Qatar to welcome non-ticketed FIFA World Cup fans from December 2

Doha

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 organisers outlined the latest operational aspects of the tournament during a press conference held at the Host Country Media Centre in Msheireb Downtown Doha.

The main topics discussed were the fan experience, transport, medical guidance and security protocols. The World Cup will be held from 20 November to 18 December in eight state-of-the-art stadiums.

The press conference was organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in collaboration with the Safety and Security Operations Committee (SSOC) and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). First on the agenda were security preparations and the announcement that non-ticketed fans with a Hayya Card will be allowed to enter Qatar after the completion of the group stage on 2 December.

Colonel Dr. Jabr Hammoud Jabr Al Nuaimi, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior & SSOC, said: “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.

“For many years, the State of Qatar was among the highest-ranking countries in global security and safety indicators, topping the list of countries in the Middle East and North Africa. This makes Qatar an ideal country to safely host major events of all kinds.

“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 continued: “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. 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 QR500 entry fee for those aged 12 and over. Under 12s will not be charged.”

Qatar’s vast entertainment programme was also discussed.

Khalid Al Mawlawi, Deputy Director General, Marketing, Communications & Event Experience, SC, said: “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.”

Al Mawlawi added: “Other activities will include the daily ‘Welcome to Qatar’ show, one of the biggest pyrotechnic shows in the world. Theme park rides and other attractions will be open to fans at Al Maha Island Lusail, along with the 974 Beach Club, the Hayya Fan Zone on Lusail South Promenade, North Qetaifan Island and the Arcadia Spectacular and ARAVIA by MDL Beast dance music festivals. The Last-Mile Cultural Activations will also feature more than 6,000 performances in 21 locations.”

Healthcare provisions were also detailed, including the latest requirements announced by the MOPH. 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.

Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Official Healthcare Spokesperson for Qatar 2022, said: “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.”

The latest transport updates were also discussed during the press conference. Visiting fans are encouraged to use public transport to get around, including the dedicated bus services and Doha Metro. Qatar residents are encouraged to use their private cars to attend matches.

Eng. Ali Al Ali, Deputy Director General – Event Operations, SC, said: “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.”

Fans are reminded to apply for the mandatory Hayya Card, which will provide access to stadiums for ticketed fans and act as an entry permit to Qatar for international supporters.

-Ranjith Perera-