Critics of Qatar's 2022 World Cup, refusing to acknowlege that the tiny Gulf nation has won the right to host the event, are now pointing to the costs. A German consultancy estimated that Doha's price tag could reach US$220 billion. About $50 billion would be spent on stadium construction and renovation; another $77 billion on facilities for soccer players and visitors; and $50 billion for transportation projects. Another $45 billion would be spend on constructing a new city, Lusail City, that could eventually be home to 200,000 residents.

Qatar currently has the world's highest per capita income, and perhaps with the exception of the World Cup extravaganza, is spending its money wisely. But in addition to investing money in technology that will keep athletes and fans cool during the soccer matches, Qatar promises an additional 85 miles of rail to transport commuters across the city and to all venues.

But the most exciting development is the building of the 12 venues for soccer matches. Some promise solar, others tout technologies such as cooling gels that will keep faciities and fans comfortable. If Qatar succeeds in transforming its landscape while allowing new and sustainable technologies to scale and decrease in cost, that $220 billion price tag may not seem to ridiculous after all.