The security authorities held a press conference today, Wednesday, 7 December 2022, on security efforts in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM at the Officers Club of the General Directorate of Civil Defence.
Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa Al-Muftah, Head of the Media Unit of the World Cup Safety and Security Operations Committee and Commander of the Security Media and Community Partnership Division, Colonel Dr Jabr Hammoud Al-Nuaimi, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior and the FIFA World Cup Qatar Security Force, Colonel Jassim Al Bu Hashem Al-Sayed, Executive Director of the Office of the Commander of Security Operations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and Major Abdullah Sultan Al-Ghanim attended the press conference.
Brig. Abdullah Khalifa Al-Muftah stated that the press conference comes after half days of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have passed, which proved the success of all stakeholders and their cooperation in organizing this global event. “Thanks to the security efforts of Tournament Security Force and the Ministry of Interior, this is the safest version of the World Cup as we applied best practices in security and safety measures for the masses”, he said. Furthermore, Brig. Al-Muftah pointed out that the State of Qatar is among the top countries in international safety and security indicators, such as the Global Peace Index and the Numbeo Index.
“Since the start of the tournament on 20 November, no major crimes or crimes that disturb security has been recorded,” said Brig. Al-Muftah.
“The incidents reported at the National Command Center were few and minor compared with the number of fans attending the World Cup. The security authorities tackled them with high efficiency”, he added. Fan movements witnessed a smooth entry and exit flow at sports facilities, and the security authorities guided them and provided them with the required assistance in all events.
Colonel Dr Jabr Hammoud Al-Nuaimi, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Interior and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Security Force said: “The security authorities represented by the Ministry of Interior and the Tournament Security Force made great efforts using the latest communication systems between all units through the operations rooms in the tournament facilities and fan areas linked to the Tournament Command Center on the one hand, and the Central Operations Room of the National Command Center on the other.”
Col. Dr Jabr Al-Nuaimi highlighted the security statistics from the start of the tournament until now. The total number of incoming calls to the National Command Center (NCC) is 585,606, of which 16,000 were in the official languages of the tournament. The calls included inquiries, suggestions and complaints in different languages. The total number of official security moves to secure the movement of the participating teams amounted to 4256 moves through various security patrols.
He added that 21,579 vehicles were subjected to security checks to ensure the safety of the participants in the tournament, while the sites include 37 hotels, 36 training sites and 8 match stadiums.
Col. Jassim Al-Sayed, Executive Director of the Office of the Commander of Security Operations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, explained the entry controls to the State of Qatar for citizens and residents of the GCC countries through the country’s air, land and sea ports. The concerned authorities have started to allow citizens and residents of the GCC countries to enter the country without a Hayya card for those who do not hold a match ticket, as per the usual entry procedures, he said. Al-Sayed added that entry using private vehicles would be allowed as of 8 December 2022.
During the press conference, Col. Jassim Al-Sayed announced the launch of an e-link on the Ministry of Interior website for vehicle registration to obtain a permit to enter the country through Abu Samra Border Crossing. He added that it is necessary to apply for the permit at least 12 hours before the travel, stressing that this step comes in the context of the country’s efforts to provide an opportunity for citizens and residents of the GCC countries to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Major Abdullah Sultan Al-Ghanim emphasized that the Tournament Security Force and Public Security personnel worked to provide the best and safest environment to cheer on and enjoy the tournament in the various fan zones.
He added that fans wishing to attend the World Cup matches must have a ticket and a Hayya card. Those who do not have tickets will not be allowed to enter the stadium, and they will be dealt with necessary measures to ensure everyone’s safety, he noted.
Source: Ministry of Interior