Tag: doha

Remote desert camps house World Cup fans on a budget

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AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — For scores of foreign soccer fans, the road to the World Cup in Doha starts every morning at a barren campsite in the middle of the desert.

Visitors who found hotels in central Doha booked up or far beyond their budget have settled for the faraway, dust-blown tent village in Al Khor, where there are no locks on tents nor beers on draft.

Others simply wanted an adventure. On Wednesday a DJ blasted electronic dance music around a fire pit as a smattering of fans lounged on beanbags, sipped sodas and gazed up at big screens roughly an hour from Doha.

“I’m here because I couldn’t find anywhere else,” said Haidar Haji, a 27-year-old architectural engineer from Kuwait. He said it was a pain to trek into Doha every morning from the tent village, but he had no other option. “The hotels were just too expensive. It was crazy.”

Even so, Al Khor fan village is not cheap. Haji said he’s paying $450 a night for his sparse makeshift shelter, which authorities advertise as a “perfect destination for a truly enjoyable and lavish stay.” The tents are equipped with plumbing and basic furniture. The site has a swimming pool and upscale Arabic restaurant.

From the moment that Qatar was named host of the World Cup, fears mounted over how the tiny country would find rooms for the massive influx of 1.2 million fans — equal to almost one-third of the population.

Qatar’s frenzied building program delivered tens of thousands of rooms through new hotels, rented apartments and even three giant cruise ships. But soaring prices have forced many thrifty fans into remote desert campsites and giant fan villages in Doha’s outer reaches, including one near the airport consisting of corrugated box rooms.

At Al Khor Village, many fans complained about the isolation, and lack of alcohol.

“Honestly, you can find more alcohol in Tehran,” said Parisa, a 42-year-old Iranian oil worker who declined to give her last name, citing the political situation in Iran. She was gazing into space in the campsite common area, and said she had little idea how to fill her time. Doha’s swanky hotel bars were miles away. “We thought they would open up more for the foreigners to have fun.”

Paola Bernal from Tabasco, southern Mexico, wasn’t sure what to expect from the first World Cup in the Middle East. But she said she’s been surprised by how long it takes to traverse the world’s tiniest host country. The buses from the campsite are a “mess,” she said, and stop running at 10 p.m., forcing fans to fork out large sums for Uber rides.

“There are such long distances, I don’t know how,” she said. Although some stadiums are linked to Doha’s gleaming new metro network, they often require a 2.5 kilometer (1.5 mile) walk from the stations. Other grounds can only be reached by bus, with some drop-off points a trek from stadium gates — and desirable bars and restaurants even further afield.

Al Khor’s arid grounds are no selfie-taker’s paradise. But Nathan Thomas, a site designer, said he was very pleased with the “authentic Arabian” result. The only major worry, he said, is security. Not every tent is in eyeshot of a guard post. Tents have no locks. Their flaps easily untie.

“We keep telling people it’s a safe country, don’t worry,” he said.

From the Free Zone Fan Village, in the desert south of Doha, fans were lugging suitcases across large swaths of artificial turf under the glare of stadium lights. The manufactured cabins are some of the cheapest available accommodation, starting at roughly $200 a night. Every few minutes, low-flying planes roar over the village to the old airport, which has been reopened to handle daily shuttle flights to the tournament. Banners plastered on the trailers urge fans to “Cheer up.”

Just days before the tournament, social media filled with images of toilets that had yet to be installed and wires still coiled on the dirt to hook up water and electricity.

Many complained of excessively long waits to check in. A crowd of guests waiting in line Wednesday night said they couldn’t get their rooms because the reception desk wasn’t sure who had already checked out. “We wanted good vibes, good energy, to be with other people,” said Mouman Alani from Morocco. “This is very disorganized.”

One camper on Twitter lambasted the site as “Fyre Festival 2.0,” referring to an infamous music festival billed as a luxury getaway that left fans scrambling for makeshift shelters on a dark beach.

“When we went to our room, it was all messed up,” said Aman Mohammed, a 23-year-old from Kolkata, India, at the common area on Wednesday. He said he waited two hours under the searing sun for a cleaner to arrive the day before. “It was stinking so bad, like a bad bathroom. It was pathetic.”

But, he insisted, there was no false advertising. The website shows scores of colorful metal boxes side by side in a vast dusty lot. And despite his disappointment, he said, the World Cup was ultimately about the soccer.

“(Cristiano) Ronaldo is playing his last World Cup, I’m here just to see him,” Mohammed said, referring to the superstar competing for Portugal in the tournament. “To attend this is a dream for me since I was a child.”

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Associated Press reporter Jon Gambrell in Doha contributed to this report.

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November 25, 2022
Empty streets, cranes: the city built for Qatar’s World Cup

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LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Less than a month before it is set to host the World Cup final, Lusail City is oddly quiet.

Wide empty streets, idle lobbies and construction cranes are everywhere in the sleek district 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the capital, Doha, built to accommodate World Cup fans and hundreds of thousands of host nation Qatar’s residents.

But with soccer’s biggest event underway, the empty futuristic city is raising questions about how much use the infrastructure Qatar built for the event will get after more than a million soccer fans leave the small Gulf Arab nation after the tournament.

