With tickets to the Qatar World Cup going on sale in just a few months, football fans will surely be getting giddy at the thought of bagging a spot at the competition’s next big event. Taking place in November to December 2022, to avoid the blistering summer heat, the tournament, which sees 32 teams compete to be the world’s best every four years, is sure to be good one with more information being released as the days pass.
The exciting event will take place in eight stadiums across five cities – Lusail (Lusail Stadium), Al Bayt (Al Bayt Stadium), Doha (Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Football Stadium) Al-Rayyan (Education City Stadium and Ahmed bin Ali Stadium), and Al-Wakrah (Al Wakrah Sports Complex) and promises to be a good show with many of the stadiums built specially for this purpose. With the stunning architecture on display in the country’s capital city of Doha, it’s safe to say that the stadiums themselves are likely to be a highlight.
Though visitors will mainly be there for the action on the pitch, it’s the destination and other experiences which should entice the fans too, so in light of this, we’ve highlighted five ways to make the most of your stay when you visit Qatar for the World Cup 2022.
Experience the best of Qatar Airways
It isn’t just the destination that makes up the best part of any holiday, as when the travelling part is done via Qatar Airways you will find that the journey can be pretty impressive too. Regularly voted the best airline with its business class, dining and airport lounges also making it to the top of the awards lists, you know you’ll be in good hands, and the airline is offering some great travel packages for the main event too.
Place a bet
Make match day more exciting by placing a bet or two and see if you can elevate your trip with a thrilling win. Take a look at the selection of betting promos for UK fans and have some fun by picking out your top teams. France are the reigning champions, Brazil are always favourites, Italy were victorious in the Euros this year, and after their success in the same competition, could England be the team you bet on this year? Their chances are promising with current UK odds at 6/1.
Book luxurious accommodation
With some 1.5 million fans from around the world (according to organisers) expected to be heading to Qatar for the footballing action, there will stiff competition off the pitch as there are said to currently be around 170,000 rooms to house visitors. Fear not though as there are an expected 4,000 cruise ship cabins available, which will be docked in Doha port, tented villages, and potentially fan villages to stay in too. Get in early and book the best five-star hotels, which include Mondrian Doha, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, Mandarin Oriental, Banyan Tree Doha and Four Seasons Hotel Doha.
Enjoy some fine foods
If staying in a five-star hotel, you likely won’t have to go far to experience some exquisite cuisine, and there are some big names here that are likely to please. Hakkasan, Market by Jean-Georges, La Spiga by Papermoon and Spice Market in Doha are up there with the best and don’t forget to try Qatar’s national dish on your travels too. Machbūs is a slow cooked meal consisting of rice, meat and vegetables and is typically made with lamb or chicken. Having so much of the border on the water means that seafood is a staple here, as are dates.
Explore Doha
With a population of 2.4 million, Doha is the country’s biggest city by far. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country, it is certainly worth exploring when you have some spare time on your travels. Head to the National Museum of Qatar to get a good idea of history and culture of the country, marvel at the surrounding architecture, visit the Museum of Islamic Art, the Souq Waqif, Aspire Park, Doha Corniche, The Pearl and more to get a good taste of what the city has to offer its visitors.
