LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the world’s largest sport tournament is underway in Qatar this month, the Middle East country of 2.9 million^[i] is expected to host over 1.5 million international visitors^[ii]. The competition takes place across eight close proximity-built stadiums offering football fans an unprecedented opportunity of attending more than one game a day.
Despite being a location which ranks low in terms of security and medical risk, Qatar has invested significant effort to further upgrade its medical, security and emergency response in preparation for the games. However, the scale of the event and the influx of people into Qatar require impacted organisations to plan for, and mitigate, associated disruption and risks to ensure normal business operation.
As the tournament is taking place across eight stadiums logistical demand is widespread, particularly with extremely high demand for accommodation, road transport, and public transport use. This is causing logistical challenges and leading to operational disruption for organisations. Additional considerations for organisations include cultural sensitivities, potential for accidents and illnesses, risk of petty crime, cyber security concerns and other threats.
Gulnaz Ukassova, Security Director, Information & Analysis at International SOS commented: “Organisations should remain up to date during the tournament on all government directives related to entry requirements, business operations, road closures, and other restrictions. Local employees and international assignees should be briefed on the logistical and business disruption they will likely experience during the event. Visitors to Qatar should remain aware of the logistical considerations, cultural sensitivities, and security-related concerns they may encounter during their stay.”
Sebastien Bedu, International SOS General Manager, GCC adds: “Our previous experience in providing support to our clients during high profile world sports events in countries including Brazil, CIS countries, Tokyo, South Korea, Poland and the UK indicates that the situation may remain fluid during the course of the tournament. It’s likely that there might be unforeseen challenges. Therefore, having a regular communication with security experts and health professionals is a must to mitigate those risks.”
To manage safety and security of your international attendees and local workforce in Qatar International SOS recommends:
In addition, for those on-the-ground we recommend:
ENDS
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation’s reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 9,500 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. 13,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand by you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
[i] Qatar Population https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/qatar-population/
[ii] Expected number of international visitors during the world sport event in Qatar in 2022 https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/03/world/middleeast/world-cup-qatar.html
Media contacts:
Alexis Harding, Head of Group PR and Communications, International SOS
M: +44 778 022 2292, E: alexis.harding@internationalsos.com
International SOS shares advice on how to stay safe in Qatar during the World Sport Tournament.
Media contacts:
Alexis Harding, Head of Group PR and Communications, International SOS
M: +44 778 022 2292, E: alexis.harding@internationalsos.com

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