Qatar all set to ensure security for World Athletics Championships: MoI

Sep 19, 2019

Only eight more days to go until the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Athletics Championships, the third-largest in the world, kicks off in Qatar.

This is the first time the mega event will be held in the Middle East, bringing together more than 2,000 athletes from all over the world.

The ten-day spectacle will also include the world’s first-ever Midnight Marathon set to unfold along the Corniche against the lights of the mesmerizing Doha skyline.

In the lead up to the event, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has announced that the Organizing Committee has made all the necessary preparations to ensure the security of all during this highly prestigious event.

According to MoI, the staff has been trained and equipped to play their role in ensuring the event's success and confirm the leadership and sovereignty of Qatar in all areas.

The Committee is also keen to create a safe atmosphere for all.

As Doha is hosting IAAF World Athletics Championships @IAAFDoha2019 from 27 Sept to 6 Oct 2019, stay tuned with us for safety and security guidelines and updates. #MoIQatar #AimBeyond #IAAFDoha2019 pic.twitter.com/3ImSn1srFr
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) September 18, 2019

Regarding the tasks of the committee, Captain Mubarak Bilal Al Ali, Chairman of the Security Committee, said, "The Security Committee is one of the units of the organizing committee of the championship whose mission is to secure the stadiums and sports facilities on which the athletics competitions are held."

Additionally, the committee is ready to ensure the security of hotels where the participating delegations will stay.

A comprehensive security plan has been developed for the championships focused on ensuring the success of the major event.

The security preparations comprise field tours of the event's facilities coupled with road and transportation plans for safety, as well as the use of major roads and alternative ways to facilitate traffic for the participating teams, citizens and residents.

The committee has put plans under the laws of international tournaments, which include providing emergency exits and fire extinguishing systems and easy public access to the galleries and prevent the entry of internationally prohibited items inside the stadium.

Capt Al Ali said that there will be three key sites from the security point of view. These are Khalifa International Stadium, the main venue of the games; the Doha Corniche, which will host the marathon and walking races; and Qatar Sports Club, which has been dedicated to the training of players participating in the tournament.

He further urged the public to follow the instructions of security personnel inside the stadium and avoid blocking the view or movement of other spectators.

The IAAF World Athletics Championships - Doha 2019, will run from September 27 until October 6, accompanied by a Global Athletics Village, which will bring cultures from all over the world to life through entertainment and cuisine. Tickets are easily available online and start from just QAR 60.

Yesterday, His Highness the Amir also toured the venue of the tournament and was briefed about all the preparations put in place to ensure the success of the mega sporting event.

HH the Amir was briefed on the preparations to host the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019. #QNA pic.twitter.com/zEJMQOsvjf
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) September 18, 2019