Elias Garcia, a 50-year old business owner from San Francisco, visited Lusail City from Doha with a friend on a day when there wasn’t a soccer game in the city’s bowl-shaped, golden stadium.

“We came to check it out but there’s not much here,” Garcia said, looking up at a huge crescent-shaped skyscraper behind him designed to look like the curved swords on Qatar’s national emblem.

Across the street, a building site was concealed by a low fence illustrated with desert scenes. “Everything looks like it’s under construction,” Garcia said. “It’s just empty lots with little walls they put up to make you think it’s up and running.”

Driving north from Doha, Lusail City’s glittering skyline and marina are hard to miss. Pastel-colored towers that look like crates stacked on each other rise from the desert. Wide avenues give way to zigzagging buildings, glass domes and clusters of neoclassical housing blocks. It’s unclear if anyone lives in them. Most are advertised as luxury hotels, apartments or commercial office space. Cranes hang above many buildings.

Plans for Lusail City had been around since 2005 but construction was fast-tracked after Qatar won the rights to host the World Cup five years later. Backed by Qatar’s $450 billion sovereign wealth fund, the city was designed to be compact and pedestrian friendly and is connected by Doha’s new metro and a light rail.

Fahad Al Jahamri, who manages projects at Qatari Diar, the real estate company behind the city that’s backed by Qatar’s Investment Authority, has called Lusail City a self-contained “extension of Doha.”

Officials have also said the city is part of broader plans that natural gas-rich Qatar has to build its knowledge economy — an admission of the type of white-collar professionals the country hopes to attract to the city long-term.

But reaching its goal of housing 400,000 people in Lusail City could be tough in a country where only 300,000 people are citizens, and many of the 2.9 million residents are poor migrants who live in camps, not luxury towers.

Even during the World Cup, Lusail City is noticeably quieter than Doha, itself the site of jaw-dropping amounts of construction over the past decade in preparation for the event.

At the Place Vendome, a luxury mall named for the grand Parisian square, many stores are not yet open. A few tourists snapped pictures of Lusail City’s skyline on a recent afternoon from the mall while cashiers talked among themselves. At a building downtown housing the Ministry of Culture and other government offices, a security guard said almost everyone had left by 11 a.m.

“Even on the metro, if you go on a day when there’s not a match, there are like five to 10 people on it besides you,” Garcia said.

On the man-made Al Maha Island, a crowd of World Cup fans and locals lounged at an upscale beach club, pulling on shisha tobacco pipes and dipping into a swimming pool.

Timothe Burt-Riley directed workers at an art gallery opening later that night. The French gallery director said Lusail City – or at least Al Maha Island with its amusement park, high-end boutiques, restaurants and lounges, would be a place where locals come to meet.

“This is a totally man-made island,” Burt-Riley said, “it’s pretty crazy what they can do.”

He said Qatar could find a way to make use of the infrastructure it’s built for the World Cup, including seven new soccer stadiums, but admitted, “it might take time.”

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Follow Suman Naishadham on Twitter: @SumanNaishadham

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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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November 25, 2022
Ecuador dampens Qatar’s party as controversial World Cup gets underway | CNN

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Al Khor, Qatar
CNN
—

For the past year, a giant clock in Doha has been counting down to the opening match of the World Cup. Qatar and the world need wait no more, after this controversial tournament got underway Sunday with the host losing 2-0 to Ecuador.

After a spectacular opening ceremony, which starred the likes of Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman and BTS star Jung Kook, the sport itself finally took center stage after being overshadowed by off-the-pitch matters during the build-up.

It wasn’t the result that many in Qatar would have hoped for. The host looked nervous and struggled against an opposition possessing experience and quality. In truth, the game was all but over at halftime, with Ecuador comfortably 2-0 up thanks to two goals by Enner Valencia.

All the excitement pre-match slowly drained away from the stadium in the second half and there were noticeably more empty seats as some fans seemed to have had enough.

The nearer we got to Sunday’s kickoff in Doha, the more excited fans in this city became. A magnificent firework display lit up the sky on Saturday night and social media exploded with Qataris making their enthusiasm known about hosting one of sport’s biggest events.

Over the last few days, fans from around the world have gathered in squares in downtown Doha to sing, chant and wave their national flags, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

That festival spirit continued on match day, from the city center to the newly-built Al Bayt Stadium, which hosted the opening match of this historic World Cup, the first to be held in the Middle East.

At times, it has felt like any other major international tournament, but the build-up to this event has, of course, been unlike any other.

Corruption scandals plagued FIFA, world football’s governing body, after it awarded Qatar the tournament in 2010 – though Qatari officials have previously “strongly denied” to CNN the allegations of bribery which has surrounded its bid.

For over a decade, and increasingly so as kickoff neared, the pre-tournament build-up has focused on the country’s human rights record, from the death of migrant workers and the conditions many have endured in Qatar, as well as its LGBTQ laws and the role of women in its society. The country’s last-minute ban of alcohol in World Cup stadiums also made headlines around the world.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s remarkable press conference on the eve of the opening game demonstrated just how little on-field issues have featured so far.

