HE Minister of Social Development and Family Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad underlined that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 constitutes an opportunity to convey an honourable image of the Qatari identity and culture, as well as the true image of Arabs and Muslims away from distortion and stereotypes.
HE the Minister affirmed that Qatar is open to criticism, but it will never bend to attacks aimed at detracting it.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE the Minister of Social Development and Family said that this global football event "is an opportunity that we have long waited for as Arabs and Muslims to show the whole world our true face away from distortion and stereotypes. We should not feel threatened. We are proud of our culture and religion; this does not negate that we accept others, on the basis of mutual respect." "Yes, there may be abuses here and there, but let's look at the bigger picture, not exceptions. The broader picture is that we are having a historic opportunity in which we will not only represent Qatar, but all Arabs and Muslims," HE Minister Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad pointed out.
In this context, Her Excellency stressed: "our first and main priority is the success of hosting this event, and giving the coming fans an exceptional experience. As for rumours, accusations and attempts to distort, we consider them a motivating factor to prove our strength and capabilities, as I mentioned." "We follow these criticisms with great regret. The problem is not related to criticism, on the contrary, we are open to any criticism that contributes to correcting mistakes. Indeed, Qatar has undertaken many reforms that are in its development interests and are in line with its civilizational visions," HE the Minister continued.
HE the Minister of Social Development and Family noted that since Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup, many pens have begun to direct arrows of criticism towards it, and soon it became clear that it is a matter of an attack rather than criticism.
Her Excellency recalled the recent speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani before the Shura Council on this point, "The campaign tends to continue and expand to include fabrications and double standards that were so ferocious that it has unfortunately prompted many people to question the real reasons and motives behind this campaign," His Highness the Amir said.
HE Minister Mariam Al Misnad emphasized that Qatar is an Arab and Muslim country, and among its most important cultural and civilizational features are generosity and good reception and welcome of guests. "Yes, we are a country that welcomes everyone, but we are also a country that has its own values, morals and civilizational and cultural context. We accept criticism and seek to develop ourselves, improve our people and serve our nation, but we certainly do not bend to attacks aimed at derogating us." On the social aspect of the tournament, HE the Minister said: "Today we are already living in a historic stage in the path of the Qatari renaissance, and this event will be written in the pages of history to be narrated by coming generations. Today, the eyes of the world are on Qatar to see what has been achieved." "Now, in these moments, I remember the 12 years that have passed since the announcement of Qatar's hosting of the World Cup. Since then, concerted efforts have been made by everyone to succeed in this challenge, whether from the government staff and state entities, or through fruitful cooperation with private sector companies, in addition to the valuable contributions of citizens and residents," she added.
Her Excellency applauded all the efforts that contributed to preparing for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and to facing various challenges. "We must not forget all these efforts, and thank everyone who contributed to reaching this stage after facing many challenges and crises," she said.
In this context, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family stressed that Qatar came out stronger after all the challenges and crises it faced, stressing that the success in this event (FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022) is another station on the road to achievements. "We must remember that all we are doing is accelerating the development process to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 under the direct supervision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani," she added.
As for the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development and Family in this regard, HE the Minister explained that the Ministry has launched many initiatives, such as "Now is our turn. Now is our time" campaign, given the importance of the social role of the people of Qatar. She noted that the campaign aims to highlight the important role of all people living in Qatar in the success of the tournament, and conveying an honourable image of the Qatari culture and identity; pointing to a wide interaction with the campaign.
In a related context, HE the Minister said that the Ministry of Social Development and Family, in cooperation with the Shafallah Center, announced the operation of the "Muzn" lounge at Hamad International Airport, which is equipped with the latest technology and educational and rehabilitation equipment, aiming to offer the best travel experience that people with autism and disabilities deserve while they are in Qatar. The initiative seeks to prepare them for the atmosphere of planes and congestion in such areas.
HE Minister Mariam Al Misnad also announced that the Ministry of Social Development and Family will launch the "Qatar is accessible to all" website in partnership with Sasol, a website that clarifies all places suitable for people with disabilities in the State of Qatar; explaining that this service serves the people of Qatar, and visitors to the country with disabilities.
She added that the Ministry has also directed to support Qatari productive families under the "Home Grown" initiative which has so far served 600 Qatari families. "We have allocated places for these families in Msheireb and fan areas during the World Cup. We have a primary goal, which is to support and appreciate the productive Qatari families. They are our sisters and mothers and one of the pillars of this country, and their success is a success for all of us," she stressed.
