On the outskirts of Doha, low-rise apartment blocks are starting to take shape that will house many of the soccer fans due to descend on the Qatari capital next year for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar, which has been in the spotlight for its treatment of migrant workers on construction sites, hopes the tournament will attract 1.2 million visitors, roughly a third of its population.
But organizers said they expect to be able to offer up to 130,000 rooms, including hotels — which could leave thousands of fans scrambling for accommodation when matches start next November.