The FIFA boss addressed hundreds of journalists in Doha, Saturday, and started the news conference with a near hour-long speech, during which he accused Western critics of hypocrisy and racism.

Those involved in the tournament have faced much criticism. Colombian singer Maluma, who features in the official World Cup anthem, walked out of an interview on Israeli television when he was questioned about the Gulf state’s human rights record.

The opening ceremony itself focused heavily on unity, with performances giving a nod to all the countries playing in this year’s tournament.

While the pre-match attention was inevitably on the host nation, Qatar’s opponents also had a story to tell as its place in the tournament was only confirmed weeks ago after it was involved in a legal dispute with rivals Chile.

It centered around the eligibility of Bryon Castillo who, rivals argued, was ineligible to represent Ecuador over claims he was born in Colombia. The case was referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who deemed Castillo eligible but, despite this, he was not included in his nation’s World Cup squad for Qatar 2022. On Sunday’s showing, it doesn’t look like the team miss Castillo.

Minutes after the game started, the noisy Ecuadorian fans were celebrating after it appeared their side had taken the lead. Valencia headed in from close range but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) deemed Valencia was offside and disallowed the goal.

But just minutes later, the yellow shirts were celebrating again as Valencia put his side ahead from the penalty spot. Goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb had fouled the forward as he attempted to skip beyond him.

The captain doubled his tally before the first half finished, directing a bullet header into the bottom corner as Qatar looked short of confidence and belief.

Now that the action is underway, organizers will hope attention will move away from human rights and other off-field issues. But, in truth, this tournament’s legacy will not be determined on the pitch. Instead, it will be decided by real change and the improvement of the lives of the people who helped make it happen.

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November 20, 2022
Qatar makes World Cup debut in a controversial tournament of firsts | CNN

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Doha, Qatar
CNN
—

There have been 21 editions of the men’s World Cup since its inauguration in 1930 but Qatar 2022 is set to be a tournament like no other.

Since it was announced as the host city almost 12 years ago, it was always destined to be a World Cup of firsts.

From extreme weather to tournament debuts, CNN takes a look at the ways this year’s competition will be breaking new ground.

This will be the first time the Qatari men’s national team will participate in a World Cup finals, having failed to qualify through usual means in the past.

FIFA, the sport’s governing body, permits a host nation to take part in a World Cup without having to go through the qualifying rounds, which means the small Gulf state can now test itself against the best in world soccer.

Qatar is relatively new to the sport, having played its first official match in 1970, but the country has fallen in love with the beautiful game and the national team has steadily improved.

In 2004, The Aspire Academy was founded in the hope of finding and developing all of Qatar’s most talented sportspeople.

In recent years, that has reaped rewards for its soccer team. Qatar won the Asia Cup in 2019, capping off one of the most memorable runs in the tournament’s history, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament.

Seventy percent of the squad that won the trophy came through the academy, and that number has only increased heading into the World Cup.

Coached by Spaniard Felix Sanchez, Qatar will be looking to surprise people and faces a relatively kind group, alongside Ecuador, Senegal and The Netherlands.

The World Cup has always been held in either May, June or July but Qatar 2022 will break away from such tradition – more out of necessity.

Temperatures in Qatar can reach over 40 degrees Celsius over those months so, with this in mind, the tournament was moved to a cooler time.

However, winter in Qatar is a relative term with temperatures still likely to be around 30 degrees, but organizers hope to combat the heat with multiple methods, such as high-tech cooling systems in stadiums.

The change in tournament dates has played havoc with some of the biggest domestic leagues in the world.

All of Europe’s top leagues have had to work a winter break into their schedules, meaning congested fixture lists before and after the tournament.

One of FIFA’s justifications for awarding Qatar the hosting rights was the ability to take the tournament to a new part of the world.

None of the 21 previous World Cups have been held in an Islamic country and this month’s tournament will be a chance for the region to celebrate its growing love for the game.

However, it undoubtedly raises a few problems that organizers have had to tackle. For many fans, drinking alcohol has, and will continue to be, a big part of the experience of such tournaments.

In Qatar, though, it’s illegal to be seen drunk in public, which has forced organizers to come up with inventive ways to circumnavigate the issue.

As a result, alcohol will only be served in designated fan parks around Doha and there will be separate areas for fans to sober up before and after matches.

World’s only openly gay active pro footballer is concerned for LGBTQ community ahead of Qatar 2022

04:39

– Source:
CNN

Another question mark around the tournament is how the country will be able to deal with the influx of an expected one million visitors, given it’s the smallest country to host the World Cup, with a population of just under three million.

As a result, all eight stadiums are in and around Doha, the capital city, and are all within an hour’s drive of each other.

Organizers say the travel infrastructure – including buses, metro and car hires – will be able to cope with the increased pressure.

One benefit of the small distances between venues is that fans will be able to see up to two games in one day. Should traffic be kind.

Due to its size, Qatar has also had to be smart with its accommodation. Two cruise ships, MSC Poesia and MSC World Europa, are being moored in Doha to provide some support to hotels.

Both vessels will offer the usual cruise ship experience, but fans won’t be sailing any further than the 10-minute shuttle-bus ride into the heart of Doha.

