The stunning FIFA World Cup celebrations in the Gulf state will begin on December 2, according to organizers, who revealed this during yesterday’s press conference on “Host Country Tournament Readiness.” Fans without tickets will also be able to enter Qatar with a Hayya Card.
The news guarantees a fantastic atmosphere for spectators from all over the world throughout the knockout stage, which starts on December 3 with the Round of 16.
“We are delighted to announce today that non-ticketed fans will be able to enter the State of Qatar after the conclusion of the group stage on 2 December 2022 to enjoy the unique tournament atmosphere,” Colonel Dr. Jabr Hammoud Jabr Al Nuaimi, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior & Safety and Security Operations Committee (SSOC) told reporters at Host Country Media Centre in Msheireb, yesterday.
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“Non-ticketed fans can apply for their Hayya Cards to enter the State of Qatar through the Hayya platform or Hayya to Qatar 2022 mobile app from today, according to the listed requirements and QR 500 entry fee for children aged 12 and over. Under 12 will not be charged,” he added.
Colonel Dr. Jabr also said Qatar is ready to host a safe World Cup.
“We are pleased to announce our readiness to securely host the World Cup. The Ministry of Interior and security forces have worked diligently to put extensive plans and programmes in place to ensure the delivery of a safe and distinguished tournament,” he said, before adding Qatar is an ideal country to host major events safely due to its high ranking in global security and safety indicators.
“For many years, the State of Qatar has been among the highest-ranking countries in global security and safety indicators, topping the list of countries in the Middle East and North Africa,” he said.
“The tournament’s security entails many different objectives, including protecting all World Cup facilities and infrastructure components, as well as building an integrated security capability for the tournament that surpasses the standards and practices used in previous major events,” he added.
The press conference yesterday was held by Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in collaboration with the SSOC and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).
Among the topics, which were discussed included fan experience, transport and medical guidance apart from the security protocols during the World Cup, which begins on November 20.
While giving details about the healthcare provisions, Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Official Healthcare Spokesperson for Qatar 2022, said fans are no longer required to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival in Qatar.
Fans are also no longer required to download the EHTERAZ application.
“Emergency healthcare will be provided for free to Hayya Card holders at public health facilities,” Al Maslamani told reporters.
“We encourage fans to visit our dedicated website for the latest information. We also urge all international fans to take out travel insurance before arriving in Qatar,” he added.
He said medical teams will be present at all the eight stadiums and fan activity zones to provide emergency services for fans during the tournament.
The healthcare helpline for fans in Qatar is: 16000.
Meanwhile, Eng. Ali Al Ali, Deputy Director General – Event Operations, SC, encouraged visiting fans to use public transport during the World Cup, saying Qatar is set to provide the best transport facilities to the fans, which include dedicated bus services and Doha Metro.
“Our state-of-the-art public transport systems will provide seamless options for fans to get around. Thanks to our compact tournament, fans will never be far from a stadium, their accommodation or entertainment site – and will even have the chance to attend more than one match per day during the early stages of the tournament,” Eng. Ali said.
He also encouraged Qatar residents to use their private cars to attend matches.
“We need to work together to make this tournament successful,” Eng. Ali said as he urged fans to reach the venues early.
World Cup opening ceremony to begin at 5pm
Meanwhile, Khalid Al Mawlawi, Deputy Director General, Marketing, Communications & Event Experience at SC informed the opening ceremony of the World Cup will begin at 5pm, two hours before Qatar take on Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.
He said that the venue’s gates will open for fans at 3pm on the inaugural day.
Later speaking to The Peninsula, Al Mawlawi urged fans to reach the 60,000-seat venue early to avoid inconvenience.
“I am advising all the ticket holders to be there, at least two hours before the opening ceremony kicks off,” he said.
Asked about details of the performances during the opening ceremony, which are expected to be spectacular, Al Mawlawi replied with a smile: “Let’s wait and see.”
Earlier Al Mawlawi said plans are in place to organise a vast array of entertainment programmes.
“More than 90 special events will take place on the sidelines of the World Cup. In addition to the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park, the Doha Corniche will be one of the largest fan destinations, with roving performances, cultural activities, food and beverage stalls and retail outlets along its 6km route, with capacity to host more than 70,000 fans every day,” he told reporters.
“Qatar will host a vast array of cultural and entertainment offerings during the World Cup, including more than 90 special events taking place on the sidelines of the tournament. In addition to the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park, the Doha Corniche will be one of the largest fan destinations, with roving performances, cultural activities, food and beverage stalls and retail outlets along its 6km route, with capacity to host more than 70,000 fans every day.”
One of the largest pyrotechnic performances in the world, the daily “Welcome to Qatar” show, will be among the additional events, according to Al Mawlawi. Attractions include theme parks, the 974 Beach Club, the Hayya Fan Zone on the Lusail South Promenade, North Qetaifan Island, and the Arcadia Spectacular and ARAVIA by MDL Beast dance music festivals will all be accessible to visitors at Al Maha Island Lusail. In addition, there will be more than 6,000 performances at 21 venues as part of the Last-Mile Cultural Activations.
The organizers also urged supporters to register for the required Hayya Card, which would grant ticketed spectators entrance to the stadiums and serve as an entry visa for those from outside Qatar.
