(MENAFN- The Peninsula) A Sports Safety and Security Experts Group meeting started at InterContinental Hotel in Doha yesterday to review security measures adopted in big sports events and world cups.
The two-day meeting is organised by the Security Committee of World Cup 2022, in collaboration with Interpol Project Stadia.
Representatives from security agencies in Qatar are attending the meeting along with experts from seven countries, with experience in securing global sports events.
Col. Muhammad Majid Al Sulaiti, Executive Director, Security Administration, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, told the meeting that Qatar's hosting of FIFA World Cup 2022 and other global sporting events highlights the state's excellent aspect in various fields, particularly in the security field, where Qatar has made its presence among the most secure countries.
He said our goal of hosting the World Cup is to reduce the gap between East and West and promote cultural rapprochement between the peoples and the world, building a sustainable legacy in social, economic and humanitarian fields and contributing to advancing development in Qatar and the region.
He said from such a project Qatar aspires to learn from countries' experiences and use them in World Cup 2022 to make it the best of all tournaments held before.
He said the annual meeting, being attended by experts and specialists who have contributed to the organisation of important sporting events in the world, will have a significant role in facilitating Qatar to host a safe tournament.
Ali Al Ali, Acting Director, Project Stadia, Interpol, said Interpol has facilitated security measures in all parts of the world through information exchange between 190 member countries and exercised its role in assisting police to meet the growing challenges of crime in the new century through the establishment of a safe and effective communication system.
He said over the past 10 years, Interpol has learnt how major sporting events, particularly those attracting athletes and spectators from around the world, can pose tremendous security challenges to host countries.
Janet Williams, Security Affairs Adviser, Security Committee, Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy, said the meeting's key objectives include developing a comprehensive understanding of best practices in the development of policies and evaluation of dangers that may occur during major sporting events, and to present basic elements of local plans and the ability to respond to risks.
It also aims to assess basic elements of the national security plan for sports events and take into account special security and safety management system as essential elements that can be used when Qatar plans to host major sporting events.
She said all these things will enable us to build visions and ideas and contribute to necessary policies to host the World Cup in Qatar. She said 189 countries constitute the Interpol family and will learn a lot from these practices and there will be plenty of knowledge in the future.
Falah Abdullah Al Dousari, Officer at Interpol, said this is the first meeting of experts in safety and security for major sporting events, under the Stadia Project. Experts are divided into three groups. The first on sports legislation, second on cyber security, and third for security of which the first meeting is being held.
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