Washington - Al-Raya - dpa: The German news agency highlighted Qatar's preparations for the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in about a month, as well as its strategic plans for the post-World Cup stage. Hosting the World Cup, and its impact on the country's growth process. She stressed that the World Cup fans will convey to the world the bright image of Qatar, and the agency said: "The World Cup organized by the International Football Association (FIFA) over a period of 29 days - and starting on November 20 in the State of Qatar - is expected to attract more than 1.2 million visitors. More than 1.7 million people are also expected to visit Qatar during the tournament, as there will be around 500,000 visitors in the country on its busiest days.

Dr. Sohail Mahmoud, an independent political analyst based in Chapel, North Carolina, says that many millions more will learn better about Qatar's shining image, through print media, radio and television networks, and from social media posts from fans, participating teams, and journalists present. in Qatar. It is estimated that Qatar's spending to prepare for the World Cup has reached $200 billion. Dr. Mahmoud, who was educated in the United States and has taught for about 33 years at various universities in Pakistan and the United States, sees hosting the World Cup as part of Qatar National Vision 2030, a government initiative to transform Qatar into a global community and provide a higher standard of living. In an analysis published by the American National Interest magazine, Dr. Mahmoud said that the international development plans associated with Qatar National Vision 2030 include projects directly related to the World Cup, and aim to enhance continuity after the tournament. Qatar built the infrastructure necessary to host about 1.3 million visitors during the month-long tournament. In addition to building state-of-the-art stadiums, Qatar built a modern metro network, expanded its airport, and built new areas within the capital, Doha.

Dr. Mahmoud, who has worked as a consultant to the World Bank, the United Nations Development Program and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, says that oil and gas exports are the mainstay of Qatar's economy, which has the third largest natural gas reserves in the world. Although natural resources have contributed to the country's prosperity, the market forces that dominate hydrocarbon exports result in volatility in revenues. Thus, Qatar aims to increase the size of its non-energy economy, as it aspires to become a commercial and tourism hub in the region. Hosting the World Cup is essential to achieving these ambitions. Between 2013 and 2018, the share of hydrocarbons in GDP decreased from 55 percent to 39 percent, reflecting, on the one hand, the higher spending associated with preparations for the World Cup. The tournament supported developments in the vital non-energy sectors, and their continued growth will be a priority for Qatar after the end of the World Cup.

Qatar built the facilities strategically to benefit the economy after the World Cup. Qatar's continued investment in modernizing its facilities is likely to expand the scope of its transport, trade and economic initiatives.

Qatar is set to enhance its soft power and redefine its influence, position, status, facilities, and foreign policy objectives. The country will benefit economically from the World Cup. Qatar expects the event to add $17 billion to its economy. Other forecasts indicate that Qatar's GDP growth will provide an income opportunity of $4 billion from spending by tourists in the Middle East.

Qatar aims to transform World Cup facilities into new communities, schools and hospitals, as well as springboards for tourism flows. The Qatar National Vision 2030 envisions a diversified economy in which the private sector plays a prominent role. Tourism received a strong impetus from large investments in transport and urban amenities, such as Hamad International Airport, which opened in 2014, and the establishment of new hotels, resorts, supermarkets, and conference centers.

The World Cup will enhance Qatar's position on the world tourism map. The positive momentum of the tourism sector in Qatar appeared in the first half of 2022, as it remained a vital tourist destination in the region.