An estimated 1.2 million people will soon arrive in Qatar, or the equivalent of around half of the country’s population. Ever since 2010, when the Gulf country was announced as the 2022 World Cup host, construction has been going at full pace - mostly driven by migrant workers - to meet the needs of the international tournament.
Seven new stadiums have been built in that time, as well as a new metro, roads and accommodation. As data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) shows, finding somewhere to stay for all the visitors has been no small feat, with approximately 29,000 rooms available in 2021, up from just under 10,000 in 2011.
Organizers have said that accommodation types will be available, from “budget” fan villages - aluminum portacabins stretching out in long rows - through to luxury five star resorts. According to the BBC’s reports, traditional-style tents in the desert as well as shared rooms in empty apartments and two cruise ships docked at Doha’s port are also being offered, adding a further estimated 70,000 rooms to the market. Meanwhile, TopHotelProjects notes that 27 projects with 7,000 more rooms are set for completion this year. Despite these measures, some attendees are expected to opt to commute from neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates.
Qatar has been mired in controversy since its selection, from questions over the country’s stance on gay rights to The Guardian’s report of 6,500 migrant workers’ injuries and deaths while building the new infrastructure. This week, the former FIFA Head Sepp Blatter said that he regretted the decision to cast the country over the U.S., stating: “It’s too small a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for that.”