For those fans prone to a touch of sea sickness, organizers have also built three ‘Fan Villages’ which will offer a place to stay on the outskirts of the city.

These include a variety of accommodation – including caravans, portacabins and even camping experiences – and all are located within reasonable distances of the venues.

Also, for those able to afford a little more, there will be luxury yachts docked in Doha’s harbor, which can offer a place to sleep for, let’s face it, an extortionate price.

FIFA has pledged to make Qatar 2022 the first carbon neutral World Cup, as world soccer’s governing body continues its pledge to make the sport more environmentally friendly.

It, alongside Qatar, pledged to offset carbon emissions by investing in green projects and buying carbon credits – a common practice used by businesses to “cancel out” the impact of a carbon footprint.

Qatar, the world’s largest emitter per capita of carbon dioxide, has said it will keep emissions low and remove as much carbon from the atmosphere as the tournament produces by investing in projects that will capture the greenhouse gases.

For instance, it will be sowing the seeds for the largest turf farm in the world by planting 679,000 shrubs and 16,000 trees.

The plants will be laid at stadiums and elsewhere around the country and are supposed to absorb thousands of tons of carbon from the atmosphere every year.

However, critics have accused organizers of “greenwashing” the event – a term used to call out those who try to cover their damage to the environment and climate with green initiatives that are either false, misleading or overstated.

Carbon Market Watch (CMW), a nonprofit advocacy group specializing in carbon pricing, says Qatar’s calculations are grossly underestimated.

Qatar 2022 will also see female referees officiate a men’s World Cup match for the first time.

Yamashita Yoshimi, Salima Mukansanga and Stephanie Frappart have all been named among the 36 officials selected for the tournament.

They will be joined by Neuza Back, Karen Diaz Medina and American Kathryn Nesbitt, who will be traveling to the Gulf nation as assistants.

Frappart is arguably the most famous name on the list after she wrote her name into the history books in 2020 by becoming the first woman to take charge of a men’s Champions League match.

But looking to learn from her in Qatar is Rwanda’s Mukansanga, who told CNN that she was excited to embrace the challenge of refereeing at a major tournament.

“I would look at what the referees are doing, just to copy the best things they’re doing, so that one day I would be in the World Cup like this,” she said, adding that her family couldn’t wait to see her take to the pitch.

It’s not yet decided when the women will be refereeing their first match at the tournament, but there will be some new rules to enforce.

For the first time, teams will be able to use up to five substitutes and managers can now pick from a squad of 26 players, rather than the usual 23.

Qatar 2022 is set to start on November 20. You can follow CNN’s coverage of the World Cup here.

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November 20, 2022
EXPLAINER: Traveling to, around Qatar during FIFA World Cup

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Some 1.2 million people are expected to pour into Qatar during the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup that begins this month.

With fans coming from all over the world, reaching Qatar on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as getting around once there, remains a concern. Estimates suggest that as many as half a million people may be in the country each day during the height of the competition.

However, fans have a variety of transportation options to choose from ahead of the tournament.

Here’s a look at how to get there, where to go and how to move around.

FLYING TO QATAR

Qatar has become a hub for East-West travel, thanks to its long-haul carrier Qatar Airways. Already, the airline is offering tailored flight, hotel and ticket options for its customers. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is gearing up to have its low-cost carrier FlyDubai run as many as 30 trips a day into Doha to allow spectators to watch a match and then shuttle back to hotels in the emirate. Those flying in will land at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, a massive airport that Qatar built for $15 billion and opened in 2014. The airport has plans to expand further in 2022 to handle 58 million passengers a year. Passengers will clear immigration and customs checks before heading out into the city. Note that during the tournament, Qatar won’t be issuing normal visas and those coming for the matches must have a Qatari-issued Hayya Card. The card verifies you have housing for the time you’re in the country or will travel in just for the match you’re watching. The Hayya Card also is required for entry into stadiums. Also keep in mind that Qatar has only one land border, with Saudi Arabia, if you’re thinking about driving.

CORONAVIRUS CONSIDERATIONS

Qatar has had strict rules regarding travel and the coronavirus since the pandemic began, but they were loosened as of Nov. 1. Qatar has dropped a requirement for PCR testing prior to your trip to the country, and said it’s no longer required to download its Ehteraz contact-tracing app.

HOW TO GET AROUND QATAR

As you walk out of the airport, you have several options on how to get around. Qatar’s state-owned Mowasalat transportation company offers taxi cabs at curbside. Major ride-hailing apps like Uber also work in Qatar. Mowasalat runs a bus service at the airport, too. Doha also has a recently built metro service, which will take you from the airport to most areas in the capital. The metro also connects to a tram now running in Lusail. You can rent a car at the airport, though officials are urging those coming to the tournament to take mass transit. On match day, public transport will be free to those holding tickets. Keep in mind that Qatar’s riyal currency trades at $1 to 3.64 riyals. There are 100 dirhams in each riyal.

