Qatar 2022 will be the most accessible World Cup ever

More than one million visitors are expected to flock to Qatar when it hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2022 – and in preparation for the tournament, organisers are committed to ensuring that fans with disabilities enjoy an accessible and barrier-free experience.

Speaking to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, HE Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), said providing an accessible experience for all fans is a core commitment for tournament organisers.

The high-ranking official said, “Ever since we began working on hosting the first edition of the World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world, we have made a commitment to ensure that all touch points of the fan experience meet FIFA’s Accessibility Requirements and are accessible to fans with disabilities.”
“This includes accessible stadiums, transportation networks, accommodation, fan zones, and all other aspects of what will truly be an amazing experience for all.”

The SC launched its Accessibility Forum in 2015 to consult local stakeholders and people with disabilities. The forum’s objective is to deliver a barrier-free fan experience for all and support FIFA, Q22 and SC towards providing equal opportunities towards an inclusive and accessible environment.

Furthermore, the community platform enables people with disabilities to be active participants in setting priorities and testing the accessibility of various components of the fan experience, including tournament venues.