As one can imagine, Logistics is critical to an event as large and complex as the FIFA World Cup. And it is no wonder that Logistics industry giants, GWC Logistics, was awarded the honour of Qatar’s Official Host Nation Logistics Provider for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
GWC Logistics was established in 2004 and has become a key player in the region’s logistics and supply chain sector. The company offers end-to-end logistics and supply chain solutions to many FMCG, Oil & Gas, Fine Art, Pharmaceuticals industries, to name a few. GWC also provides consulting, record management, and local and international relocation services.
On 16 November 2021, GWC revealed its panel of top industry experts for a virtual forum called ‘Getting You in the Game’.
FIFA’s Head of Event Logistics, Jose Dhooma, said in his keynote speech, “There has never been a more appropriate moment to discuss the role of logistics in the delivery of mega-events. This year, we have seen the critical role of logistics in the world’s economy, and now, with almost a year to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, this forum is bringing together panels of experts to discuss and bring you further into the game of delivering logistics for mega-events.”
The forum featured two panels and two workshops. The first panel focusing on mega-event logistics featured Kirsten de Bruijn, Senior Vice President Cargo Sales, and Network Planning at Qatar Airways. Mark Novack, HC Event Logistics Assistant-Director at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. Christopher Nelson, Operations Manager, Middle East Region inKObator, at The Coca-Cola Company and Mathew Phelps, General Manager at GWC. The discussions show-cased “what it takes to create a winning formula to turn visions of events’ enormity into a reality”.
The second panel included Afraa Al Noaimi, Executive Director at Josoor Institute. Laila Al Jefairi, Vice President of Business Development at Qatar Financial Centre, Bader Al-Madhadi, Investment Promotion Lead at Qatar Free Zone Authority, Lauri Becquart, Head of Retail & Private Holdings at Google Cloud and Hamdan Merchant, Senior Director, Innovation, IT & BPI at GWC. The panel analyzed the role of digitalization in the Middle East region and identified the impact of investments in making it an increasingly attractive place for largescale events.
Both panels were moderated by Al Jazeera English’s Senior Presenter Emily Angwin.
Two workshops followed the panels:
1. GWC’s large-scale planning to execute FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, led by Syed Maaz, Chief Business Development Officer at GWC
2. The legacy of sustainability that the World Cup will leave behind led by Meshal AL Shamari, Director at Qatar Green Building Council.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will take place from 21 November 2022 until 18 December 2022 in eight stadiums around Qatar – three of which are already fully operational, with two more scheduled for completion by the end of 2021. GWC has a logistical infrastructure covering more than three million square meters, including the region’s largest privately owned logistics hub, along with a team of dedicated and innovative specialists and state-of-the-art IT systems. GWC on board as a Regional Supporter and the Official Logistics Provider for the tournament will provide FIFA and its commercial affiliates with crucial support and expertise in logistics and supply chain management, which will ensure seamless efficient delivery of the competition.
“Logistics plays a significant role during sporting events to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of complex, large-scale events, which involves executing a broad spectrum of logistics services in the lead-up, during, and after the final whistle. Moreover, the forum will bring attention to the hard work that goes into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, turning it into a showcase for Qatar and the region,” said Group CEO at GWC, Ranjeev Menon.