WHAT TO SEE WHILE IN QATAR

Outside of the tournament, Doha has several cultural sites to visit. Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art offers both interesting views inside its galleries and a view outside of the city’s skyline. Nearby is Doha’s Souq Waqif, which has traditional storefronts and gifts for sale — including even a falcon section. The National Museum of Qatar, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is a take on the desert rose. Qatar’s National Library also is renowned for its design. Doha’s Mall of Qatar has some 500,000 square meters (5.3 million square feet) for shopping. There are also beachfront resorts and tour companies offer trips into Qatar’s desert expanses as well.

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Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

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November 5, 2022
World Cup ticket sales top 90% of stadium capacity in Qatar

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DOHA, Qatar — Nearly 2.9 million tickets have been sold for the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA and organizers said Monday, leaving about 7% of seats still available.

People living in the United States, Saudi Arabia and England topped the list of international ticket buyers, while Mexico was the biggest market outside Qatar for corporate hospitality sales.

More tickets will become available before the tournament starts on Nov. 20, FIFA’s tournament director Colin Smith said at a news conference in Doha held with Qatari organizers.

Tickets can typically become available late because stakeholders such as sponsors and FIFA member federations return them from their quotas.

About 1.2 million international visitors are expected in Qatar for the 29-day tournament with extra accommodation still being added to avoid a shortage of rooms in the tiny emirate.

Qatari officials said 2 million separate room nights have already been sold to fans — in hotels, apartments, cruise ships and some camping sites — with 30,000 room options now added to the capacity.

Those new rooms added a total capacity of about 1 million room nights, said Yasir Al Jamal, director general of the Qatari organizing committee.

Extra capacity was added last week with the hiring of a third, 1,075-cabin cruise ship to dock in Doha port as a floating hotel. Prices started at $470 each night during the opening two weeks when all 32 teams are still involved.

Though 420,000 people worldwide applied to be a tournament volunteer working in Qatar, only 20,000 have been chosen, organizers said. A total of 11%, about 2,200 people, will come from abroad and 89% are from Qatar.

Organizers said an innovation for this World Cup will be a central base for consular services with 45 countries represented by their embassy staff, in an exhibition hall in the downtown West Bay area.

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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports

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October 17, 2022
Qatari Emir met with Putin to ‘defuse tensions’ between Moscow and Doha, source says | CNN

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Abu Dhabi
CNN
—

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim al-Thani met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday to “defuse tensions” between Moscow and Doha, a source familiar with the talks, but not authorized to speak about them publicly, told CNN.

The United States and the European Union were briefed on the meeting before it took place, said the source.

“The purpose of the meeting between Qatar’s Emir and President Putin was to defuse the tensions between Russia and Qatar, which have grown following several events,” the source said.

A strain in the relationship between the two countries has emerged in recent months. The source said tensions have increased several times: after the Emir held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky on Monday; after Qatar criticized Russia’s planned annexation of Ukrainian territory; and after Qatar’s participation in a meeting with NATO +8 countries in Germany in April.

The deteriorating relationship is now complicating Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in the region, the source said.

Qatar was attempting to help the revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal by relaying messages between Tehran and Washington. Separately, the tiny Gulf country was working with Russia and Turkey under a trilateral consultation process aimed at helping to find a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

“Qatar needs cordial relations with Russia and others in the region in order to be able to continue on various mediation and diplomatic files,” the source said.

During the meeting, the Emir told Putin that there is opportunity to strengthen the “historic ties” between Qatar and Russia on a political level and that there are “prospects” in energy cooperation, the Kremlin said in a statement.

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October 13, 2022
Qatar’s ‘World of Restaurants’ Provides a Taste of Home for Football Fans

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DOHA, Qatar, October 6, 2022 (Newswire.com)
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Qatar Tourism reveals a menu of top international restaurants, cafés and cuisines for football fans and visitors to Qatar looking to indulge in a taste of home. For the thousands travelling to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something to suit all palates as visitors will have the choice of over 3,000 food and beverage outlets in Qatar.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “From fine dining to street food, Qatar offers a diverse range of cuisines from all over the world. We have an abundance of international restaurants to cater to all tastes and cultures, but I would really encourage fans to sample the delicious local Qatari dishes while they are here.”

In advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Tourism has compiled a list of restaurants and cafés in Doha featuring cuisines from each of the countries competing in the tournament.

Group A – Qatar | Ecuador | Senegal | Netherlands

Qatar

Curious fans can try a taste of the home nation by breakfasting at Shay Al Shomous at Souq Waqif, famous for its charismatic owner Shams Al Qassabi. Gahwetna in The Pearl-Qatar serves authentic local delicacies, such as moshakshaka and zaatar. For extravagance, look no further than Jiwan at the National Museum of Qatar. Jiwan, the Qatari word for the perfect pearl, is spearheaded by Alain Ducasse and takes diners on a contemporary journey of Qatari cuisine. At Saasna, in Msheireb, creative Qatari chefs prepare local classics such as baddawi, saloona meat and saffron cake.

Ecuador

Fans with a sweet tooth should stop by Chocolataria Equador for some of the best chocolate treats in town. The speciality shop monitors the origin of its own cocoa beans to ensure fair trade and delivery of only the highest quality products.

Senegal

A slice of Senegal can be found in the heart of Doha at Sabali. The restaurant sits in the city’s Tornado Tower and serves a variety of delicious Senegalese dishes, along with refreshing bissap juice.

