The Supreme Committee’s Fatima Al Tamimi looks forward to making connections that last a lifetime during Qatar 2022

Day in, day out, Fatima Mehanna Al Tamimi works to maintain positive working relationships between the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and its key local stakeholders.

As a Public Relations Senior Officer, Al Tamimi works directly with ministries, government entities and other organisations to inform them of the latest news and messaging in relation to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.

Al Tamimi, who graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in political science, joined the SC in 2019 and is very proud to be part of the team delivering the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and Arab world.

Why did you join the SC?

I’ve always wanted to represent Qatar in the best way possible. I was inspired by my grandfather, who is a former member of the Shura Council. He was the reason I decided to pursue a degree in political science ­– because I really wanted to be involved in public service. When the opportunity came to be part of the World Cup – the project that will put Qatar on the map – I knew I had to join.

I was particularly attracted to the role because it focused on bringing people and organisations together. I really believe that this is a tournament for everyone to take pride in. All Qataris can’t wait to show off what their country has to offer, and welcome fans from around the world to learn more about our culture and history. Working in the Public Relations team has allowed me to build and strengthen ties throughout the country, and even with our counterparts at FIFA, to ensure everyone has a role to play in hosting the world’s biggest football event.

Since joining, I have enjoyed the greatest support from our leadership. It’s something that motivates me to excel – even if it means working long hours! I know it will all be worth it in the end. The type of cooperative and nurturing environment that we have at the SC makes me think of my colleagues as extended family. I am very thankful for it and I look forward to coming in to work every day.

Having the World Cup come to this part of the world and to my home country of Qatar will have such a huge impact on our lives. It will transform the country in such a fundamental way, and leave a lasting legacy for the region as a whole. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on the world’s biggest sporting event – and I feel lucky to have the chance to do this at the SC. Every day is a great step forward for my future.

What are you looking forward to the most during Qatar 2022?

Like all Qataris, I am really looking forward to watching all our hard work pay off. Everyone can already see the great infrastructure and stadiums that we have built for the tournament, but the real magic will happen in the connections we make, the new friends we meet and the important conversations that we’ll have in the stands, in fan zones and all around the country. That’s really what I am looking forward to the most – bridging the gap between East and West and breaking down cultural barriers.

Throughout my time with the SC, I have met so many driven people, mostly youth from different sectors in Qatar, all working to deliver the same goal. I have also met so many experts from different fields, all lending their knowledge to organising and delivering what will be an historic tournament. With over a million people expected to come to Qatar for the World Cup, I look forward to meeting even more people brought together by the beautiful game.

There are so many activities planned for the tournament, and I can’t wait to experience them, but more importantly, I am really excited to be attending my first World Cup match!

What are your plans after Qatar 2022?

Although I don’t have any plans set in stone yet, I would love to continue on a path of working on the FIFA World Cup, and join the team that will be delivering the next one: in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The excitement of working on a project that captures the imagination of millions is so enthralling, and I hope I can do it again, with a different set of social dynamics and challenges. Although I’m sure that the 2026 World Cup will be amazing in its own right, I wonder if they’ll be able to replicate the incredible work we’ve done here. Seeing some of the stadiums that will host the tournament, like Stadium 974, which I love because of its commitment to sustainability, makes me sure that Qatar 2022 will be the best version of the World Cup in the tournament’s history.