Rana Jubara used her artistic skills to help more than 1.4 million visitors seamlessly travel between stadiums, accommodation and tourist attractions during the FIFA World Cup™.

As the Design Lead for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) Mobility Operations Team, Rana created visual materials to help fans, officials and media navigate the country’s state-of-the-art transport infrastructure.

The Doha-born 32-year-old spoke about her Qatar 2022 journey as part of our ‘Amazing: Delivered’ series.

Tell us about your role with the SC.

I designed stadium maps, cross-country public transport schedules and infographics about transport options and parking locations – all to ensure the safe, efficient and enjoyable movement of visitors during the tournament. We worked closely with other teams and people involved in mobility operations, such as engineers and transport planners, to create guides which people would find useful.

Where did your passion for art begin?

As a child, I was always fascinated with drawing and painting. I loved spending hours with a sketchbook and pencils, creating drawings from my imagination. I also used to play with photographs around my house that my parents had taken, adding my own elements or drawing on them to create different realities. As I grew older, I became more interested in graphic design as a career choice. I realised I could use my passion for drawing and my creativity to design logos, edit photos and create other interesting visual media, which led me to pursue a degree in graphic design from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar.

Why did you join the SC?

I always seek new and exciting design projects that challenge and push me creatively. I was drawn to the SC because of the project’s ambitious goals, but more so, for the chance to join the team that is organising the first World Cup in the region, which was a historic moment for the country I call my second home. I really wanted to be a part of that.

How did your team make a difference during the World Cup?

By ensuring that the visual communication materials, like the maps, are effectively integrated within the overall operations plan and meet the needs of fans and stakeholders. We worked tirelessly to make sure that the content is clear, concise and, most importantly, user-friendly for people from various cultural backgrounds.

What are some of your proudest achievements from Qatar 2022?

Witnessing first-hand the impact of our work on the metro and in other locations across Qatar. We helped to improve the fan experience and ultimately contributed to the event’s overall success.

How do you feel now that the tournament is over?

I am filled with a mix of emotions – relief that Qatar 2022 will be remembered for exceeding people’s expectations, gratitude for being part of such an historic event and pride in what we accomplished as a team.

What’s your favourite memory of the tournament?

Seeing the joy and excitement of fans from around the world as they gathered to celebrate their shared love for football. It was heartwarming to see how much they appreciated and enjoyed people's hospitality, our rich culture and beautiful infrastructure.

What are the main lessons learned from your Qatar 2022 experience?

The importance of effective communication and collaboration, both within a team and with external stakeholders. I also learned the significance of remaining adaptable and flexible in the face of countless unexpected daily challenges and changes.

What advice would you give to people working on mega sporting events in future?

During events, it is inevitable that things will change, so it’s crucial to be adaptable. You should also embrace the experience. Working on a World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it. Learn all you can, take on new challenges and relish the opportunity to be part of something truly special. You should also celebrate your successes along the way.