FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Top 10 tourist attractions you can’t miss in Qatar

Qatar’s burgeoning capital city — Doha has been in the spotlight as the FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off on November 20, and run until December 18.

As a busy transition hub, Qatar connects many destinations all over the world. Thanks to the convenient transportation, all 8 stadiums built in and around the city of Doha could be easily reached by subways and buses.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup kicks off on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium when the hosts take on Ecuador in Group A.

The tournament was originally set to begin a day later with Senegal's game against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium but Qatar's match was moved forward to allow them to open their home tournament.

England will now feature on the second day with their Group B match against Iran scheduled to take place on November 21 with a 1pm UK time kick-off. The game is just eight days after the Premier League shuts down.

After qualifying via the play-offs, Wales' first game will also be on November 21.

Wales will then play England on November 29 in Group B.

The final will be played at the Lusail Stadium in Doha a week before Christmas on December 18.

1. It is the first time that the World Cup is held in an Arab country.

2. It is the first time that the World Cup is held in the northern hemisphere winter.

3. It is the first World Cup to bring in female referees and to use semi-automatic offside technology.

FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Travel requirements

Many countries across the globe have specific regulations in place for arriving and departing passengers in order to restrain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors could read and check the travel requirements through the official website of Qatar Airway before booking your trip and ensure you have the required documents at the time of travel.

Transit through Doha

Passengers who are transiting through Doha, and not leaving the airport, are not required to present any test results or certifications above the requirements of their departure or destination country.

Before booking your flight with Qatar Airways, it’s recommended that visitors need to check the latest information on country/region travel restrictions as well as visa and passport requirements.

Citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar. How long you are allowed to stay will depend on where you're from, so best to check beforehand. Ideally with an authorized entity, because the terms and conditions that apply can be different per country.

New visa rules apply during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 period of November 10 to December 23.

It’s reminded that both local and international fans must apply for a Hayya Card before they make a trip to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Hayya Card is your entry permit to the State of Qatar and will also be required to access to stadiums. Each guest under your FIFA Ticket Application Number will need to apply for their own Hayya Card and the process is easy.

Visitors are no longer required to bring a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Rapid Antigen test certificate before travelling to the State of Qatar.

Citizens and residents of the State of Qatar are no longer required to take a Rapid Antigen test (nor PCR) upon their arrival in the State of Qatar.

Individuals are mandated to present the health status on the Ehteraz mobile application only while entering public and private healthcare facilities in Qatar.

It is mandatory for individuals to present the health status of the Ehteraz application when entering public and private healthcare facilities in Qatar.

The Health Status for citizens, residents, visitors who have received the vaccine outside Qatar will remain green without a golden frame until their vaccine data is updated in the system or through the Overseas Vaccine Portal (www.ehteraz.gov.qa).

The Health Status on the Ehteraz app will remain red throughout the isolation period, until the end of their period of isolation.

Diplomats, administrative card holders and VIP visitors arriving on official state visits are excluded from this measure.

Recently, Qatar has eased COVID restrictions on international visitors travelling during the World Cup and will allow free entry for fans from December 2 when the group stage ends.

Argentina won the FIFA World Cup 2022 final after a penalty shootout that followed a 3-3 draw after extra time on December 18 (Sunday).

Lionel Messi scored twice and Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick, but Emiliano Martinez's save from Kingsley Coman's spot-kick in the shootout was decisive with Aurelien Tchouameni also firing wide for the defending champions.

Argentina’s national carrier scheduled two extra flights from Buenos Aires to Qatar to take football fans to the 2022 World Cup final.

Both Aerolíneas Argentinas flights sold out quickly. The first one leaves from Argentina’s capital on Friday morning, and tickets for that flight were gone within a half-hour of the national team’s 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Tickets for the second flight, which leaves Friday night, went on sale early Wednesday and were sold out within a couple of hours, the airline said in a statement.

