Qatar is committed to delivering the world’s first fully carbon-neutral FIFA tournament. One way in which it has sought to ensure carbon neutrality is through the transport sector.

Along with hosting the first World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world, Qatar will stage the most compact edition of the tournament in modern history. Sixty-four matches over 28 days will take place in close proximity, with the maximum travel distance between stadiums just 75 km. One of the major environmental benefits of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM is the elimination of domestic flights during the tournament.

Since Qatar first entered its bid to host the 2022 World Cup, the nation’s organising bodies have been vocal in their goal of delivering the world’s first fully carbon-neutral FIFA tournament. One way in which it has sought to ensure carbon neutrality is through the transport sector.

To enhance Qatar’s efforts to organise a carbon-neutral mega sporting event, over 1,100 electric buses will be deployed to transport spectators during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM Championship.

According to Director of Tarsheed and Energy Efficiency at Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Hammadi, the number of electric buses will be over 1,100 and about 700 electric charging stations will be built for these buses, which will provide transport to spectators during the matches.

There are currently 20 car-charging stations are installed in Qatar, under the initiative of Kahramaa in coordination with other partners, to encourage motorists to buy electric cars. Electric car charging stations are available at Kahramaa’s headquarters in Al Thumama, Kahramaa’s building in Abu Hamour, Qatar Foundation (QF) and a few hotels.

After 2022, the new fleets will replace the old, helping Qatar to maintain their environmental commitment long after the tournament is over.

Qatar is committed not only to fulfilling its promise of carbon neutrality at the 2022 competition through sustainable building standards, renewable energy and low-emission solutions, and sustainable waste and water management practices. The nation is also devoted to ensuring that it leaves a legacy of environmental standards, expertise and technologies that benefit the country and region for many generations to come.

Other green transportation methods

Mass public transport will help fans get around during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. The Doha Metro, in addition to tram and bus services, will help fans travel seamlessly between hotels, stadiums and tourist attractions. The metro system will be the transportation backbone of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. It directly connects the airport with five stadiums, with the remaining tournament venues reachable via a combination of metro and bus services. The metro system is efficient, electric and utilises regenerative braking systems which help to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, all the metro stations are designed and operated under green building certification – ensuring their green credentials.

The Qatari electric vehicle strategy will also see Mowasalat (Karwa), the country’s leading public transport service provider, working to electrify all taxis in the coming years. The company already operates numerous electric taxis serving Hamad International Airport (HIA).

In addition, Mowasalat has tapped into natural gas resources, launching the region’s first CNG-fuelled buses.

Qatar has also introduced a large fleet of electric scooters or e-scooters for short-term hire through several public and private companies such as Mowasalat’s Falcon Ride, Loop Mobility, wer2 and Fenix. These micro-mobility travel options offer an alternative to cars and taxis over short distances, including making connections between final destinations from metro stations. Qatar is also encouraging and promoting electric car use. Kahramaa intends to install up to 500 charging points for electric cars by 2022. Though the city already has several charging stations in public parking and shopping centre parking facilities and around government buildings, further charging points will be located in residential areas and around stadiums, leisure facilities and parks.

Through the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), Qatar has also launched several projects in the last few years constructing cycle paths throughout the country to encourage people out of their cars and other modes of transport and on to bikes for a cheaper, healthier, more environmentally friendly travel option. Cycle tracks have been built around parks, along main roads and streets, around the new FIFA World Cup QatarTMstadiums, along promenades, and between municipalities.


Author: Ola Diab

This is an editorial from Marhaba Information Guide – M81.

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