It's been a while in Mexico, what did you like about Mexico
Many things: food, climate, people. But there are other things like crowd, the altitude of the city that I see is a bit annoying
?Do you play sport
Yes, I used to play football when I used to work in the Navy
?Were you able to watch football here in Mexico
Not yet, but hopefully soon. (I would like to watch a game for club America at the Azteca field.)
?What is the level of readiness for the World Cup 2022
We're about 70% ready . Soon all stadiums will be 100% ready (there are now two stadiums: Al Wakra (Al Janoub) and Khalifa)
In 2014, the World Cup began in Brazil and the stadiums were not ready yet
In Qatar, two years before the World Cup, the stadiums will be ready
-We will move on to the issues related to the 2022 World Cup. There is a serious problem about the death of workers that Qatar cannot ignore.
That is why Qatar invites the International Labour Organization to visit Qatar and see everything closely. To check for themselves the status of these workers. In June and July, when the temperature is high in Qatar, workers do not work during the day; they do so only at night. The Commission itself writes and sends reports about the conditions of these workers. In fact, there is a city for workers; there are places reserved just for them, where there are public spaces and rooms for everyone. One member of that committee told me "the situation of the workers is enviable." But there are always people who write to gain attention. Let us not forget that Qatar has been besieged by its neighbors, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.;
They say why Qatar will host the World Cup, a small country, Saudi Arabia is bigger, and has money, and why not Saudi Arabia? But Qatar is committed to international labor standards. In addition, the standards of living in Qatar are high. That's why we work hard to organize the World Cup. And not only that; Qatar will organize this year the third most important event in the world, after the Olympic Games and World Cup: World Athletics Championships athletics.
-There is a problem in the conditions of workers in the stadiums: So many deaths are not from nothing
Deaths are normal. You can die at any moment. Not for unusual reasons or circumstances, all workers are subject to international standards of labour law.
"-There are countries pushing to discredit Qatar and provoke more rumors about Qatar," the ambassador said
-What did Qatar do to solve the problem? The Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, Hassan Al-Thawadi, spoke about this tragedy. What measures has Qatar taken to improve the living conditions of workers?
Qatar has built a big city, a City for workers. All the World Cup workers live in this city and they have many facilities.
-In another interview, you said that the accusations of corruption about Qatar winning to host the World Cup has created jealousy from other countries. Do you still think? The Sunday Times said Qatar had paid FIFA to organize the World Cup.
There are countries jealous that the event will take place in Qatar, and everything will be close in terms of the distances between the stadiums where the farthest distance between the stadiums will be 45 minutes and where the fans will be available to use the fastest and newest metro in the region.
?Is alcohol allowed in Qatar for visitors
Alcohol will be allowed for the visitors of the World Cup 2022 in certain places and under certain rules ... Alcohol is sold in Qatar, in hotels and restaurants. You can't drink alcohol on the beach; on the street. In 2022, approximately 1,700,000 fans will go to Qatar and we need to organize the large number of people attending the games. The stadiums will contain alcohol, but only in designated areas. If we allow alcohol everywhere, we will have problems in the stadiums.
- -How has the diplomatic blockade of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates affected the State of Qatar to import materials of construction, food and many other goods? What were the plans to overcome this crisis?
Qatar has been affected by the blockade. But in a very short time, legal actions were taken to avoid further damage, because Qatar has only a border with Saudi Arabia. After that, we opened a very large port, Hamad International Port, which was very important to get through the siege. Qatar does not need to import from elsewhere. In addition, 50% of the production of building materials is made in the country. The blockade has helped Qatar, to develop its production in several sectors, so it does not need to ship building materials from other countries. The blockade has helped Qatar to become self-sufficient.
-Three months ago, there was a possibility that the World Cup in Qatar could be organized with the help of its neighbors, such as Kuwait or the United Arab Emirates ?
If there was any possibility in this matter it should have been with countries that we have good relations with. Especially, that some of the countries that wanted to co-host the world cup were countries of the blockade.
?What can you tell us about women in Qatar
Women in Qatar now have more opportunities than men. There are many women working in the committee for the World Cup 2022 and with the Olympic Committee. My daughter also works in the Supreme committee and there are many opportunities. Women have the ability to work in many fields.
?Can visitors wear anything they like and walk freely in Qatar
There is no specific dress code for visitors. Qatar is one of the most touristic countries, in the gulf area.
-What about gay rights in Qatar, how will that be? What are the procedures for the World
Cup?
Can we say that the World Cup for everyone? For all fans ...
-That is why Qatar is working with international and human rights organizations. Qatar is also working on security with other countries to make the World Cup in Qatar the best. Since winning the World Cup, Qatar has welcomed everyone to the 2022 World Cup. As Hassan Al Thawadi of the Organizing Committee said, the World Cup is an international event that will create cultural bridges and a comprehensive experience for all people and communities.
? Will Qatar submit its candidacy for the Olympic Games
After the World Cup. There is always more ambition. Qatar has the vision to organize the most important sporting events and why not the Olympic Games.
-What measures does Qatar take in terms of security to protect the safety of all visiting fans? Due to the situation with its neighbors? ...
Qatar has a peaceful foreign policy. Qatar always believes that the best solution to a problem is to talk and communicate. We have no problem with Iran, Iraq and any other country. We have no problems as long as there is a way of communication. Qatar has a good relationship with everyone. Security protocols in Qatar are so well .guaranteed
-There is a policy followed by Qatar in the adoption of foreign players in its team, in the Qatari team , about four players were not born in Qatar, also there are foreigners in the handball team that participated in the handball championship 2015.
Yes, there are players who were not born in Qatar and play excellently for the team. Is there a problem? An example of this is in the France football team, how many foreigners in this team have participated in Russia 2018.
?--So Qatar takes a model similar to France in sports development
Yes, Qatar is a small country. Foreigners and professionals help our players improve their sport. In my opinion, Qatar could be the capital of sports capital in the world.
-As you did with Paris Saint-Germain (through the Qatar Investment Authority), can Qatar invest in Mexican football?
Qatar is working on more investment in sports,the first step was in Europe, why not! In Africa, then Latin America.
-What do you say to Mexicans who do not know Qatar?
Qatar is a very beautiful country, a country with a lot of security; it has one of the lowest crime levels in the world, where you can sleep at home and the door can remain open. The temperature in November to December, is very good. Arabic cuisine is very rich. Transportation is very cheap. There are many places in Qatar to visit; there are museums, culture and beaches. I think all Mexicans who go to Qatar will enjoy. Everyone can go to Qatar and there are options for all visitors. Qataris,are like Mexicans, very friendly people.