FROM LEFT: Mohamed Al Khanji, Local & Regional Media Expert; Eng. Ali Al Ali, Deputy Director-General - Event Operations; Khalid Al Mawlawi, Deputy Director-General Marketing, Communications & Event Experience at SC; Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Official Healthcare Spokesperson for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; and Colonel Dr. Jabr Hammoud Jabr Al Nuaimi, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior & Safety and Security Operations Committee during the press conference yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit
Non-ticketed fans with a Hayya Card will be able to enter Qatar from December 2 to enjoy the spectacular FIFA World Cup festivities in the Gulf state, organisers announced during the ‘Host Country Tournament Readiness’ press conference yesterday.
The announcement means fans from across the globe can experience a great atmosphere during the knockout stage, which begins on December 3 with the Round of 16.
“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,” Colonel Dr. Jabr Hammoud Jabr Al Nuaimi, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior & Safety and Security Operations Committee (SSOC) told reporters at Host Country Media Centre in Msheireb, yesterday.
“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 QR 500 entry fee for children aged 12 and over. Under 12 will not be charged,” he added.
Colonel Dr. Jabr also said Qatar is ready to host a safe World Cup.
“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,” he said, before adding Qatar is an ideal country to host major events safely due to its high ranking in global security and safety indicators.
“For many years, the State of Qatar has been among the highest-ranking countries in global security and safety indicators, topping the list of countries in the Middle East and North Africa,” he said.
“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 added.
The press conference yesterday was held by Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in collaboration with the SSOC and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).
Among the topics, which were discussed included fan experience, transport and medical guidance apart from the security protocols during the World Cup, which begins on November 20.
While giving details about the healthcare provisions, Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani, Official Healthcare Spokesperson for Qatar 2022, said 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,” Al Maslamani told reporters.
“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,” he added.
He said medical teams will be present at all the eight stadiums and fan activity zones to provide emergency services for fans during the tournament.
The healthcare helpline for fans in Qatar is: 16000.
Meanwhile, Eng. Ali Al Ali, Deputy Director General – Event Operations, SC, encouraged visiting fans to use public transport during the World Cup, saying Qatar is set to provide the best transport facilities to the fans, which include dedicated bus services and Doha Metro.
“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,” Eng. Ali said.
He also encouraged Qatar residents to use their private cars to attend matches.
“We need to work together to make this tournament successful,” Eng. Ali said as he urged fans to reach the venues early.
World Cup opening ceremony to begin at 5pm
Meanwhile, Khalid Al Mawlawi, Deputy Director General, Marketing, Communications & Event Experience at SC informed the opening ceremony of the World Cup will begin at 5pm, two hours before Qatar take on Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.
He said that the venue’s gates will open for fans at 3pm on the inaugural day.
Later speaking to The Peninsula, Al Mawlawi urged fans to reach the 60,000-seat venue early to avoid inconvenience.
“I am advising all the ticket holders to be there, at least two hours before the opening ceremony kicks off,” he said.
Asked about details of the performances during the opening ceremony, which are expected to be spectacular, Al Mawlawi replied with a smile: “Let’s wait and see.”
Earlier Al Mawlawi said plans are in place to organise a vast array of entertainment programmes.
“More than 90 special events will take place on the sidelines of the World Cup. 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,” he told reporters.
“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.”
The organisers also reminded fans 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.
