Qatar ruler hits back at anti-Arab attacks on World Cup

Qatar Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani insisted that it had carried out reforms at “lightning speed” since being awarded the World Cup in 2010

 Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday hit out at what he called unprecedented attacks on Qatar becoming the first Arab country to host the World Cup.

With the Gulf state facing questions about the treatment of foreign workers and the rights of women and the LGBTQ community, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani acknowledged that Qatar was “not perfect”.

But he insisted that it had carried out reforms at “lightning speed” since being awarded the World Cup in 2010.

“For decades now, the Middle East has suffered from discrimination,” the ruler of the energy-rich state told the World Economic Forum in Davos, less than six months from the November 21 start of the tournament.

“And I have found, that such discrimination, is largely based on people not knowing us, and in some cases, refusing to get to know us. Even today, there are still people who cannot accept the idea, that an Arab-Muslim country would host a tournament like the World Cup.

“These individuals, including many in positions of influence, have launched attacks, at a pace never seen before,” the Emir said.

Rights groups have led criticism of Qatar’s record while some football stars, including England captain Harry Kane, have also raised questions.