Gear up for the FIFA World Cup 2022, cheer your favorite team, and tour Qatar like a Pro.

Qatar’s version of the World Cup owns the headlines!

FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino praised Qatar’s efforts in delivering an impressive tournament: “It is an absolute pleasure to play football at this amazing stadium, where on 21 November 2022, we will kick off the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.” He also defended the host country against western critics, accusing Europe of hypocrisy and racism for trying to teach Qatar about morals and reasoned Europe should consider “apologizing for the next 3,000 years” to make amends for past mistakes. Amid all the chaos regarding human rights, some international news agencies such as CNN Arabic, A Bola, The Sun, and more have trumpeted Qatar’s World Cup opening ceremony for presenting dazzling performances celebrating and welcoming all nations, cultures, religions, and races. Multiple football fans around the globe also expressed their enthusiasm and amazement while they shared Qatar’s gestures (gifts and charming hospitality) on social media.

Exquisite destinations to visit in Qatar

Qatar is a small country that takes about one hour to cross from east to west and two hours from north to south. More than 80% of residents live in Doha.

After you arrive at one of Qatar’s two airports (Hamad International Airport- HIA, Doha International Airport), you might want to blend in immediately, so try using some Arabic phrases such as: 

Marhaba- مرحبا (translated to hello) or Assalamu ‘Alaikum- السلام عليكم (peace be upon you) to greet everyone and Shukran- شكراً (thank you), Ma’asalama- مع السّلامة (goodbye).

Public transport means (metro, tram, bus network) are safe to ride at any time, and visitors with Hayya cards can benefit from free traveling by public transport during Mondial.

Markets & Malls

Qatar’s most famous market is Souq Waqif in Doha which is full of life and culture as you roam in the streets until you reach Msheireb Downtown, a modern neighborhood with plazas, markets, restaurants full of tastes from various cuisines (especially the Middle East), and galleries.

Some malls can be found near the World Cup stadiums, such as Villagio Mall and Mall of Qatar, to escape the hot weather, socialize, and run errands. 

Parks

After browsing the Souqs, the host country offers its residents, tourists, and football enthusiasts a walk along Doha’s corniche, which has been turned into the Fan Festival base during the tournament. The festival will be filled with performances, cultural activities, food and beverages, boat rides, and spots to rest and meet new people. Besides entertainment, you must head toward Oxygen and Aspire parks to enjoy running, yoga, and more.

The Pearl

Doha’s landmark, The Pearl, is an “artificial island designed to resemble pearls nestled in their oysters.” This attraction is a residential district where people dine, shop, ride a boat, watch a movie, or spend time at the indoor entertainment center for an integrated leisure experience.

Museums and Mosques

The three leading museums in Qatar are the Museum of Islamic Arts- MIA within walking distance from Doha’s corniche, offering green oases and narrative that holds a diverse collection of Islamic arts, including metalwork, textiles, ceramics, and manuscripts revealing a history of 1,400 years. Qatar National Museum near the MIA was designed by Jean Nouvel, a French architect, in the shape of a desert rose (a natural phenomenon of crystal formation in Qatar’s desserts). This Museum beholds the country’s heritage and culture, spread among 11 galleries showcasing artifacts and short films by well-known filmographies such as India’s Mira Nair and Britain’s Doug Atkin. 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum is a sports fan euphoria that contains a comprehensive collection of sports-related memories, such as Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves- the world heavyweight champion.

The Grand State Mosque is the largest in Qatar, out of 2,000 mosques. This mosque can accommodate more than 30,000 worshippers (men and women) with free entrance and guided tours for visitors.

Outdoor adventures

Qatar is calling out thrill seekers from everywhere to explore its outdoor attractions. If you desire a dessert experience, you must explore the Inland Sea for a camel ride, dune bashing, sandboarding, and camping in the southeast (near Saudi Arabia’s border). However, there are other various activities to savor away from the sand. Zekreet and Fuwairit beaches for kite surfing, Al Thakira Mangroves for kayaking, and Purple Island for fishing, climbing, and diving.

Last, the eight World Cup Stadiums: Al Bayt Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Lusail Iconic Stadium, Stadium 974, Education City Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium each has a story to tell behind the architectural allure so lend an ear and an open mind to the cheers and the spirit of the country.

Published by HOLR Magazine.