FIFA turmoil unlikely to impact Qatar project pipeline – experts
Gulf state’s ambitious construction plans will flourish with or without 2022 World Cup, industry executives say
The controversies surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup will not disrupt the pipeline of projects in Qatar, construction experts have told MEConstructionNews.com.
Ever since Qatar was awarded the World Cup in 2010, the country has come under increasing scrutiny from international media and human rights watchdogs, with concerns being raised over the treatment of labourers on construction sites. In addition, the corruption allegations swirling around football’s governing body, FIFA, have led to doubts being cast over the viability of Qatar hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.
Leading construction experts have told MEConstructionNews.com that Qatar’s construction market will continue to thrive, with or without the World Cup.
“In my opinion, this is all media hype,” says Abdel Razzak Dajani, managing director of Xtramix, a construction materials supplier based in Abu Dhabi. “Qatar is a young country and it has a lot of things it needs to build up. They need infrastructure, rail and metro, and all these projects are ongoing as part of Vision 2030.
“For them to have the World Cup is basically the icing on the cake. If they get it, or if they don’t get it, it won’t really stop the Qataris. They must finish building their own country,” he added.
Dajani also pointed out that FIFA would find it difficult to remove the World Cup from Qatar, having officially awarded it to the Gulf state.
“FIFA can never back off from their decision, it’s been officially awarded. Qatar is doing whatever it can to build the stadiums, as required by FIFA. They’ve also had a lot of positive movement with regards to the labour laws, as well as opening up the country.”
Vasanth Kumar, the CEO of Arabian MEP Contracting, a major contracting firm based in Doha, said there were a number of opportunities for construction firms in Qatar, not including the World Cup associated projects.
“Doha needs a lot to be done in terms of its infrastructure, and they need to do it irrespective of whether the World Cup is on the agenda or not. If you look at what’s really needed for the World Cup, it’s the stadiums, and there are only eight of them.
“But if you look at the budget, these stadiums are only a fraction of the overall $200 billion being spent. The focus is on healthcare, education, roads, ports and airports. These are the areas of interests. There were even questions about the stadiums, but those have been crushed with the awarding of the Al Bayt stadium to the market,” Kumar explained.
According to report released by Alpen Capital in June 2015, the outlook for Qatar’s residential, hospitality and infrastructure construction market is optimistic due to a “healthy population growth, mega-events and the economy picking up pace”.
