Your Travel Guide To Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022

Qatar, a country located in Western Asia and one of the best travel destinations in the world is the one that every traveler dreams about exploring. It is home to some of the finest attractions in the world. Whether you think of beaches, shopping malls, hotels and so much more, Qatar has everything you ask for.

But now here's a thing, Qatar is set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup which is set to be the first-ever winter world cup and the first-ever in a middle eastern country. Not only this, but this is also only the second-ever world cup to be held in Asia. With 8 stadiums, 32 teams, and millions of fans, this promises to be a month-long footballing carnival.

So, in case, you're headed to enjoy this amazing spectacle and looking for a travel guide to Qatar, here's our detailed round-up of what you remember on your travels in Qatar, where you should go on your travels and what are the different modes of travel to the country.

A Detailed Travel Guide To Qatar This FIFA 2022

This travel guide has been duly prepared to keep in mind the different rules, important things to remember, the finest places, and modes of travel in the country.

How To Reach Qatar?

Reaching Qatar isn't such a hassle if you know this country. Being one of the largest transit gateways for overseas travelers coming from all around the world, this is a country that is well-connected with just about every popular destination around the world.

In fact, Qatar has direct cheap flights from many neighboring destinations. What is exciting is that owing to the upcoming FIFA football 2022 in Qatar, the Qatar Airlines, the largest airlines in the world, is set to join hands with the Hamad International Airport to bring out about 1300 flights on a daily basis into the country during the beginning of the world cup.

Travelers can book a flight to Qatar online without any hassle or contact their local travel agent for the same. Since there are no rail networks or tourist waterways to the country, air travel remains the only option.

Things To Remember While On Your Travels In Qatar

Here are the things that travelers coming for the FIFA 2022 need to be mindful of.

1.No Alcohol In Public Places

Alcohol is officially illegal to consume at public places or on the streets in Qatar. It is only available at some hotels and restaurants who have the license to serve alcohol. Having said that though, the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 committee in an interview said that alcohol will be made available to the fans at certain designated places in the country that will be set as fan zones.

Hence, if you wish to consume alcohol, you will have to go to either of places as both importing and consuming alcohol on streets is strictly prohibited in Qatar, and if done, can lead to serious consequences.

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2. The Dress Code Of Qatar

Now here's a thing about Qatar, the country's dress code may seem a little strict to the westerners coming to this part of the world. However, this is the local culture and tradition of culture and has to be respected at all costs.

Besides, if you're heading for the FIFA World Cup Football 2022 in Qatar, these are the things you need to remember in terms of the dress code.

For the women in Qatar, the dress code should be modest. Wear clothes that cover your shoulder and avoid wearing short skirts and low-cut tops. The ideal pick has to be to go with long skirts and linen shirts have to be part of your wardrobe. Having said that though, if you're still willing to wear any strappy tops, make sure to keep a pashmina with you so you can cover your shoulders.

As for men traveling for the FIFA 2022, it'll be considered an ideal choice or respectful if you wear shorts that cover your knee. The culture of Qatar calls out men to wear clothes that cover their knees. Hence, a short that covers the knee or some light trousers in which you don't feel too uncomfortable because of the heat should be kept for your travels.

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3. Avoid Public Displays Of Affection

Yes, you heard it. Moving in public and showing public displays of affection should be avoided at all cost in Qatar. One of the most important things that westerners traveling for football 2022 in Qatar need to remember, things like kissing or even holding hands in some public places is strictly prohibited and may even lead to arrest.

Why? Well, the reason behind this is simple to understand. Qatar as a country believes in behaving with respect when you're at public places. This is the culture of the country and anyone coming on their travels here needs to respect that. There will be no surprises if the person standing next to you reports you for showing affection to your loved one in public.

4. Local Currency Of Qatar

Another significant thing that travelers need to be mindful of when coming for the Doha FIFA World Cup is the currency. Qatari Riyal is the local currency that works in Qatar and carrying cash with you is the key here. Travelers need to exchange the money before they get on to the streets of Qatar.

You can make payments through credit or debit cards at most of the modern places in the country. However, when it comes to moving around traditional markets or traveling by taxis or other local transport, cash is the name of the game as every shopkeeper or a taxi driver would expect some cash from you. Hence, ample cash with you on your travels in Qatar.

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5. Visa To Qatar

Here's another fact for you, Qatar is one of the most welcoming countries of all other middle eastern countries and the travelers coming here can get visa-free entry into the country depending on the reason of their travel and duration of their stay. This benefit applies to nationals from more than 80 countries of the world.

On the other hand, if you're traveling to Qatar for any reason other than tourism, then the above privilege doesn't apply to you. So, if you're headed for the FIFA World Cup, plan your duration of stay keeping the visa rules in mind.

Top Modes Of Travel In Qatar

When it comes to commuting in and around Qatar, visitors on their travel are set to have ample options of doing so during the FIFA 2022. So, here are the different modes of travel in Qatar which you have.

