Qatar is getting ready for the World Cup for the last 12 years, but the feeling is still not there in Doha.

The Doha International Airport is all decked up even though the buzz that one associates with the biggest show on earth was not there. “Yes, it’s yet to pick up. Wait for the action to begin,” said the official at the airport as he checked the passport.

The action begins on Sunday when hosts Qatar face Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium.

But one thing that strikes you immediately once you land is the sheer number of expatriates being involved everywhere. And it’s diverse. The Pakistani woman born in Doha who helps to get the local SIM card or the Egyptian telecommunications executive who has made this place his home since 2012 or the cab driver from Nepal who has seen the country change since he landed here 16 years ago or the young man from Thrissur at the main media centre who is giving tech support. They all are here.

The western world may try to sell the idea that everything is bad about Qatar and Doha and the World Cup 2022, but for these people, it’s a reason to celebrate. “Have got tickets for two matches. Switzerland versus Serbia and a quarter-final match,” said a Calcuttan in his late 30s, who has called Doha home since 2010.

“Hopefully, the business will be brisk once the tourists start coming in. But I am not sure how many people will come given the strict rules and regulations we have here,” cab driver Jung Thapa said. “Whatever you are seeing now has been built in the last 12-13 years. I am here since 2006 and Qatar has completely changed itself.”

Thapa is one of the many who came to Qatar dreaming of earning money. “I guess everyone comes to earn money here. But our life hasn’t changed much. I still cannot afford to bring my family here. They are in Nepal and I visit them once a year,” he said.

“Matches? Kahan se dekh pauunga... I just hope I get business in the next four weeks,” Thapa said, manoeuvring a bend near the Qatar Foundation, the state-led NGO.

Not just the stadiums, much of the infrastructure in and around Doha has been developed in the last 12 years. The flyovers, the underpasses and the airports... It’s all swanky, and lavish.

A group of 30, all members of the Tablighi Jamaat, a transnational Islamic missionary group, has also come to Qatar from Lahore to enjoy the World Cup ambience. They will watch the Denmark versus Tunisia match on Tuesday. And whom will they support? “Tunisia of course,” pat came the reply.