From left: Chief Executive Officer of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Nasser Al Khater, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman H E Akbar Al Baker, and MATAR Chief Operating Officer Engr. Badr Al Meer during a press conference announcing the entertainment events yesterday. Pic: Mohamed Farg
As the country is fast approaching to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a bountiful of entertainment events like music festival, concerts, opening of an amusement park, and development of beach clubs and fan zones have been revealed - all happening before and during the mega sporting event.
There are over ten projects that were announced yesterday in a press conference held at Park Hyatt. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman, H E Akbar Al Baker; MATAR Chief Operations Officer, Engr. Badr Al Meer; and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Chief Executive Officer, Nasser Al Khater were present at the conference.
Al Baker said: “Today we see the breadth of what can be accomplished when aviation and tourism work together. We are very proud to announce a wide range of world-class live entertainment coming to Qatar to celebrate the most exciting tournament that will take place in the Middle East. We look forward to our locals and tourists alike having the best of the entertainment industry readily available for their enjoyment.”
“We expect around 300,000 people to attend, there will be over 60+ top international DJs, 20+ mega events, three top family entertainment shows and over six A List superstars.”
For his part, Engr. Al Meer said: “We are introducing exciting activations at Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport, which will embody the spirit of football and make this truly a once in a lifetime experience.”
“Fans can expect top-class international football and a vast array of entertainment options. The live acts announced today by Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism are sure to excite fans from everywhere as they prepare to descend on our country for an unforgettable festival of football, fun and entertainment,” said Al Khater.
Family Entertainment Shows will happen at Lusail Multi Purpose Hall this October and November. Plays include The Wizard of Oz, The Enchanted Prince and Pinocchio.
The World Stage is set at Doha Golf Club where the world’s best musicians will perform. Shortlisted artists are Jason Derulo who performed recently, Enrique Iglesias performing on October 21, Black Eyed Peas on November 20, and Post Malone, Robbie Williams and Maroon 5 performing on December 5, 8 and 13 respectively.
The Daydream Festival will likewise be held at Doha Golf Club. There will be eight music festivals headlining the biggest DJs lineup. It will be from November 22 to 26 and on December 1, 2, 6, 10, 14, 18.
Darb Lusail Festival will be from November 3-5 where drone shows will happen every night, Musical and Roaming street shows at Lusail Boulevard.
The most awaited opening of the Lusail Winter Wonderland will be launched before the tournament’s opening. Rides include Ice skating area, Qatar Airways Festive Forest, Qatar Airways Festive Forest Train, Ice slope ring, Roller coaster, Ferris Wheel, Vertical Swing, Double Deck Carousel, Galleon, Drop’n Twist Tower, Tea Cup, Pony Adventure, Bumper Cards, Family Road Train.
“All the families need to get ready with their credit card to top up for their kids,” Al Baker said jokingly.
The world’s first LNG-powered cruise ship will also be brought to Doha port named MSC World Europa. The official naming ceremony is set on November 13 where a glamorous array of live entertainment and performances will take place including fireworks display against Doha’s skyline.
The said cruise is the largest ship of MSC Cruises.
During the World Cup, a Qatar Airways Sky House will be positioned at Al Bidda during the Fan Festival.
The pavilion has several entertainment activities: support your team section, face painting, foosball, subsoccer, virtual football games, and giveaways.
Qatar Airways is extending its hospitality to its VIP clients and guests through Qatar Airways House located in the Hyatt Regency Oryx Hotel. And, there will be a Qatar Airways booth in all eight stadiums.
Al Baker also announced the soon to open three large beaches along West Bay: B12 Beach Club Doha, Doha Sands, and West Bay Beach which has a total capacity of 3,500 people.
Just recently, the first kitesurfing destination, Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort located on Qatar’s northern coast was opened.
