Qatar adds 30,000 hotel rooms for the World Cup

20-10-22

Ticket sales for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar are approaching 3 million as the countdown continues to the first edition of the tournament in the Middle East and Arab world, which kicks off at Al Bayt Stadium on 20 November.

During a press conference in Doha, organisers announced that an additional 30,000 rooms have been made available to World Cup visitors as Qatar prepares to host 64 matches in eight state-of-the-art stadiums. The widest range of accommodation is available from the Qatar Accommodation Agency. Rooms can be booked from $80 per person, per night, on a double occupancy basis. Accommodation options include hotels, flats and fan villas.

"We have always said that Qatar will deliver the best edition of the FIFA World Cup. And as we look around the country today, at the state-of-the-art stadiums, the training grounds, the metro, the wider infrastructure, everything is ready and everyone is welcome," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said during a video message. "The world is excited. Qatar is ready. The stage is set. Together, we will deliver the best World Cup on and off the field."

Organisers said 2.89 million tickets were sold for the 64 matches to be played in eight state-of-the-art stadiums. Demand has been highest among fans from Qatar, the United States, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, France, Brazil and Germany. The tournament has also achieved record hospitality ticket sales. Tickets for all matches will continue to be released from now until the end of the tournament, and fans are encouraged to keep checking FIFA.com/tickets for the latest inventory. Starting this week, ticket holders will receive an email with information on how to download the ticketing app and download their e-tickets.

Tournament organisers reminded fans to apply for the mandatory Hayya Card and book their accommodation as soon as possible. The Hayya Card will act as an entry permit for international visitors. It will also provide free public transport throughout the country and allow fans with a valid match ticket access to the stadiums.

Organisers also described the wide range of entertainment options being prepared for visitors during the tournament. The FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park will host up to 40,000 fans every day during the tournament. It will be free to attend and will broadcast live matches, host world-renowned artists and football activities. There will also be a variety of local and international food and beverage options.

In addition, the Corniche will feature roving performances, retail shops and food and beverage kiosks along the 6 km from Sheraton Park to the Museum of Islamic Art. Other activities will include the daily "Welcome to Qatar" show, a water and pyrotechnics display featuring music from the official Qatar 2022 soundtrack, Qatari composer Wael Binali and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.

Theme park rides and other attractions at Al Maha Island Lusail will also be open, as will Ras Abu Aboud 974 Beach Club, the Hayya Fan Zone at Lusail South Promenade and QetaiFAN Beach Fest. Dance music fans will flock to the 15,000-capacity Arcadia Spectacular and the 5,000-capacity MDL BEAST ARAVIA. In addition, the Last Mile Cultural Activations will feature more than 6,000 performances at 21 venues, entertaining fans on their way to the stadiums.

Eng Yasir Al Jamal, Director General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), said: "After more than a decade of hard work and close collaboration with stakeholders across the country, Qatar is ready to host a memorable edition of the FIFA World Cup. The compact nature of our tournament means that visitors will never be far from the action, always close to a stadium or entertainment activity. We look forward to hosting a tournament that will live long in the memories of fans around the world.

Nasser Al Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: "Qatar is ready to host a global celebration of the beautiful game. We look forward to welcoming fans and players from around the world as they sample our welcoming hospitality, wide range of entertainment options and, of course, world-class international football. It promises to be a unique edition of the FIFA World Cup, and one that will leave a positive and lasting impact on Qatar, the Middle East and the Arab world."

"We operate more than 168 official sites across the compact nature of Qatar, and each of these sites is critical to the successful operation and hosting of this World Cup. Far beyond testing the eight stadiums, volunteers and accreditation centres are fully operational, with the ticketing centre at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre opening tomorrow (Tuesday) and the International Broadcast Centre and Main Media Centre to follow. I can only reiterate FIFA's confidence and deep appreciation for all the work in preparation to deliver the best FIFA World Cup in just over a month's time," said Colin Smith, Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup.