The Lusail Iconic Stadium, which opened in November 2021, will host the final match for the 2022 World Cup.
Qatari authorities will likely increase security nationwide in the next 30-90 days as the country prepares to host the 2022 World Cup. The event, which will take place from November 20 to December 18, is expected to attract around 1.5 million foreign visitors. Although Qatar is a relatively safe destination and most visits to the country are trouble-free, holding a large event, such as the World Cup, will undoubtedly come with additional threats, including those from demonstrations and terrorism. While Qatari forces will likely be able to mitigate the threats, visitors could face minor disruptions due to the enhanced security measures.
Although demonstrations without permits are effectively illegal in Qatar, the country has seen an increase in protest activity in the run-up to the World Cup. Since winning the World Cup bid in December 2010, Qatar’s labor practices, including the Kafala (sponsorship) system, have come under increased international scrutiny. Human rights organizations have likened Kafala to a modern form of slavery, as low-skilled laborers are unable to leave the country or change jobs without their employers' permission. As a result, hundreds of foreign workers protested in August 2019 and May 2020 to demand better working and living conditions and the payment of salaries. While Qatar eventually reformed its labor system in September 2020, many companies continue to violate workers’ rights. Most recently, on August 14, approximately 500 laborers protested outside the Al Bandary company office to demand the payment of their salaries. Nonetheless, authorities will likely be quick to clamp down on any civil unrest before the situation escalates. In end-August, security forces arrested 60 workers who participated in the August 14 protest and deported them back to their home countries. Thus, Qatar’s prompt response to protesting workers could likely deter further actions from happening.
While there have been no significant terror attacks in Qatar in recent years, the World Cup could be an attractive target for militant groups due to the arrival of many foreigners. The Islamic State (IS) had warned against holding the World Cup in Qatar, claiming that it constitutes a “deviation from Islam.” The group previously issued threats against the 2018 World Cup in Russia, urging IS sympathizers to carry out attacks. In the months preceding the event, Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers announced that they neutralized terror cells in Kaliningrad, Saint Petersburg, and Yaroslavl and arrested several would-be assailants. Additionally, although Qatar does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, Israeli citizens will be allowed to enter the country to attend the World Cup. Israeli news outlets report that around 15,000 Israelis have already purchased tickets for the event. Although no threats have been made so far, IS militants could attempt to target Israelis due to Israel’s conflict with Palestinian groups.
Despite the increased risks facing Qatar in the coming months, the country has taken steps to bolster its security preparedness. Qatari forces have collaborated with countries that possess advanced security systems to prepare for such a significant event. The US Department of Homeland Security, which has extensive experience with large-scale sporting events such as the Super Bowl, has trained Qatari forces with baggage screening, fraudulent document detection, and identifying suspicious individuals. Moreover, Qatar has signed multiple agreements with foreign countries, such as Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey, and the UK, to send additional troops to handle the large crowds. The incoming troops include thousands of riot police, special forces, and bomb experts. Nevertheless, while security forces may be able to thwart planned attacks from centralized militant groups, it will be harder to intercept attacks by unaffiliated sympathizers and unknown individuals. Hence, the threat of terror attacks cannot be ruled out despite the high-level preparation carried out by Qatari and foreign security forces.
Qatar will likely maintain a heightened security posture nationwide to prevent incidents of civil unrest or terrorism as millions of people converge for the World Cup. Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional security troops at event venues and crowded areas and carry out random security checks. Such measures are likely to prompt minor delays and localized transport disruptions. While it would be harder to prevent lone-wolf terrorist attacks, the presence of additional foreign troops would likely make the country well-prepared to handle such incidents, hence minimizing the impact. Visitors to Qatar are advised to comply with security instructions and plan for possible disruptions as they travel to the country in the next 30-90 days.
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