Netherlands

Hungry visitors from Holland will find mini Dutch pancakes from Poffertjes are a popular street food option at pop-up stalls across the city.

Group B – England | Iran | USA | Wales

England

British fans should stop by The Red Lion Doha for a traditional pub-like atmosphere; with lots of screens, it’s a great place to watch the matches. Harrods Tea Rooms Doha offers a more refined experience, deeply rooted in the traditions of London’s most famous department store.

Iran

Parisa, in Souq Waqif, is the ideal place to sample much-loved Iranian-speciality dishes. The walls of this palatial restaurant are covered in colourful tiles and mirrors, an authentic setting for the delicious ‘home recipes’ prepared by Chef Ali Reza.

USA

American food lovers are spoilt for choice with a range of top BBQ, diner and burger joints to visit. Boston’s, Ted’s American Diners, Applebee’s, Public House Doha, The Cheesecake Factory, Santa Monica Breakfast Club, New York Steakhouse… the list goes on and on.

Wales

Delicious Welsh lamb – the country’s most iconic food export - is served in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Fans should visit one of Qatar’s many steakhouses, such as STK Doha, for their excellent lamb shanks.

Group C – Argentina | Saudi Arabia | Mexico | Poland

Argentina

Visitors will find a quaint restaurant called La Boca in the heart of Souq Waqif, which specialises in Argentinian cuisine. And bringing Doha diners a taste of Latin America is Fuego – meaning fire – which focuses on authentic flavoursome ingredients.

Saudi Arabia

Healthy Saudi dishes are now on offer at Qatar’s new Koozi restaurant, which only just opened in September 2022. All the dishes, such as madghut chicken, okra, and molokhia, offer excellent value for money, from just 3 USD.

Mexico

Head to Lusail Food Arena for a taste of Mexican street food. The burritos and tacos of Abocado are dished up from inside a giant, yellow, converted school bus. Isla Mexican Kitchen, La Bodega Negra, El Cedro Lounge and Maya make up some more of Qatar’s many Mexican options.

Poland

Budget-friendly plates of Polish cuisine are served at Polka in Madinat Khalifa, where the dishes are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. Try Polish dumplings and homemade apple juice, ‘kompot’, alongside tasty plates such as Grandma Kristina’s Veggie Salad.

Group D – France | Australia | Denmark | Tunisia

France

Loleya Patisserie by Chef Aziz, located within the recently opened Le Royal Méridien Doha, offers classic French pastries, unique cakes and sweets, which are complemented by iconic Arab signature desserts. La Maison Martinez offers traditional dishes including French toast, côte de bœuf baguette and croque truffles.

Australia

Visitors seeking a dish from Down Under should look no further than The Coffee Club for a classic Aussie brunch accompanied by a flat white, or the Outback Steakhouse for its take on the Australian barbeque.

Denmark

Competing with French cuisine for the most delectable pastries, the mini cream cheese Danish pastries from Pinna Bakery & Café cannot be missed.

Tunisia

For fresh, tasty and authentic Tunisian cuisine, visit Sidi Bou Said Restaurant – be sure to try the couscous platter.

Group E – Spain | Costa Rica | Germany | Japan

Spain

Fans with a taste for tapas should visit The Cellar in the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, or El Faro inside Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha. Both offer lively settings and a vibrant atmosphere, with traditional recipes from across the Iberian Peninsula.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s renowned high-quality coffee beans can be found in many of Qatar’s top cafés, such as Vulcan Coffee Roastery in downtown Doha.

Germany

German and Arabian hospitality are united at Steigenberger Hotel Doha, which features a variety of cafés and restaurants with Germanic roots. Crust serves up typical German bread and pastry specialities, and “Genuss” Speciality Restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a German twist.

Japan

Many of Qatar’s Japanese restaurants represent the crème de la crème of international cuisine on offer in the country. The world’s largest Nobu is located in the Four Seasons Hotel Doha and sits on its own private island. Morimoto features excellent steak and sushi from the famous Iron Chef and Sora offers spectacular sunset views of Doha’s skyline on the 21^st floor of the Park Hyatt Doha. For something more budget-friendly, Ninja Ramen Qatar serves authentic noodles imported from Japan.

Group F – Belgium | Canada | Morocco | Croatia

Belgium

European cuisine and the best of Belgian beverages can be found at the Belgian Café Doha. Housed within InterContinental Doha, the popular venue attracts the crowds for its extensive outdoor terrace offering views over the Arabian Gulf.

Canada

Arguably the best doughnuts in Doha can be found at Canadian fast-food chain Tim Hortons, which has branches in the capital’s top shopping malls. First-timers should sample a mini-Timbit, the chain’s popular powdered cake ball.

Morocco

Must-try Moroccan spots in Qatar include Argan Moroccan Cuisine with its famous harira soup, Marrakech Restaurant, which features extravagant interiors, and Tajeen Restaurant, which is tucked away in bustling Souq Waqif.

Croatia

Guests lucky enough to be staying on the Golden Horizon – the largest square-rigged cruise ship in the world – during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ can expect a Croatian cultural feast on board, including Balkan-inspired delicacies.

