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

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

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 werent 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.

Al Zarraa said: "Qatar has given us many opportunities. We are very lucky to be given the resources and facilities and then be given the chance to contribute to the success of the tournament and the country overall." "Football is part of everyones life here in Qatar and through my work with the SC it has become a part of my life too," SC Mobility Operations Director added.

Al Zarraa stressed that his work in the SC has been incredibly valuable. It gave him the opportunity to take part in international events on secondment and observation programs. These offered great insight into venue management and how mega-events are organized.

Regarding the most memorable moment during his work in the SC, Al Zarraa said: "I was part of the inauguration of Khalifa International Stadium in 2017. Al Janoub Stadium was another big milestone for me. I was part of the venue management team at the inauguration and the project team during construction. Both stadiums are very close to my heart. I can actually spot both of them on a clear day from my office window. These two moments, in May 2017 and May 2019, are very precious to me." Al Zarraa said that there are many things that he will cherish after the wrap-up of the tournament, notably the people he worked with and the speed at which Qatar has delivered the tournament's projects. He sees that the World Cup has transformed Qatar and placed it on the global stage.

In his response to who influenced him the most during his time at the SC, Al Zarraa said: "The late Hilal Al Kuwari is a personality I will never forget. I remember meeting Engineer Hilal before I worked at the SC when I wanted to conduct a feasibility study for my degree. I bumped into a consultant who was working on a major project for Qatar and they advised me to consult the project manager, who, at that time, was Engineer Hilal. Then I met him officially at the SC, when I worked with him in 2014.

"His energy and love for knowledge were incomparable and very infectious. He was keen on giving us the right knowledge and tools to succeed.

I recall every time my colleagues and I would sit with him, we would want to make sure we were prepared with questions. He had a bulk of knowledge and eagerness to share it. He is definitely someone that I learned from. It was a great pleasure getting to know him," Al Zarraa added.

Regarding his plans after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Al Zarraa said: "I would love to keep working in the sports industry. Sport management is something I have become very passionate about, whether through my role with the SC or my hobby with the cycling federation."

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(QNA)