With 100 days to go, GWC Logistics is ready for the big kick-off
Official Logistics Provider will deliver state-of-the-art logistics and supply chain solutions during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
There are just 100 days to go until Qatar hosts the biggest show on Earth: the FIFA World Cup™. Preparations for the event have lasted more than a decade, with 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 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.
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.
There is also the important legacy phase, which for Qatar – and GWC – is key. The country is determined to leverage the tournament like never before by boosting human and social development, the economy and setting environmental standards which will lay the platform for decades to come.
Sheikh Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, GWC, said: “Excitement is growing across Qatar as we reach the 100 days countdown to the FIFA World Cup. At GWC, we have spent years preparing for this mega-event and stand ready to support Qatar and FIFA as they aim to deliver a memorable edition of international football’s showpiece event. 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.”
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™.
Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO, GWC Logistics, said: “The compact nature of the tournament will deliver an exceptional experience for players and fans – but it is also a major benefit in terms of logistics. Our extensive hubs, dedicated 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.”
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 act 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,” said 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.
Menon said: “Our seamless solutions will help the entire country, including many businesses and service providers, to deliver a great customer experience. For us, no detail is too minor, and every product is sensitive in different ways. To support our clients, we will have on-site storage so that no event runs out of supplies, whether it is the eight stadiums, FIFA Fan Festival or International Broadcast Centre.”
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.
“Reverse logistics forms an integral part of our operations,” said Menon. “And this operation will begin straight after the final whistle on 18 December. It is all part of our end-to-end service and an important part of successfully delivering a major event like the FIFA World Cup.”
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.
And 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 World Cup will be an amazing celebration of football, culture and hospitality,” said Menon. “But the lasting impact will be the wider economy. At GWC, we firmly believe the tournament will be a catalyst for national development and innovation. It has already accelerated Qatar National Vision 2030 – which aims to develop a knowledge economy – and there is no doubt that more and more businesses are being attracted to the country as a result of the tournament.”
The task for GWC will be to help upskill Qatar’s SMEs, furthering the country’s goal of fostering a world-class SME ecosystem.
“This is a goal we are actively supporting,” said Menon. “We recently opened phase-1 of our largest logistics park to-date – a 1,500,000m² 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 act as an enabler or catalyst between these MSMEs and the companies that will come during the FIFA World Cup.”
This is firm proof of the tournament delivering legacy before the big kick-off. The benefits for Qatar, GWC and the region are already flourishing. Get set for a FIFA World Cup™ – and legacy – like no other in history.