Group G – Brazil | Serbia | Switzerland | Cameroon

Brazil

Ipanema Doha, at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, offers Brazil’s popular churrascaria concept: large chunks of slow-cooked meat are presented on sword-style skewers and carved table-side by passadores. A traditional Brazilian experience, this restaurant features live music from a trio band each evening from Monday to Saturday.

Serbia

The Middle Eastern equivalent of sarma, one of the most popular Serbian dishes, involves stuffing vine leaves rather than cabbage. It is a popular meze option across Qatar’s regional restaurants, such as Sukar Pasha in Katara, where ancient culinary traditions are preserved in a contemporary setting.

Switzerland

The Suisse Chalet Restaurant & Café offers Alpine delights to its visitors in the colourful Qanat Quartier district of The Pearl-Qatar, while the Swiss-Café at Swiss-Belinn Doha offers international dishes for those who like to mix it up.

Cameroon

Visitors will find dishes similar to Cameroonian staples, such as brochettes, in the many pan-African and even Arabic restaurants across the country. Great value BBQ meats are on offer at Kebabbq, Lamazani Grill and Shujaa Restaurant in Souq Waqif, where a chicken skewer starts from as little as 1 USD.

Group H – Portugal | Ghana | Uruguay | South Korea

Portugal

In central Doha, LÁZARO’S serves genuine Portuguese dishes, or try Santa Nata, in Msheireb Downtown, famous for its authentic pastel de natas.

Ghana

Ghanian favourite Jollof rice, a dish of prepared with tomato sauce, spices and rice, can be found at popular local hotspot Mama’s Place, which dishes up generous portions and aims to create the atmosphere of a home away from home.

Uruguay

Those looking for food typical of Uruguay, such as empanadas, should visit The Empanada House Doha for delicious flaky pastries, or Toro Toro which celebrates the vibrant flavours and convivial dining culture of South America.

South Korea

Enjoy traditional Korean BBQ, grilled at the table, at one of Qatar’s two Maru Korean BBQ Restaurants – located in Qanat Quartier and West Bay. Complete with authentic Korean interiors, the menu features noodles and grilled BBQ meats.

For more on Qatar’s delicious mix of culinary choices, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/food-drink

-Ends-

For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:

+974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

About Qatar:

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism:

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East.

Web: www.visitqatar.com

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar

Source: Qatar Tourism

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October 6, 2022
10 Budget-Friendly Bites Under USD 10 in Qatar

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DOHA, Qatar, April 21, 2022 (Newswire.com)
–
With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM bringing in fans from around the world, Qatar Tourism reveals the budget-friendly restaurants best for big appetites without breaking the bank.

For less than $30 a day, fans can taste authentic Middle Eastern flavours, or any international cuisine, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with local teas and “qahwa” coffee to boost energy levels in preparation for the match excitement.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sometimes, all a traveller wants is a quick, affordable, but delicious meal to get them through the day. In Qatar, visitors can grab a shawarma with meat fresh off the grill, or dip warm falafel into tahini for just a few Qatari riyals. With a never-ending portfolio of pocket-friendly bites on every street corner, sometimes the simplest meals are the best. Football fans should get ready to be wowed with our low-cost sweet and savoury sensations.”

While Qatar excels in luxury offerings, the country also allows for budget dining without scrimping on quality. The road to the FIFA World Cup^TM has never looked so delicious.

Shay AlShomous

Located in a corner of Souq Waqif, Shay AlShomous is owned and actively run by a renowned Qatari woman called Shams Al Qassabi. With all menu items priced under $7, it’s a must-visit location for authentic Qatari food. Top tip: the restaurant is known for its breakfast rush.

Chapati & Karak

It’s always tea time at Chapati & Karak. Located in Katara Cultural Village, this establishment serves an assortment of flavoured chapati and innovative teas to quench both sweet and savoury cravings, for under $2. Top tip: perfect for a quick mid-day snack.

Karak Mqanes

Karak Mqanes serves traditional Qatari cuisine with a hint of local charm. With more than 20 locations serving recipes shared through generations, Karak Mqanes is known for its Qatari breakfast, desserts, and authentic karak. Most of the menu items are priced under $5. Top tip: make sure to leave room for dessert.

Turkey Central Restaurant

Located in the heart of the city, Turkey Central is known by both locals and expats for its mouth-watering menu, generous prices and prompt service. The menu options start from $1 upwards, with plates big enough for two to share. Favourites from the restaurant include mixed mezze ($8), mixed grill ($9), half grilled chicken ($7) and the renowned lamb chops ($10). Top tip: be sure to arrive early, as it’s first come first serve and always packed with customers.

Petra

Visitors can drop by any Petra location for a taste of the Middle East. With all sandwiches under $2, this is a trendy destination for a bargain bite. Popular choices include the falafel and chicken sandwiches. Top tip: order two, no one stops at just one.

