More than a million World Cup supporters are getting ready
to travel to the Gulf to take in Qatar's month-long football festival.
Since this is the first World Cup to be held in the Middle
East, social mores and religious practices there are likely to differ from
those in other regions.
Fan festivals
Al Bidda Park, located in the center of the city close to
the Corniche, will serve as a gathering spot for fans during the tournament
once the first game is played in Doha.
Other fan sites, Al Maha Island in Lusail, where a beach
festival is planned with concerts, activities, food and drink outlets, and the
Al Maha Arena, which will host live concerts, will also show matches.
Fans who have reserved lodging at the official fan villages
outside of Doha are welcome to go to the Fan Village Cabins Free Zone to watch
live games.
The Hayya Fan ID card that comes with a World Cup match
ticket allows access to the Doha Metro system and is free of charge.
The eight stadiums that will host the 64 games are all
within a one-hour drive of the center of Doha.
Hayya card
Visitors must apply for a Hayya card, a fan ID that serves
as an entry visa and provides free public transportation within Doha.
To assist spectators at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena,
the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy opened a special service center
for Hayya card holders.
Fans who do not have a mobile phone but still want to use
transportation services or fan zones can pick up a physical copy of their
digital Hayya card.
Until December 23, the center will be open from 10 a.m. to
10 p.m. on all days besides Fridays, when it will be open from 2 p.m. to 10
p.m.
Alcohol
In addition to being available in fan zones at specific
times, alcohol is served in many hotels and licensed restaurants across the
nation.
In fan zones, alcohol sales could be less expensive than in
hotels, and tokens that can be used to pay for drinks will likely be exchanged
for local currency.
It is illegal to bring alcohol into the country
Only residents are permitted to purchase alcohol from
specialist outlets for home consumption, so fans will be prohibited from
drinking outside of official venues.
Covid-19
Although a vaccination is not required to enter Qatar,
anyone traveling to the World Cup aged six or older must show proof of a
negative coronavirus test when they arrive at the airport before their flight.
A PCR test result must be obtained no more than 48 hours
prior to departure, or no later than 24 hours prior to departure if taking an
official negative Rapid Antigen Test.
Self-tests won't be recognized
Fans should check their travel insurance to make sure it
covers any required hotel stays to isolate, which are necessary if you test
positive while visiting Qatar.
The pre-entry online registration requirement on the Qatari
government's Ehteraz website for residents and GCC nationals is not applicable
to World Cup visitors who possess Hayya cards.
Similar to the UAE, only public transportation and medical
facilities require masks.
Clothing
One of the biggest challenges for the massive number of
people visiting Qatar during the World Cup is likely to be respecting local
customs.
Swimwear is permitted at hotel pools and beaches, but
visitors are expected to cover their shoulders and knees when entering public
spaces like government offices and museums.
In addition to forbidding shirt removal inside stadiums, the
much-publicized air-conditioned stadiums are made to keep fans at a comfortable
temperature.
The outside temperature in November is typically around 26
degrees Celsius, but it could reach the mid-thirties.
Public displays of affection
During the World Cup, visitors are asked to keep their
public displays of affection to a minimum.
Unmarried friends of different genders or couples are
permitted to share a room during the competition despite the fact that
cohabitation between unmarried couples is prohibited by Qatari law.
Photography
Enforcing Qatar's stringent regulations on privacy and
photography may be difficult given the throngs of fans who post about their
experiences on social media.
Fans were urged by the event's organizers to show "common
courtesy" and seek others' consent before taking photos or videos of them.
Fans should be aware that it is strictly forbidden to take
photos inside any government structures, including military bases, offices, and
industrial areas.
E-cigarettes
2014 saw a complete ban on the sale of vapes ordered by
Qatar's Ministry of Public Health.
Along with Qatar's seaport and land borders, the customs
department at Hamad International Airport was also advised not to permit the
import of e-cigarettes.
Despite this, a sizable population continues to regularly
use e-cigarettes without consequence, suggesting that there may be some
latitude in the situation.
While in Qatar, it won't be possible to legally buy vaping
refills or related products.
Working week
With a weekend of Friday and Saturday, Qatar's work week begins on a Sunday.
The hours of some services may be shortened on a Friday because it is a holy day. This includes some stores and banks.
