With the FIFA World Cup 2022 just over a month away, Qatar is all set to stage an exceptional edition of the historic football showpiece on and off the field, organisers said yesterday.
Speaking at a crowded ‘One Month to Go’ press conference in Doha yesterday, top officials of the FIFA, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Qatar 2022 LLC said all operational arrangements have been made with only fine-tuning to be done in the remaining days before hosts Qatar take on Ecuador in tournament’s opening game at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.
With ticket sales approaching a whopping 3 million, organisers said enough accommodation options are available for the visiting fans as they announced 30,000 additional rooms yesterday. Around 1.2 million fans are expected to visit the country during the World Cup to take place over 29 days.
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“We have always said that Qatar will deliver the best ever edition of the FIFA World Cup. And as you look around the country today, at the state-of-the-art stadiums, the training pitches, the metro, the wider infrastructure, everything is ready and everyone is welcome,” said FIFA President, Gianni Infantino during a video message from Kuala Lumpur, where he attended the AFC Executive Committee meeting.
“The world is excited. Qatar is ready. The stage is set. Together, we will deliver the best World Cup ever on and off the field,” he added.
The organisers yesterday said 2.89 million tickets had been sold for the 64 matches to be played at eight state-of-the-art stadiums.
Besides the host country, highest tickets demand was recorded from fans in the United States, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, France, Brazil and Germany.
To assist the visiting fans, an International Consular Services Centre will be established at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, which will continue operations from November 1 to December 25, 2022, it was also announced yesterday.
As many as 90 consular staff from 45 embassies will be available to assist fans from 10am to 10pm during the period.
“After more than a decade of hard work and close collaboration with stakeholders across the country, Qatar stands ready to host a memorable edition of the FIFA World Cup,” Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, SC Director General, said.
“The compact nature of our tournament means visitors will never be far from the action – always close to a stadium or entertainment activation. We look forward to hosting a tournament that will live long in the memory for fans from across the globe,” he added.
Unrivalled entertainment destinations
While there will be plenty of action on the field among the world’s 32 strongest teams, organisers are also set to host over 90 fan activations all across the country to ensure the best experience for the fans.
The FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park that will host up to 40,000 fans every day is expected to be the centre of attraction during the tournament. In addition, the 6km Corniche Activation from Sheraton Park to the Museum of Islamic Art will feature roving performances, retail stores and food and beverage kiosks.
Other activities will include the daily ‘Welcome to Qatar’ show – a water and pyrotechnics display that will feature music from the Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack, Qatari composer Wael Binali and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
Theme park rides and other attractions at Al Maha Island Lusail will also be open to fans, as will the Ras Abu Aboud 974 Beach Club, the Hayya Fan Zone at Lusail South Promenade and the QetaiFAN Beach Fest. Dance music fans will flock to the 15,000-capacity Arcadia Spectacular and 5,000-capacity ARAVIA by MDL BEAST. In addition, Last-Mile Cultural Activations will feature more than 6,000 performances in 21 locations, entertaining fans on their way to stadiums.
“Qatar is ready to host a global celebration of the beautiful game. We look forward to welcoming fans and players from across the world as they sample our welcoming hospitality, vast array of entertainment options and, of course, top-class international football. It promises to be a unique edition of the FIFA World Cup – and one that will leave a lasting, positive impact on Qatar, the Middle East and the Arab world,” said Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC.
Speaking on security arrangements during the World Cup Al Khater said: “Qatar has signed agreements with several countries to contribute to policing and security arrangements. We have set up an International Police Coordination Centre (IPCC). It is not a foreign concept. Many major international sporting events have a centralised policing unit working together. There will be fans from all over the world descending on Qatar during the World Cup and it makes sense to have policing units especially from those countries whose fans are coming here.”
Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer FIFA World Cup, Colin Smith said FIFA believes in “dialogue over boycott” as he replied to a query regarding unfair criticism on Qatar.
“We have seen the power and the strength of the World Cup as a catalyst for change in the region. We have worked hand in hand with authorities in Qatar over many years. And worked with organisations, who have recognised the progress that is made in Qatar,” he said.
“This is a World Cup for everyone. We are tremendously excited to welcome everyone from all nationalities in what is a sports event, it’s a festival of football that brings the world together and that’s the power of events like FIFA World Cup can do. So we very much believe in positive dialogue and approach that bring people together. Let’s unify everyone here in celebration of what will be an amazing event,” he added.
At the press conference, the fans were also reminded to apply for the mandatory Hayya Card and book their accommodation as soon as possible.