On the expected role of citizens and residents in the success of this tournament, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family said: "We expect a lot," recalling His Highness the Amir’s speech before the Shura Council that the World Cup "is an occasion in which we portray who we are, not only in terms of the strength of our economy and institutions, but also in terms of our civilizational identity. " In this regard, she explained that the Ministry of Social Development and Family launched the initiative "Now is our turn... Now is our time" because it is the role and time for the people of Qatar to convey to the whole world who the Qataris are, and what their social values are." "The whole world will come, and will watch this tournament on an Arab and Muslim soil, and it is our duty to feel the magnitude of the responsibility entrusted to us, to convey a civilized and cultural image that expresses our identity," HE the Minister added.
HE the Minister of Social Development and Family thanked all the volunteers and workers who came to Qatar from different countries, cultures and dialects, with generous hands and minds, and with smiling faces enthusing to contribute to this event and bring it out in the best possible way.
On the Ministry's efforts to help people with disabilities to enjoy the atmosphere of the World Cup, HE the Minister said that the ministry is not the only body that cares about this category. "In fact, we are not the only ones who care about this category, whose comfort we attach special importance to. The entire State of Qatar, through all its affiliates, has made achievements that we are proud of in this field," she said.
Her Excellency stated that points have been allocated to pick up and deliver fans with disabilities, featuring wide corridors, ramps and elevators that enable those with any difficulty in movement to reach their seats easily. There are 240 seats for the disabled in each World Cup stadium. "It is our duty to facilitate the enjoyment of people with disabilities to attend matches like the rest of society." Her Excellency also pointed to the provision of an audio descriptive commentary service on matches to enable visually impaired and blind groups to enjoy the atmosphere of the World Cup, and be able to follow the matches inside the stadium and enjoy the atmosphere of the tournament.
HE Minister Mariam Al Misnad added that the Arabic language will be present for the first time in the history of the World Cup, and that the audio descriptive commentary service will also be available for people with disabilities among fans from around the world in both Arabic and English, through a special application on smart devices.
HE the Minister of Social Development and Family also revealed the provision of sensory assistance rooms inside the stadiums for the first time in the World Cup history, so that the fans with autism and sensory difficulties can follow the matches in a quiet space equipped with the latest assistive technologies, under the supervision of a specialised team of experts.
"This World Cup will see the largest use of sensory assistance rooms at a sporting event of this magnitude in history. This service is also available at Hamad Airport as I mentioned earlier," Her Excellency stressed.
In a related context, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family pointed to many facilities for people with disabilities in stadiums, including parking lots, benches, toilets and food and beverage outlets.
She affirmed that Qatar's attention to people with disabilities is not limited to the stadium, rather extended to all details; noting the keenness on providing them easy access and movement through infrastructure projects, public transport and services throughout Qatar.
Since the arrival of people with disabilities at Hamad Airport, the State has been keen to provide them with barrier-free access, including toilets specially equipped for them, in addition to special seats, HE the Minister said, adding: "Qatar Airways also provides additional services for people with special needs when booking travel tickets." HE the Minister added that the public transport company in Qatar provides a fleet of wheelchair-friendly taxis, which are available at the airport and can be ordered through the "Karwa" application, in addition to wheelchair-friendly buses.
HE Minister Mariam Al Misnad also highlighted the barrier-free experience provided by the modern metro network in all its 37 stations, all equipped with elevators to facilitate the movement of people with special needs, prominent floor markings to guide the blind, and wheelchair-friendly toilets.
On the most prominent fruits and expected benefits of hosting the World Cup, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family said: "Today, we are moving forward within Qatar National Vision 2030 to achieve sustainable development. The World Cup represents an important step in the renaissance process which will continue even after the end of this event. Therefore, sustainability was among the priorities of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022." She underlined that the tournament will leave behind a lasting legacy in various aspects, including securing major sporting events, infrastructure, environment, community development and entrepreneurship, in addition to strengthening Qatar's position as an attractive tourist destination in the region.
HE the Minister underlined that the success of hosting the largest football event in the world will consolidate Qatar's reputation as a destination for sports and athletes, which will be reflected in Qatar's continuity in hosting major international events.
In conclusion, HE Minister of Social Development and Family Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad said: "What interests me, personally, is the impact of this event on the people of Qatar, on Qatari families, and on the social fabric that I see becoming more cohesive whenever a challenge looms on the horizon, as well as on the feelings of pride that accompany us with all the difficulties and successes that we are going through while cohesive and proud of our identity. I am confident that Qatar's sons will continue their constant pursuit of excellence globally."
