Qatar: Country to host FIFA 2022 World Cup Nov. 20-Dec. 18

Event

Qatar will host the FIFA 2022 World Cup from Nov. 20-Dec. 18. Over 1.2 million foreign nationals are expected to travel to the country for the tournament. Authorities are running an extensive and visible security operation to safeguard the event. Public interest in the competition will be high, and matches will likely be screened in public places, including hotels, throughout the country. Matches are scheduled for the following locations:

• Al Khor: Al Bayt Stadium

• Al Wakrah: Al Janoub Stadium

• Doha: Al Thumama Stadium

• Doha: Education City Stadium

• Doha: Khalifa International Stadium

• Doha: Stadium 974

• Lusail: Lusail Stadium

• Al Rayyan: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Security forces have been preparing for the event for months, and there will be a significant and visible security deployment at transport hubs, match venues, and city centers nationwide. Increased scrutiny could prompt processing delays at airports and border crossings. Additional security measures around World Cup matches, including security cordons and traffic restrictions, as well as the increased numbers of travelers, will likely prompt travel disruption in host cities.

Civil Unrest
The likelihood of protests is limited, as demonstrations without permits are effectively illegal in Qatar. However, opposition and civil rights groups may seek to capitalize on the presence of international media to draw attention to their grievances. Qatari authorities will move swiftly to contain and disperse any protests before the situation escalates.

In addition, football hooliganism is possible around venues where matches are played. Consumption of alcohol during football matches has been allowed in selected areas and increases the chances of confrontations in public places in urban centers.

Large numbers of security forces will deploy to match venues and city centers. Their focus will be on keeping opposing supporters apart. In the event of football-related violence or other civil disorder, authorities will likely react quickly, possibly with force. Anyone in the vicinity of clashes between police, football hooligans, or protesters would face a significant physical threat. While police are unlikely to target foreign nationals away from any demonstrations or football-related violence, they will likely not distinguish between innocent bystanders and protesters/hooligans in the vicinity of any clashes.

Harassment
As during many football tournaments, the partisan rivalry between supporters is likely, which could translate into verbal harassment and even isolated physical attacks. People of non-white ethnicity may face a heightened threat of xenophobic and racist verbal harassment, notably those perceived to have African or Asian heritage.

In addition, FIFA 2022 World Cup organizers have warned that while fans and players from all races, gender, and sexual orientations are welcome, foreigners need to abide by local customs, including dress codes and public displays of affection. LGBTQ+ football players and fans could also experience public harassment, as homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.

Terrorism
Qatar faces an underlying threat from terrorism due to its earlier involvement in the US-led anti-Islamic State (IS) coalition in Syria. Regional and transnational terrorist groups such as IS allegedly maintain embedded cells in the country and have encouraged their supporters to stage "lone wolf" attacks. IS has made direct threats against Qatar in the past, where supporters have called for attacks on the 2022 World Cup. However, the country's capable security forces and its restrictive immigration policies help mitigate the threat of militant activities.

Advice

Allow additional time to clear security at international transport hubs, including Hamad International Airport (DOH), until at least the end of the competition period. Plan for transport congestion and travel delays in World Cup host cities on match days. Avoid all protests as a routine security precaution, and to minimize possible disruption; leave the area at the first sign of confrontation. Remain alert to the threat from militancy; report any suspicious behavior or objects to the authorities. Remain alert to the threat from petty criminals; keep valuables in a secure location when not in use. Do not display signs of LGBTQ+ affiliation; refrain from engaging in politically or socially sensitive conversations. Make a note of your embassy's contact details in case of emergencies; contact them if detained by security forces.

Resources

FIFA 2022
Qatar 2022