Weeks before the match at Al Bayt stadium began, a top Qatari official announced that about 260,000 Hayya fan ID cards had been given to ticket holders.
Any World Cup fans intending to enter the nation must do so through the State of Qatar’s digital Hayya card, which is the single entry point.
Saeed Al Kuwari, Executive Director of the Hayya platform at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, disclosed the figure in an interview with CNBC Arabia TV this week.
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In past statements, Al Kuwari said the Hayya card was issued as part of the country’s security strategy for the winter tournament.
The Hayya card will serve as an entry visa for international fans, including GCC nationals who purchased a match ticket and act as a required permit for those wishing to enter the World Cup stadiums.
Hayya cardholders will also be allowed to remain in Qatar until 23 Jan 2023 and can freely travel in and out of Qatar as they like.
After purchasing a FIFA match ticket, fans must apply for the required Hayya card, which serves as a ‘fan ID’ and entitles them to various benefits, such as free public transit and access to activities during the World Cup affair.
Al Kuwari said approval for a Hayya card takes five days for applicants from outside Qatar and three days for those who apply within the country.
“We have a complete team comprising about 80 people to ensure that the approval would be done on time. The given time of five days from outside and three days from Qatar is before the World Cup begins. During the tournament, however, the approval time will be made faster,” Al Kuwari said.
Hayya Card to be reviewed
According to a report by Qatar Tribune, Hayya cardholders may not be required to enter Qatar 12 days after the commencement of the World Cup.
Depending on Qatar’s condition at the time, the Hayaa Card case will be reviewed, the report said, citing Al Kuwari.
“After the first 12 days of the tournament, the entry procedures would be reviewed in line with the existing situation then. The Arab world’s first-ever FIFA World Cup is expected to bring more than 1.7 million people to Qatar in those months,” the official said.
2.45 million tickets have already been sold, according to FIFA, for this year’s World Cup in Qatar. At the end of September, the public will be able to purchase match tickets for the remaining approximately 500,000 seats.
GCC nationals, particularly Saudis, who are anticipated to travel in huge numbers to watch the first World Cup in the Middle East, are likely to show interest in the upcoming phase.
