Qatar’s GWC Logistics, Official Logistics Provider will deliver advanced logistics and supply chain solutions during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
The 100-day countdown begins until Qatar hosts what is being dubbed the biggest show on Earth: the FIFA World Cup™.
Preparations for the event have lasted more than a decade, with Qatar’s GWC Logistics at the forefront of planning as Qatar looks forward to welcoming fans from across the globe later this year.
With the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium, and while the fans soak up the atmosphere at eight state-of-the-art stadiums and entertainment zones across the country, GWC will be firmly focused on delivering logistics solutions for the host country, FIFA and numerous service providers, a press communique stated.
Three phases
The FIFA World Cup™ journey for GWC can be split into three phases: the lengthy and incredibly busy build-up; the tournament itself; and the final stage, reverse logistics, which involves returning items to their country of origin.
“We are also determined to leverage this tournament to deliver a robust economic legacy that benefits businesses large and small for generations to come – in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,” affirmed Sheikh Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, GWC.
A decade of hard work
Like the State of Qatar, GWC has come a long way in a short space of time. Being named the Official Logistics Provider for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was an incredibly proud moment for the company – and testament to its rapid growth over the last 18 years.
GWC’s status as the Official Logistics Provider, aligned with its strategic partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the organisation responsible for delivering the tournament infrastructure and legacy projects, meant it was in the perfect position to deliver the vast array of required logistics solutions for the FIFA World Cup™.
Another trump card for both the host nation and GWC is Qatar’s compact nature. The longest distance between stadiums is just 75km and – when coupled with GWC’s extensive logistics network – means the company can operate end-to-end operations, which is almost unheard of for a major tournament like the FIFA World Cup™.
“Our extensive hubs, resolute workforce and world-leading IT solutions mean we have the capacity to oversee every part of the operation and, with 100 days to go before the tournament begins, we stand ready to support Qatar and FIFA in their efforts to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime mega-event,” explained Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO, GWC Logistics.
Tournament time
Delivering the logistics requirements for Qatar 2022TM demands a forward-thinking approach. And thanks to its 4,000-strong workforce, 1,600 specialist vehicles, 20 logistical hubs and near 4 million square meters of developed logistics infrastructure, GWC is perfectly positioned to deliver world-class logistics solutions throughout the event.
During the tournament, GWC will operate a control tower approach, where a centralised command centre with provision for the master delivery schedule will be implemented. This will function as the central point for managing all logistical activities related to FIFA, its commercial affiliates, brands, distributors, service providers, broadcasters, and others.
“Integrated with GWC’s strategically-located warehousing facilities and inventory management systems, the control tower will have clear visibility of everything – right from the time an order needs to be picked up and where it has to be delivered, to when the delivery is due and its current status,” asserted Menon.
As Qatar’s number one provider of logistics and supply chain solutions, GWC will also play a critical role in helping service providers across the country operate their businesses during the tournament, when the population – and associated challenges – will increase significantly.
Reverse logistics
After the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy is lifted at Lusail Stadium on Qatar National Day, the country will be basking in the afterglow of hosting the most prestigious event in the region’s history. Fans in Qatar and around the world will be glued to the celebrations.
For GWC, the focus will firmly be on reverse logistics and ensuring everything that arrived in the country temporarily returns to its point of origin.
Legacy
After the reverse logistics, attention will immediately turn to legacy. Tournament organisers have spoken about legacy from day one, with lofty goals to accelerate Qatar National Vision 2030 by delivering projects which boost the economy, support human and social development, infrastructure, and the environment.
“We recently opened Phase 1 of our largest logistics park to-date, a 1,500,000msqm one-stop-shop that caters specifically for MSMEs. The site caters to all their commercial needs, as well as affording an opportunity to network with like-minded businesses. We function as an enabler or catalyst between these MSMEs and the companies that will come during the FIFA World Cup,” added Menon.
GWC will play an important role in Qatar’s FIFA World Cup™ legacy by helping to support the country’s burgeoning small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, the press statement concluded.
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