1.Buses

Although not a popular option by any means, buses are still a notable pick for many travelers coming here. The capital of the country, Doha, has public buses running all around the city and are well maintained with air-conditioning and cleanliness.

The routes of the buses are fixed and even travel outside Doha. Travelers using the buses need to purchase smart cards which are rechargeable and considered the best options for using public transports in Qatar. Besides, with the FIFA games 2022 in Qatar coming up, the buses are set to play a major role apart from the other modes of transport.

2. Taxis

Perhaps the go-to pick for the majority of travelers, taxis in Qatar are available at every corner of the country. With companies like Karwa, Careem and Uber functioning in the country, the options are plenty for the tourists.

But here's a thing, if you're headed off to Qatar for the Doha FIFA World Cup and wondering about the best mode of travel as far as taxis are concerned, our suggestion would be to opt for Karwa taxis.

Considered as one of the most popular modes of travel in the country, Karwa taxis are not just reasonable but also spacious and comfortable. The taxis are clean and charge minimal fairs considering the expensiveness of cities like Doha. However, having said that, travelers need to be mindful of the fact that they may have to pay with cash on most occasions while using these taxis.

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3. Metro

Another new addition that is set to become an ideal choice, especially for the travelers heading to Qatar for the FIFA 2022, the metro in Qatar is set to play a huge role. As per the plan of the authorities, the metro is connected with every venue of FIFA World Cup and will make it the most accessible world cup ever.

As for certain facts around the rail network, well, here's what you need to know.

• The metro in Qatar is to stretch over a distance of 300km with 100 stations.
• The metro line project is now complete, well on time before the FIFA World Cup and is set to serve the public.
• There is even a tram network that has been set up in the capital city Doha which stretches over a distance of 18 km with 25 stations.
• The Doha metro will comprise four lines- Red, Gold, Green, and Blue line.

What are the Best Places to Visit in Qatar?

A country widely recognized for its rich cultural heritage, Qatar promises more than just a perfect holiday to the travelers. Besides, here are some of the finest places you can visit in the country.

1. Souq Waqif

Being one of the most iconic sites in the city of Doha, Souq Waqif is a place you can't afford to miss when coming to Qatar for the FIFA 2022 entertainment. Based on an ancient trading sight where animals and other things were traded for a nomadic way of life, the market reminds of the old-world charms of Qatar.

There are various restaurants too at Souq Waqif Doha apart from the shops for shopping that serve modern as well as traditional Qatari cuisines which travelers can enjoy. The best part about the restaurants is that you get an option of either indoor seating or you can sit around the outside watching the backwaters.

2. The Museum of Islamic Art

Wandering around Doha with FIFA 2022 in your mind, you are bound to head off to the MIA park, one of Doha's topmost locations to visit on your travels. The park is part of the Museum of Islamic Art which is the main attraction.

The museum has been designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, and is a structural marvel in itself. But the best part? The museum has a collection which is about 1400 years old and has been collected from three continents.

There is a terrace at the museum from where travelers get the most breathtaking views of the city. The museum even appears to float on water from some angles and has been made from limestone which only adds to the beauty of it.

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3. Corniche

A waterfront promenade that runs along the Doha coastline, the Doha Corniche is a perfect place for those who prefer walking and seeing the sunset. This is one of those places that is expected to be flooded with visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2022.

There are separate tracks for cycling and walkers while there are many cafes and food corners around the areas where you can grab a bite while enjoying the view. What's more? The Doha Corniche is a perfect spot for seeing the city's skyline.

4. Aspire Park

One of the calm places to visit with family, the Aspire park is one of the largest in the whole Gulf region and boasts of its mesmerizing landscapes. The park even has a torch tower which is also called the Aspire tower.

A staggering 300 meters high building, this tower was earlier used as a torch for the 15 the Asian but has now been turned into a hotel. So if you're planning a visit to Qatar during the Doha FIFA World Cup and looking for some peaceful places to visit, you've got to add Aspire park to your list.

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5. Katara Cultural Village

Another place that reminds of the rich history and Cultural heritage of Qatar, and apparently Doha, the Katara Cultural Village is home to some of the finest events that are hosted in Qatar. To name a few, the events include the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, TEDx Doha, and the well-renowned Ajyal Youth Film Festival.

The best part about the village? It has been designed in such a manner that it clearly resembles an ancient Qatari village, which only adds up to its appealing look.

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A country that has so much to offer to the travelers, now gears up to host world football's biggest competition, the FIFA World Cup. 8 stadiums, millions of fans and teams battling for the grand prize, this is set to be more than a world cup.

As for the travelers and worldwide fans coming to watch, this FIFA 2022 promises not much thrilling matches in amazing stadiums, but also a chance to look at the rich beauty of Qatar. So, haven't you planned your trip to Qatar yet? Well, what are you waiting for?

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