Meriam Jelliti
Doha
As many as 21,579 vehicles have undergone security screenings so far as part of the measures to ensure the security and safety of the visitors and teams during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, said officials from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Safety and Security Operations Committee (SSOC) of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, at a press conference on Wednesday.
The total number of calls received by the National Command Centre reached 585,606, of which 16,000 were in the official languages of the World Cup. The communications included enquiries, suggestions and complaints in different languages, based on the diversity of the tournament fans. The total official security movements related to participating teams reached 4,256 by various security patrols, according to the officials.
The officials present at the press conference were Brig. Abdullah Khalifa Al-Muftah, head of the Media Unit of the SSOC, and commander of the Security Media Sector and Community Partnership; Col. Dr Jabr Hammoud Al-Nuaimi, official spokesperson for the MoI and the FIFA World Cup Qatar Security Force; Col. Jassim Al BuHashem Al-Sayed, executive director of the Office of the Commander of Security Operations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; and Maj. Abdullah Sultan Al-Ghanim.
Bridg Abdullah khalifa Al Muftah said the efforts are in full swing to keep the community and visitors safe and at ease. The SSOC, being the primary security body of the World Cup tournament, had earlier implemented training and guidance programmes in accordance with the highest international standards for all its military and security units, he said, adding that the units have obtained certificates qualifying them to cover the tasks.
He pointed out Qatar is leading in international safety and security indicators, such as the Global Peace Index and the Numbeo Database, among others. Bridg Al Muftah added that the tournament security force had made plans to provide secure environment for the tournament attendees at competition venues and other facilities, including for the participating teams and referees in the stadiums, at training sites and residences.
He noted that the authorities have mobilized all their capabilities, employed their expertise and strengthened regional and international cooperation to secure the global sporting event so that the 2022 edition becomes the safest and most secure till date.
“No major security breaches or crimes have been recorded and the reports received by the National Command Center were few and minor considering the number of fans attending the World Cup. The security authorities dealt with them with high efficiency and ensured smooth flow of fans at the entry and exit points of venues. Besides, the security authorities provided guidance services and assistance to fans at all events,” he said.
Col. Dr Jabr Hammoud Al Nuaimi said that no effort was spared to make this version of the World Cup the safest in the history, and to achieve all international standards and aspirations that have been planned, based on clear work mechanisms and strategies.
He affirmed the committee’s keenness to continue its implementation of plans with the required efficiency and to show the true image of Qatar at the international level, in addition to providing a wonderful experience for all participants and partners.
