Qatar Competes with UAE ?

Qatar has embarked upon sports tourism in a big way and is endeavoring to compete with the United Arab Emirates. It may overshadow UAE in the long run by spending astronomical amounts. The tourism sector of Qatar launched a marketing campaign prior to the World Cup 2022 . The campaign for the mega football event was out of Qatar and within as well.

Courtesy Doha News Qatar

Courtesy Jazeera

Human Rights Abuse

The Western media hurled accusations of human rights abuses against the authorities that the labour was exploited , mostly from poor countries, during the construction of the posh air conditioned Qatar World Cup stadium. Certain Western media outlets alleged that FIFA officials were offered gratifications to grant Qatar hosting rights of the mega event.

 

Courtesy AlJazeera

Courtesy Al-Jazeera

Courtesy Reuters

Qatar’s Liberal Image

Qatar desires to portray itself as a country which is capable of indulging in a variety of economic activities and is not solely dependent on oil and gas revenues. Without any prior warning Qatar banned the sale of alcoholic beverages inside the stadium which created considerable skepticism of the seriousness of its awoved tourism friendly policies. Women fans did not encounter harassment and  felt safer due to restrictions on alcohol as drunk fans indulge in catcalling and passing of lewd remarks .

Courtesy New York Times

LGBT

The Western media vividly splashed images of German players covering their mouths in protest for not being allowed by FIFA to wear armbands in support of the LGBT. Qatar has a distinct approach towards tourism as compared to the Emirate of Dubai.

Courtesy New York Times

A significant takeaway from the World Cup is that West has hopefully realised that it cannot on one hand charge the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries of committing human right violations on minorities while the Western countries continue to impose a ban on Hijab.

 

Courtesy The Sun

Saudi Relaxes its Conservative Policy

The conservative Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relaxed its rules for the legendary Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner by permitting him to cohabit with his partner who is not his wife. The future augurs well for hosting of mega sports events in the conservative Middle East.

Courtesy Doha News Qatar

Fillip for Qatar’s Marine Tourism

Hitherto marine tourism had been the exclusive preserve of European countries and island states. Fans arrived at Doha port in yatchs and chartered cruises to watch Qatar World Cup 2022 which was a boost for Qatar’s marine tourism

 

Courtesy The Peninsula Qatar