Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar aims to give itself a winning image.
The opening match, which will pit Ecuador against Qatar, will take place at the Al Bait Stadium on Sunday, November 20. The group stage will be played from that day until Friday, December 2. From then on, the dates are as follows :
- Round of 16 : December 3 to 6.
- Quarterfinals : December 9 and 10.
- Semifinals : December 13 and 14.
The third and fourth places will be played at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday, December 17, while the 2022 World Cup final will be played at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday, December 18.
What to do during the World Cup besides the matches?
Between matches, there is plenty of free time to discover this small country of just 11,500 square kilometres but with many attractions, some of which are truly state-of-the-art and explicitly created to visit during the FIFA World Cup 2022.
In between the matches, fans tend to cherish the tournament experience by keeping an eye on the World Cup odds qatar 2022 and speculating on what team’s more likely to capture the cup. Besides, they engage in popular exploratory activities in Qatar, as it is an unsuspected outdoor paradise with the inland sea, the desert, mountains for climbers, and sporting events.
With that in mind, here’s how to plan your trip and what not to miss in the Arab country during FIFA World Cup 2022 :
1. Stroll or take a dhow along La Corniche
A beautiful waterfront promenade from the Museum of Islamic Art to the Sheraton Park, walkable at any time of day or night, the Corniche is a 7-km pedestrian strip that follows a crescent shape around Doha Bay.
The Corniche was created after dredging the Doha Bay area, which shaped it and gave rise to the waterway. More recently, the waterfront has been landscaped and equipped with leisure, sports, and dining facilities.
The Promenade is one of the most spectacular views of Doha, with the skyline of its famous skyscrapers. There are many places to eat and drink, fewer than 150 establishments, three stages for live concerts, water, light shows, and even a Bedouin village. From the harbor, you can also ride on a “dhow,” a sailboat of Arab origin characterized by triangular sails and a shallow draft.
2. Free tours and discounts with the Qatar Museums Culture Pass
The Culture Pass is the official membership and benefits program of Qatar Museums. It offers members access to Qatar’s cultural institutions and exclusive benefits for unique and memorable experiences, including the Qatar National Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, Al Riwaq Gallery, M7, Fire Station, Qatar Olympics 3-2-1 Museum, and Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art.
It offers a comprehensive program of benefits to satisfy all artistic passions and allows enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes access to tours, lectures, and workshops. Culture Pass Plus and Family members can have unlimited access to all Culture Pass program events, which provide an opportunity to learn about Qatar’s heritage, culture, environment, and vision for the future.
In addition, there is up to a 25 percent discount in restaurants, cafes, and gift stores and offers at participating hotels.
3. Try international cuisine
Travelling to Qatar, you should taste the traditional and elaborate Arab cuisine. Of course, we are talking about food from Qatar, Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Yemen.
The best place to experience it is Souq Waqif, with its endless alleys. However, if you want to expand the range of exotic cuisines, go to Aziziya Street, a bustling commercial area between Salwa Road and Al Waab Street with great food options, from high-end to quick and cheap.
Here you can enjoy Chinese, Egyptian, Lebanese, Qatari, Thai, and Turkish dishes and Western ones. But if you want a European touch, you must go to Qanat Quartier, an exclusive island with Venetian-style streets and its Marsa Arabia, with an exceptional view of the marina and luxury yachts there.
4. Discover the Katara Cultural Village
Katara Village is an architectural project still under development but can already be visited, created to create a space for culture. It is known as the most significant cultural plan in the country. The name of this majestic space comes from the fact that Katara was the historical name used for Qatar before the 18th century.
The complex is built in a style that combines oriental architecture and classical romanticism, giving it a unique look different from the newest cultural buildings in Doha. Prominent among the attractions is the amphitheater, an architectural beauty balanced between the concept of classical Greek theater and features of Islamic tradition. Its construction was completed in 2009 and had a capacity of 5,000 people.
5. Ride the desert dunes by camel and 4X4.
What could be better than a camel ride on the soft dunes before venturing on an exciting desert safari to Khor Al Adair, accessible only by 4×4 vehicles? Surfers can have a unique experience sandboarding on the dunes or exploring the dunes by quad, ATV or buggy.
You can also try the Qatari’s favourite pastime, camping, by day, evening or night, with one of the many companies offering this Bedouin-style experience in the desert, with all the comforts of home.
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