Doha, Qatar: One month before the first anniversary of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has unveiled the “Connected Tournament” report, which serves as a technological legacy for the tournament.
The report offers a comprehensive overview of the technological advancements and innovations that made the tournament an extraordinary, unforgettable event. These achievements were the result of a collaborative effort involving 14 entities from both government and private sectors.
The “Connected Tournament” report encompasses various aspects, including the digital infrastructure of communication, government networks, and the remarkable statistics recorded during the event. It also spotlights the technological innovations that were deployed, the performance of mobile phone services, the utilisation of the advanced 5G technology, the emerging green technologies in sports, the application of big data, and the significant progress in advanced drone technology.
It also offers a thorough overview of the remarkable technological advancements that have ushered in a new era for Qatar’s digital landscape, highlighting the significant technological breakthroughs and accomplishments that occurred in tandem with the historic football statistics of the tournament. The report focuses on the following key elements, which reshaped the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 experience.
Technologies and Solutions: The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ushered in a new era of technological advancements that revolutionised the practice of football. These innovations encompassed various aspects such as crowd management, real-time transportation solutions, smart stadium facilities, global media broadcasting, the Aspire Centre for Leadership and Control, and cutting-edge technologies like goal-line technology, ensuring precise decision-making. Additionally, introducing virtual reality (VR) broadcasting brought fans even closer to the event.
Mobile Services and Emerging Technologies: This report illustrates Qatar’s response to the challenge by delivering state-of-the-art mobile phone services and implementing 5G technology. It examines how these mobile services not only met but exceeded expectations, providing seamless connectivity for millions of viewers, enhancing their overall experience, and enabling them to share their enthusiasm with a global audience.
The Role of Big Data in the Tournament: This report offers insights into the data-driven decision-making process and underscores the pivotal role that analytics played in the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Qatar harnessed big data and analytics to enhance player performance, boost fan engagement, and optimise the logistical services for the tournament comprehensively.
Sports and Greentech Tech: Given the continued global emphasis on sustainability, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 established a new standard for eco-friendly sporting events. The report sheds light on Qatar’s dedication to sustainability by utilising renewable energy sources, creating environmentally conscious stadiums and organising initiatives to reduce waste. Furthermore, it highlights advancements in sports technology, encompassing innovations in equipment, training methods, sports performance analysis, and advanced drone technology, all contributing to enhancing the visual appeal of the tournament.
Qatar’s Economic Growth and Diversification: In the final quarter of 2022, Qatar’s economy experienced robust expansion, with a remarkable 8% annual growth in GDP. Foreign investment in the country surged by 70% between 2019 and 2022. The Qatari stock market outperformed its counterparts, with a 24% growth in the Qatar Exchange index during the first half of 2022. As part of its diversification efforts, Qatar aims to become a prominent hub for information technology and communication services, with one-third of communication and information technology companies planning to invest in areas such as sports technology, finance, education, tourism, transportation, and green technology.