Just a Day Away!
Since our arrival to Doha in 2019, I’ve always had one lazy eye on the World Cup Day #1. As the years became months, days, and just hours until the World Cup opening match, the excitement and anticipation grew.
Leading to World Cup Day #1, media focused entirely on negative facets about Qatar and the World Cup, without mentioning positive changes for workers rights and its’ implementation. Leading to this World Cup opening match between Qatar and Ecuador, I visibly saw notable changes in construction workers conditions. Construction workers stopped building outside during the heat of day. This shifted to working at night. Workers wore safety gear, water breaks, and lots of water. In the last four years, businesses can no longer hold onto employees passports. This personally seemed unfathomable that a company would be able to hold your passport. Qatar implemented a minimum wage.
There are a Few Flights Coming into Doha
The media cover of the first World Cup in the Middle East has been a case study in sensationalism. Any news out of Western Europe and the USA was singularly negative. My point of view doesn’t dismiss the major negative components related to worker safety with regards to World Cup stadiums and infrastructure, but I have yet to see any Western media coverage highlight any of the positives about this country. Qatar is clean, safe, provides better economic opportunities than in people’s home country. Since following the World Cup since 1998, I don’t remember the same amount of negative coverage for the Russian, Brazilian, Korean, Japanese, South Africa, or French World Cups. This has been a definite example of sensationalism and media bias. Honestly, it would be hard to believe that Russia was an exemplary host in 2018.
Days Away Until Ahmad Bin Ali’s First Game
Despite all this, I was proud to be in Qatar to finally experience a World Cup. It wasn’t a surprise either that Ecuador spanked Qatar. Nor was it a surprise when Qatari fans left the stadium before the gave was over. Qatar likes to host the world’s premier events (tennis, track and field, etc.), they just can’t be bothered to attend them.
Next to Khalifa Stadium
Next: Day #2
The Grounds Look Ready
3 comments
John, if you are being held captive by local authorities, blink three times in quick succession.
Like I told the authorities, it’s just seasonal allergies. Nothing more, please be kind.
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