Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022: Things to know before going

One of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events is the FIFA World Cup 2022, for a variety of reasons. Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 for the first time as an Arab nation, and the FIFA World Cup 2022 would cost about Rs 15,838 billion to host.It will take place in eight cutting-edge stadiums around the nation from November 21 to December 18. Lusail, Al Bayt, Al Rayyan, Al Thumama, Al Wakrah, Khalifa International, Education City, and Ras Abu Aboud Stadiums are among them.

Over 1300 planes per day, for at least a month, are anticipated to arrive at Doha’s Hamad International Airport from all over the world during the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Since this is one of the largest events following the pandemic, travellers may be very anxious about getting a visa, travelling, finding a place to stay, complying with COVID-19 requirements, and organising their vacation in general for this sporting event. We therefore have your back.

Things to remember before travelling to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Required documents

A Hayya card and a visa are two of the most crucial documents that one requires. A Hayya card is required to be carried together with the match ticket as it functions as both a fan ID and an access permission to matches. Both international and non-resident visitors are required to have this card. When entering the nation for the FIFA World Cup 2022, a Hayya card must be carried on the person. The main benefit of having a Hayya card is that spectators can travel for free on game days.

Indian nationals have the option of applying for a visa on arrival, which can be extended for an extra month once it has been obtained and is valid for one month. In order to travel to the country for the matches, you must have medical insurance.

How to reach

Qatar is one of the FIFA destinations that is easiest to get. Additionally, they provide World Cup Packages that enable travellers to book their entire trip at once and save money.

The package includes round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations with meal plans, and reserved stadium seating so that the traveller may relax knowing that everything has been prearranged.

A place to stay

Qatar’s FIFA World Cup

There are hotel deals available for any requirement, so travellers do not have to worry about lodging. Qatar, one of the most tourist-friendly countries in the world, offers a range of accommodations, including both luxurious and inexpensive hotel rooms for football enthusiasts.

Prepare to be pampered at a variety of opulent lodgings in Doha, including the Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village and Four Seasons, with relaxing health treatments, private beaches, and a wide range of dining choices. These hotels offer the height of luxury and authentic Arab hospitality.

Other affordable lodging options include the Four Points by Sheraton, Centro Capital Doha, and Curve Hotel. While in Doha, you can stay at any of the locations to watch your favourite teams play.

The best thing about these hotels is that they are close to all eight stadiums and have good transportation options.

How to get around and travel in Qatar

Despite being one of the richest nations in the world, where residents are more accustomed to driving their luxurious private vehicles, Doha offers a well-connected, affordable, and accessible public transportation system.

Reusable travel cards with connections to all the major stadiums and special access from Hamad International Airport can be purchased. You can always choose a tram service in the event that the metro is uncomfortable along a certain route.

There are also functional cycling routes accessible for those who are fitness enthusiasts. Given that Qatar is a hot country, if the weather allows, you may go for a ride and admire the city’s indisputably chic skyline, which is framed by lush green boulevards. For this activity, bicycles can be rented for a little charge.

What to watch

Those who enjoy the sun, the waves, and the sand will enjoy Qatar’s more than 560 km of coastline. Visitors can unwind at the numerous public and exclusive beaches and participate in a variety of sports like kitesurfing, desert safaris, and camel rides. At Fuwairit Beach, which is also a spot where the rare hawksbill sea turtles lay their eggs, nature enthusiasts can find their own small piece of heaven. Additionally, if you like to fish, you may visit Khor Al-Adaid, which is southeast of Qatar, or the Inland Sea, a place recognised by UNESCO.

The Museum of Islamic Art, which blends Arab great art with a touch of French sensibility, is likely to astound art enthusiasts. It was created by Parisian architect IM Pei, who has won the Pritzker Prize.

From the exotic Souq Waqif market, you can opt to stock up on savoury spices and other genuine Middle Eastern specialties.

Places to eat

Indulge in mouthwatering shawarmas, traditional Qatari fare like machboos, luqaimat, ghuzi, and thareed, as well as American sandwiches and cheeseburgers. Qatar won’t let you down with its selection of cuisine, which will not only satisfy your taste buds but also make you happy inside.

If you want to try some real Qatari food, be sure to visit Katara Cultural Village. Add Shay Al Shomous to the list as well. Two more locations that are ideal for a filling lunch and some of the best biriyani around are Biryani Corner and Marmara Istanbul Restaurant.

If you want some fast eats, Petra Restaurant is fantastic, and Chai Halib is great if you want some Turkish coffee and something light to go with it.

Tickets

The FIFA World Cup tickers are often offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The sale of tickets for the second phase has finished, according to the organization’s official website. Fans need not give up hope, though, since there will be open last-minute sales for this tournament. For further information, go to the website.

Schedule of games

On November 21, in the afternoon, Senegal and the Netherlands (group A) will play at Al Thumama Stadium to kick off the FIFA World Cup 2022. At various stadiums, further games will be played between the host nation Qatar and Ecuador (group A), between England and Iran (group B), and between the United States and Wales/Scotland/Ukraine (group B).

The final game, which will conclude one of the shortest FIFA World Cups ever, is set for December 18 at the famed Lusail Stadium.