Crisis and Risk Mitigation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar: Lessons for Saudi Arabia 2034
Posted on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
The FIFA World Cup 2022 was a significant event for Qatar, marking the first time a Middle Eastern nation hosted the global tournament. However, the event was accompanied by major challenges, including labor rights issues, last-minute policy changes, and security risks. This case study critically examines how Qatar handled these crises, identifying both successful mitigation efforts and areas for improvement.
With Saudi Arabia preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, many of these same challenges are expected. This study explores Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach in addressing infrastructure, security, labor laws, and sustainability, ensuring that lessons from Qatar’s experience inform their preparations. By analyzing Qatar’s successes and missteps, this case study provides valuable insights into effective crisis management strategies for mega-events in the Middle East.