The airline sold 540 roundtrip tickets for the two flights, with each one costing around 2 million pesos (more than $11,000). Aerolíneas Argentinas has offered a total of 12 flights for the World Cup.

Time: Friday December 9

Croatia vs Brazil - Kick-off 3pm

Netherlands vs Argentina - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Saturday December 10

Morocco vs Portugal - Kick-off 3pm

England vs France - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Tuesday December 13

Netherlands or Argentina vs Croatia or Brazil - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Wednesday December 14

England or France vs Morocco or Portugal - Kick-off 7pm

The FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup begins with 32 teams in eight groups of four:

The group phase played from November 20 to December 2. The knockout phase will run from December 3-18 .

Qatar is a destination that offers novel, authentic experiences. Here are some tips that will help better navigate the local culture and fully enjoy your time in Qatar.

Attitudes towards dress in Qatar are relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public. It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.

This is widely expected at Souq Waqif and other traditional markets.

The Qatari riyal is the only currency used in the country and can be obtained through ATMs which are widely available in malls, hotels and around Doha. The Qatari Riyal (QR) is pegged against the US Dollar at QAR 3.64.

When bringing local currency (Qatar Riyal-QAR) and all other foreign currencies amounts equal to or higher than QAR 50,000 must be declared on arrival. This includes jewelry, precious metals or stones valued at QAR 50,000 or higher.

The Accessible Qatar smartphone app provides information about accessibility and facilities at different public and touristic venues across the country.

Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Wheel the World to offer accessible tourist experiences to differently abled visitors.

In case of emergency, following specialised services are accessible for the deaf:

Call 992 using the 3G camera on your computer or cell phone;

Send an SMS to 992 clearly stating your problem and what service you need (ambulance, fire rescue, police), as well as your name, address, and any details;

Send an e-mail to 992@moi.gov.qa (it may take some time before you receive a response)

The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of Qatar has access to drinkable tap water. However, bottled water is widely consumed in Qatar with plenty of local and imported brands widely available.

The standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Plug points are the same as in the UK. To use electric appliances made for the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), one needs a voltage converter or a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Emergency telephone numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance:

999

Traffic & Patrol Police Department:

4890666

Doha is home to over 100 foreign embassies and a consulate. These are open for business from Sunday to Thursday and closed on Friday and Saturday, as well as all public holidays of both Qatar and the embassy's home country.

Friday timings

All business and commercial activity shuts down during Friday prayers in the morning (around 10am -12pm). Several shops remain closed on Fridays while malls open in the afternoon on Fridays.

Qatari ladies will not shake hands with men, and many men will not shake a lady’s hand as a gesture of respect.

In case of emergency, visitors can go to Hamad General Hospital’s network of hospitals and healthcare centers for care.

Qatar is the world’s first country to introduce a commercial 5G network. Free WIFI facilities are available at the Hamad International Airport and most public places including shopping malls, restaurants and parks.

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting. It is spent with family and friends, with much feasting, and goes on for three days, though shops and private businesses may reopen after one or two days.

The Hajj pilgrimageends with Eid Al Adha, also known as the “feast of sacrifice” and continues for four days.

Home to around a hundred nationalities, Qatar is a melting pot of cultures with numerous languages being spoken. Being an Arab country, the official language is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken at all public places.

Passengers arriving, departing or transiting through Hamad International Airport can avail Al Maha personalised Meet & Greet Services at Hamad International Airport.

Qatar National Day is celebrated on 18 December. Sports Day is also a national holiday celebrated on the second Tuesday of February each year. In addition to these two holidays the country is closed for three days during Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

As in all Middle Eastern countries, showing overt affection and intimacy in public is frowned upon.

During the Islamic month of Ramadan, visitors are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours out of respect to those who are fasting. Hotels continue to cater to guests by opening restaurants that are out of the public’s view.

Qatar is a Muslim country and Islam plays an integral role in daily life. Prayers take place five times per day: at dawn (Fajr), around midday (Duhr), in mid-afternoon (A'asr), at sunset (Maghrib) and about two hours after sunset (‘Esha). The exact timing varies each day according to the sun's position.

