shift in the way disability is seen in Qatar. "The accessible infrastructure has led to more disabled people being seen out and about in our communities – on the streets, in work places and schools. It means greater integration and a voice at the decision-making table," said Al Taweel.

In addition to accessible infrastructure, this year’s FIFA World Cup  will introduce a range of new features for the disabled community. For the first time, blind and partially sighted fans will be able to listen to audio descriptive commentary in Arabic at World Cup matches. The service is accessible through a mobile application and will be available at all eight stadiums.

Sensory rooms will also be offered at different stadiums to provide neuro-divergent fans with the ability to watch matches in a quieter space, equipped with assistive technology and managed by expert staff. The rooms will be installed by the SC and local stakeholders.

Source: QNA