Qatar's Transformation and its Journey Towards Greater Change

Doha, the capital of Qatar, once nicknamed the "most boring city in the world," is now at the center of change. In anticipation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the entire city has transformed into a massive construction site, and despite economic sanctions due to conflicts with neighboring countries, the Qatari government and its people are striding forward towards self-reliance.

Qatar, a small nation in the Middle East, is an Arabian Peninsula country located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. With an area slightly smaller than Jeollanam-do province at 11,427 km², it is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas and a wealthy nation with a high per capita income. Despite this, the lack of tourism resources and a large population of foreign workers prevented it from shedding its image as a "boring city."

However, Doha has been undergoing rapid changes recently. In preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, various infrastructure projects, including stadiums, subways, hotels, residential facilities, and roads, are underway. This is part of an effort to attract more tourists and provide diverse cultural experiences through the World Cup.

Furthermore, the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and neighboring countries, which began in 2017, has had a significant impact on these changes. Following the severing of diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and others, Qatar faced economic sanctions and logistical blockades. However, this situation has spurred efforts towards self-sufficiency in key industries like energy, food, and logistics.

Doha, once somewhat closed-off, is now opening its doors to the world. It actively promotes tourist attractions like Souq Waqif, the old market, and is striving to enhance its national brand through hosting international sporting events like the World Cup. Meanwhile, a greater variety of Arabic cuisine tailored to different preferences has become available, and sports and cultural activities accessible to everyday people have also flourished.

Of course, the influence of conservative Islamic culture remains strong, and natural limitations, such as the climate, still make it challenging to fully enjoy Doha. However, the Qatari government and its people are working hard to change the national perception and embrace diversity.

The winds of change are gradually blowing, but the direction is towards an open society. Qatar's transformation may very well lead the entire Middle East onto a new path. Doha stands at the heart of this journey.