In Preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Qatar Assistive Technology Center “Mada”
participated in a delegation formed by the Supreme
Committee for Delivery and Legacy to study the
Russian experience in organizing the FIFA World
Cup in 2018. In accordance with its specialties,
which include ensuring accessibility for persons
with disabilities, the center participated in this
Delegation as an observer. Technology is of great
importance to help ensure accessibility in all its
forms for the international sports events. The
organization of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar will
include the use of the latest technology and assistive
technology solutions to ensure accessibility for
persons with disabilities and others to the events of
this tournament.
The accessibility observation forum consisted of
professionals, disability organizations and people
with disabilities that represented them. The focus
group representing the State of Qatar was on a
mission, and therefore had a clear plan for its work,
which included reviewing, monitoring and reporting
on accessibility at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in
Russia.
The whole point of this program was to learn
from 2018 and make 2022 even better for people
with disabilities. The areas of accessibility covered
were; transportation, FIFA venues, restaurants, built
environment and cultural experiences.
The daily itinerary allowed the team to experience
all aspects of being in Moscow to experience the
World Cup. The group travelled to Moscow having a
pleasant experience in the accessible Domodedovo
airport. There was clear signage everywhere in the
airport to direct people with disabilities. There was
also an intercom where you can call for assistance.
The staff at the airport was very helpful, they
assisted people with disabilities through the entire
journey in the airport to the accessible shuttle bus
waiting in the pickup area of the airport.
This was the first year FIFA had fully implemented
accessibility into Football stadiums. The group met
with a representative from FIFA explaining all the
accessibility features in the venue. After reviewing
and experiencing a football match, the group
thought the football stadium was accessible for the
most part, with toilets and seating areas reserved
for persons with disabilities.
Mada’s representative focus was mainly on
assistive technology solutions in work to ensure
accessibility for persons with disabilities to enjoy
the World Cup. The delegation met with NGOs
concerned with persons with disabilities in Russia
to understand the level of support provided to
them and different accessibility requirements.
These non-governmental organizations have also
provided consultations and training to the FIFA
staff including organizers and technicians. Based
on the role of Mada and its strategic objectives, the
center has documented this experience and studied
digital and physical accessibility aspects applied in
this tournament in order to contribute effectively to
providing a fully accessible experience for persons
with disabilities in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.