Qatar has been ranked first in terms of safety and security, according Numbeo Crime Index 2020, the world’s largest database of user contributed data on cities and countries.

Smoking is prohibited in all public spaces including museums, sports clubs, shopping malls and restaurants. Violators can be subject to fines between QAR 1000-3000.

Passengers transiting through Doha can take advantage of Qatar’s unmatched stopover program to explore the destination. The +Qatar program offers great deals at 4- and 5- Star hotels.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) regulates the telecommunications, information technology, and postal sectors, as well as access to digital media. Ensuring balancing consumers’ rights and telecom Service Providers’ obligations is a top priority for CRA. If you have inquiries or complaints against telecom Service Providers, you can contact us through:

· Hotline 103, or +97444069938 from overseas

· Email: consumervoice@cra.gov.qa

· Complaint Form: https://www.cra.gov.qa/en/Services/Consumers-Complaints

· Social media: @craqatar

· Mobile App: “Arsel” on Google Play and App Store

For more information please visit CRA’s website: www.cra.gov.qa

Most hospitality outlets in Qatar include a service charge in the bill. However, a tip of 10-15% as a gesture of satisfaction is appreciated. It is advisable to carry cash for tipping.

GMT + 3

Qatar drives on the right hand side of the road.

Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, extreme temperatures during summer and mild winters. Average monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 36°C in July, sometimes reaching highs of 40°C+ during the summer months.

Conceived of in 2012 The Year of Culture is an initiative by Qatar Museums. Taking place with another country, the year-long cultural exchange programme invites people to explore a new culture, through a variety of exhibitions, festivals, competitions and events.

As Qatar gears up to host the first-ever World Cup, here we unveiled top 10 tourist attractions in Qatar and gave you the best travel insights into this oil-rich country.

Bursting with diverse world-class museums and cutting-edge art galleries, the Museum of Islamic Art has lured tourists from home and abroad to discover its unique charms and cultures. Designed by world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, the museum is noted as the crown jewel of museums in Qatar and has become one of the marvels of the modern Middle East.

Through great works of art, the Museum of Islamic Art is an ideal place to showcase the achievements of Islamic civilization and abundant Islamic cultures. Perched just off the Corniche, the museum looks like a gigantic broken Rubik cube floating on water from some angles. Looking from the inside, you will discover that the whole architecture is a masterpiece of light and space. In addition, the museum features year-round high-profile rotating exhibitions, adding highlights to the wealth of knowledge here.

No trip to Qatar would be complete without travelling to Khor Al Adaid. Located in northwest part of Qatar, just a short drive from the capital of Doha, the Khor AI Adaid, also known as the ‘Inland sea’, is the desert marvel of Qatar featuring backdrops of large, crescent-shaped sand dunes on the water’s edge — It is one of the few places in the world where the desert and sea meet, making a unique sight as ocean waves appear on the horizon beyond the dunes. The spectacular landscapes offer world-class experiences to travelers.

This scenic spot was declared a nature reserve in 2007 and was recommended to be the UNESCO world heritage site, which has witnessed the profound history of Qatar for years.

For those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and find inner peace, this site is actually a paradise of tranquility and relaxation.

Once a thriving pearl fishing and trading hub in late 18th century and early 19th century, AI Zubarah Archaeological Site is now a well-preserved and largest World heritage site in Qatar. The most famous spot is the old fort. Constructed in 1938 with high and thick walls, and fort has also served as a coastguard station.

with an impressive city wall, ancient residential palaces, streets, houses, markets, industrial areas and mosques, the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site is a gateway to Qatar’s past, as well as an ideal place for history lovers.

Stretched in a half-moon shape, the Doha Corniche is a waterfront palm-fringed boulevard which runs 7 kilometers along the Doha Bay and the city’s sea-front, offering views over the crystal-clear water from every angle.

