An official has stated that incoming soccer fans whose hotel reservations for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar are fraudulent would have their Hayya Cards’ status altered to inactive.
Thani al-Zarraa, director of the SC Transportation Operations Department, said in an interview with Al Kass Channel that the card’s status is “constantly verified” to guarantee that the information provided is correct during the period of the stay.
Even if the necessary Hayya document has already been approved, the digital status could become inactive in the event that false information or bogus and cancelled accommodations are discovered.
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“It is possible to check the Hayya Card at any time and change the status from approved to rejected,” the official added.
Fans travelling to the Gulf nation to attend the mega football tournament are required to have confirmed accommodation. Travellers have a variety of options to choose from, including hotels, fan villages, dhows boats, cruise ships, or opting to stay with a friend or family.
Upon receiving confirmation, fans will then be able to apply for the Hayya Card, a mandatory document for all ticket holders. The card will serve as an entry permit for all international fans from 2 November 2022 and will provide access to stadiums, fan zones, and free public transportation across the country.
In case the status changes to inactive, the fan will not be able to attend any matches or stay in the country.
The equivalent of half of Qatar’s population, or about 1.2 million spectators, are anticipated to visit the nation during the event, posing questions on whether there will be enough rooms to accomodate incoming fans.
However, authorities have been working on expanding the number of hotels over the past decade.
Saudi-Qatar by bus
Saleh al-Nisf, senior manager of Arrivals and Department at Airports, told Al Kass Channel that Qatari airports are expected to receive around 5,700 people each hour during the tournament. Doha International Airport will welcome around 2,000 passengers, while Hamad International Airport will receive 3,700 people each hour.
Meanwhile, those travelling to Qatar from Saudi Arabia by land will have the option to use Qatar busses from within the Gulf nation and up until the Abu Samra border crossing. The terminal is located around 9kms from the border, Al-Zarraa explained.
The official stated that coordination with the Saudi authorities will be used to carry out the plan. The “Friends and Family” section at Al Qalayel or Al Messila will be reached after fans have been escorted from the bus station to the crossing point.
From the parking lots to the arrival halls and vice versa, buses are available. Fans may park in the Abu Samra parking lots for free for one day only; anyone parking longer than one day will be ticketed.
“Any delay up to 48 hours is subject to a fee of QR1,000, while delays more than 48 hours are subject to a price of QR1,000 and legal action for the violation.”
