Various towers and buildings in West Bay are decorated with World Cup 2022 teams’ key players. PIC Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
The level of excitement for the World Cup is evident as ever with less than two months to the event. Public transportation including buses and Metro bear special designs for the sporting event, photos of football stars mounted on major buildings, flags representing the 32 countries competing, and a large display of soccer-shaped flags are just among the attractions ahead of the quadrennial event.
At the prominent district, West Bay, photos of renowned football players have been mounted including Sadio Mane (Senegal), Andre Ayew (Ghana), Manuel Neuer (Germany), and Hassan Al Haydos (Qatar). Their gigantic images are a sight while travelling around the area. Football-shaped flags of the participating countries can be seen along the stretch of Corniche and also in West Bay.
Flags of the 32 countries competing in the FIFA World Cup on display. PIC Salim Matramkot/ The Peninsula
One can also notice the image of a goalkeeper’s hand whilst holding the ball at Al Dana Tower. The high-rise building is distinct for its astonishing spherical conference room in the shape of a Gulf pearl – this has been portrayed as a soccer ball for the display.
Outdoor display board with the FIFA mascots throughout the years can be seen in Al Sadd intersection; La’eeb, the Official Mascot for this year’s World Cup, is placed at the centre of the billboard. Various large digital ads showcasing the main slogan “Now is All” along with a moving graphics of a goalkeeper in action can be viewed along Salwa Road, Ramada Signal.
The Doha Metro has also started beautifying its stations including walls, elevators and even the exterior of each station with the World Cup theme.
Juan Agripa from the Philippines who is part of the 20,000-strong volunteers for the event, said he can really feel that the heat is on for the biggest sporting tournament.
“Vibrant colours are everywhere in the Metro, I can feel the excitement for the World Cup and I can’t wait for it to unfold,” he said.
Footbridges around the country have also been designed with FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 themes. This includes pedestrian bridge at Al Istiqlal Street and C-Ring Road among others. They show the FIFA World Cup 2022 Official Emblem and the text “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
Last week, Ashghal announced the completion of eight pedestrian bridges in the streets of Najma, Al Khaleej, Al Istiqlal, Al Furousiya, Onaiza, Doha Express Highway, Al Wukair Road, and C-Ring Road. The bridges are also integral for the World Cup as these serve Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar Sports Club, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd Sports Club, and Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Al Ahli Sports Club, which will be used as training stadiums during the sporting event.
The Peninsula spoke to some daily commuters.
Jasmine from Bangladesh said travelling around Qatar via Metro and bus made her feel that the country is all set for the mega event.
Alexandre from Spain said he witnessed how the country transformed its cities, from building the stadiums to beautifying the roads and buildings.
“Since Qatar won the World Cup bid more than a decade ago, the country has developed drastically, especially now that we are only inches away from the event itself. I can’t wait to support my country as well as my second home — Qatar.”