Marmara Istanbul Restaurant

Guests can mark ‘eating shawarma in Qatar’ off the checklist with one of the best at Marmara. Priced at $3.50 and $2 for large and regular-sized shawarma respectively, this restaurant is always buzzing with people at all hours of the day and night. Top tip: the restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Sabah W Masa

At $5.20, this Lebanese restaurant serves some of the greatest falafel in town. Fresh Lebanese cuisine is available on the go from a wide menu suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Top tip: one main menu order is good for two people.

Ali Al Naama Café

Visitors can dine amongst the hustle and bustle of Souq Waqif at this local eatery. Adorned with traditional seating, the Ali Al Naama Café has become a crowd favourite for its quick service and low-priced menu, with most items under $4. Top tip: the combination of the egg and cheese paratha and a cup of karak make the perfect meal combination.

Biryani Corner

Visitors in the mood for some South Asian cuisine can grab a hearty plate of biryani for under $5 from this local eatery. The selection includes vegetable, egg, chicken and mutton biryani to fulfil everyone’s appetite. It’s best for a quick takeaway. Top tip: order a side of papadum, pickled veggies and yoghurt to make any meal a feast.

TeaTime

With an extensive menu available 24/7 and most items under $4, TeaTime is a night owl’s dream. With branches all over the city, visitors can grab a burger, wrap, snacks and its famous karak everywhere they go. Top tip: most branches do not have dining areas, so it’s best for a quick takeaway.

*All prices have been rounded to the nearest figure and are subject to change at the restaurant’s discretion.

For an inexpensive way to get to the eateries, visitors can travel on the state-of-the-art Doha Metro for as little as $0.5 a trip. In operation since 2019, the gleaming rapid transit system boasts some of the fastest driverless trains in the world, linking the capital’s main cultural attractions.

Visitors interested in more information on where to dine on a budget should visit here: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/food-drink/economical-budget-friendly

-Ends-

For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office at:

+974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

About Qatar:

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism:

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East.

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar

Source: Qatar Tourism

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April 21, 2022

Sporting Events to Look Out for in Qatar 2022

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Press Release
–

Jan 25, 2022

DOHA, Qatar, January 25, 2022 (Newswire.com)
–
In the 300 days to go until the start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM, the country will welcome a series of elite international sporting events, continuing a tourism drive.

From an ATP tennis competition to European Tour golf and the MotoGP, Qatar has lots in store for adventure-hungry visitors looking for professional sporting action.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sport brings people together and hosting international sporting events allows us to be part of, and to facilitate, cross-cultural moments of human achievement and utility. The country’s ability to host these events demonstrates the trust in Qatar’s ability and health and safety measures to keep players safe when competing at world-class venues. We look forward to welcoming outstanding players, management teams, and of course all the fans to Qatar throughout the year.”

Qatar as a nation places a priority on sports and is one of the few countries to celebrate a National Sports Day as a bank holiday, which this year will take place on 8 Feb. For visitors looking to participate in, as well as watch, the action, Qatar Tourism has curated a Sports & Adventure package, in collaboration with 365 Adventures, to give sports enthusiasts a three-day fix of exciting activities.

Sports & Adventure Package

Sports & Adventure
Day 1
Morning	SUP tour of The Pearl-Qatar
Afternoon	Immersive horseback riding with the Al Shaqab Racing Academy
Evening	Sunset kayaking at the mangroves
Day 2
Morning	Round of golf / quad biking
Afternoon	Desert safari to Inland Sea
Evening	Overnight desert camping
Day 3
Morning	Scuba diving at GMC Reef
Afternoon	Sandboarding near Sealine camp
Evening	Relaxing spa experience

Book the package now at: https://365adventures.me/sports-and-adventure-packages/

Upcoming sporting events in Qatar

Discover Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage and learn how the country is a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians at this 10-day event in Katara Cultural Village. The festival offers various activities for guests to experience, including a horse exhibition and parade, light show, art and painting exhibits, as well as numerous food and beverage stalls.

This European Tour golf tournament has been held in Doha since 1998, and rotates between Qatar’s two championship-level courses, Education City Golf Club and Doha Golf Club. Previously won by the likes of Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie and Henrik Stenson.

Part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s professional tennis tournament is played outside on hard courts. Famous victors have included Boris Becker, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

This professional women’s tennis tournament is a WTA 500 event on the WTA Tour. Previously won by famous players such as Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova and the defending champion Petra Kvitová.

The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an extreme sports race that features on the International Cycling Union calendar. The gruelling event involves 60 kilometres for cyclists and 28 kilometres for runners, starting from the Sealine area and stretching to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders: the ‘Inland Sea’, or Khor Al Adaid.

One of the most exciting events on the MotoGP calendar, the motorcycle race will take place at the impressive Losail circuit, which recently hosted the 2021 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Having hosted the first-ever floodlit MotoGP back in 2008, this location never fails to impress. Notable winners have included Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.

To find out more information on new sporting adventures and developments in Qatar, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/things-to-do/adventures

Travellers set to transit through Qatar should look to combine their sports and adventure trip with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

-Ends-

Please note, final event dates may be subject to change regarding the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:

+974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

About Qatar:

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora, including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

About Qatar Tourism:

Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East.

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

Twitter: @VisitQatar

Instagram: @VisitQatar

Source: Qatar Tourism

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January 25, 2022