Walking along the Corniche, you can view the magnificent urban landscapes, including the high-rise buildings in the CBD, the Museum of Islamic Art, gorgeous parks with children’s play areas, and many luxury hotels. Sometimes you could also see the traditional wooden sloops in the bay.

You might be told by locals not to take a stroll during the daytime in summer here as the weather is too hot and there is relatively little shade to be found. While it would be very cozy to while away the summer heat when taking a stroll along the corniche at night. The Doha corniche is indeed one of the most captivating parts of this capital city.

As one of the landmarks in Doha, the Pearl Island is an artificial island and situated off the coast of Doha’s west bay. The island is also a luxurious residential complex that features numerous residential buildings, villas and hotels, and the wharf is often full of luxury yachts.

A trip to the Pearl Island in Doha would leave you with a great impression before you leave the country. The island resembles Italy’s Venice on the whole, and it contains a variety of shopping centers, boardwalks and water taxis, making it a shopping paradise for travelers all over the world.

Home to many traditional Arabic restaurants and a focal point for locals and tourists, the vibrant complex Souq Waqif in Doha, built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to hang out with friends, particularly after dusk.

For newcomers, walking in the Souq Waqif was like walking in a maze of shops bursting with traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, household goods and souvenirs.

In addition, the Souq Waqif is also home to Falcon Souq where visitors can view the majestic birds standing on the shopkeeper’s arms.

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar tells the story of Qatar and its people from earliest times to the present, bringing to life the peninsula’s natural history, giving voice to Qatar’s rich heritage and culture, and expressing a vibrant community’s aspirations for the future.

Jean Nouvel’s new architecture incorporates the Palace while seamlessly integrating innovative artworks commissioned from Qatari and artists from home and abroad, rare and precious objects, documentary materials, and interactive learning opportunities.

The whole architecture is like the Desert Rose — not a plant, but a special geological phenomenon in the desert. Both exteriors and interiors of the building evokes a feeling of otherworldly design that is beyond expectations of any visitor. Apart from its extraordinary structure, the museum displays exhibitions from all that are considered historic, rare and artistic including archeological artifacts as well as limited car models.

The museum officially made its debut on March 28, 2019.

Nestled on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl, the Katara Cultural Village boasts a variety of cafes, an open-air theater, outdoor markets and buildings designed in the traditional Qatari fashion. The theme of the village is ‘Beyond Boundaries’ and it is envisioned to offer a glimpse of the future.

Since opening in late 2010, Katara Cultural Village has been a hub for art and culture lovers in the city. This tourist attraction is very huge and one or two days might not be enough to cover them all so here are our honorable mentions that you could definitely check out in case you are time-constrained:

1. The Gold Mosque

2. The Amphitheatre

3. 21 High Street

4. Al Thuraya Planetarium

This tourist attraction has gained quite popularity in recent years and gradually become one of the must-visit places in Qatar. Film City — a few also call it ‘Cinema City’ — has a mysterious backstory and it is probably one of the reasons why people are drawn to this place.

It’s said by many people that this small town was once built as a set to film movies and TV series a while ago, however everything here was halted in the middle and all equipment was moved out. No one really knows what has happened and the true story behind this, but the Film City has not been explored by many yet and has an intriguing vibe, something that visitors chase after.

As a replica of an ancient Arabic village, this tourist attraction is also one of the offbeat destinations for tourists to escape from the crowd.

If you are a book lover, then you can’t miss one of the tourist attractions in Qatar — Qatar National Library. With a massive collection of rare documents and manuscripts, books and periodicals in many European and Asian languages, visitors could definitely wander in the sea of books.

Qatar National library is the latest expression of OMA’s long-term interest in the library, which goes back to the competition for the National Library of France in 1989.

The library is also part of the Education City, a new academic campus which hosts satellite campuses from leading universities and institutions from around the world.

Qatar 2022 will be the last World Cup for a series of star players, but most attention will go to Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. How will the long-time rivals do in their "last dance"?

FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: 8 Stadiums and nearby recommended hotels