How To Travel To Qatar For 2022 World Cup (Complete Guide)

The 22nd  of the  FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from  November 21st to  December 18th, 2022. This will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world, and the second World Cup held entirely in Asia. 

The world cup event usually takes place every after four years, around June-July. But due to Qatar’s intense summer heat,  World Cup will be held from November to December, making it the first tournament not to be held from June- July. 

The events will take part in different cities in Qatar not only in the famous cities of Doha. The cities that will officially host the World Cup in Qatar are Al Khor, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Doha, and Al Rayyan (Education City).

This is one of the world’s biggest events and many people are planning to attend whether it’s from somedays or the entire event. But before you head to Qatar you need to make some plans, because there are several factors to consider. Below are some factors to consider.

 

How To Get To Qatar For The World Cup

 

Qatar is located in  Western Asia, which is almost entirely a part of the Middle East. With that being said, Qatar is considered to be a Middle Eastern country. 

Unless you come from Saudi Arabia, the only way you can get to Qatar is by the airline.  You can’t travel by sea because it is mostly commercial. 

So it seems the best way to get to Qatar is by air, and what is the best airline to get there than Qatar Airways? Yes, Qatar airlines are from Qatar and are one of the best airlines in the world.

Qatar Airways flies to over 140 international destinations every day across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania from its home and hub the Five-Star airport, Hamad International Airport, in Doha.

This doesn’t mean there are no other airlines going to Qatar. There are many flights that can take you to Qatar such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Lufthansa, and many more.

 

Best Accommodations For World Cup In Qatar

Qatar, especially the city of Doha is known for having high-class hotels. But there are some reports that show at this moment Qatar does not have enough hotel rooms to accommodate people for the World Cup.

According to  Qatar tourism, there are under 30,000 hotel rooms and 80% are already booked for FIFA players, (players that are representing their countries), media, referees, and other officials. You can search for hotel rooms directly from the hotel websites or use websites like booking.com.  

There is another alternative that is available for the fans which is non-hotel accommodation such as Airbnb which we are all familiar with.  Another accommodation option is  Bedouin Style tents usually available in the desert and it’s known to be an authentic way of Qatari Camping. 

With the Bedouin Style, tent fans will have opportunities to experience Qatari culture and more.  According to Al-Jaber head of accommodation at the Supreme Committee for delivery and legacy, he said these Bedouin Style tents will be extremely lavish and luxurious.

Al-Jaber also mentions there will be two cruise ships in Doha and shared villas or apartments for rent. But the catch is you need to make your booking earlier to secure your spot.

Languages Spoken In Qatar

Arabic is the official language of Qatar, however, English is widely spoken and roadsigns and other signs/instructions are in both languages.

English is a second language in government schools and is hence spoken widely. In business, it is always good practice to have copies of documents in both Arabic and English. At work depending on the sector, both English and Arabic may be spoken. 

Getting Around Qatar

Public Transportation

Qatar is one of those countries where public transportation is available everywhere and is reliable. It’s easy to move around with public transportation because of its flexibility and most importantly it’s affordable.  Let’s see the types of public transportation that you can use in Qatar;

Bus Services

There is a bus network that connects Hamad International Airport to different places across the city of Doha, which is a convenient transportation option. 

Bus fares can only be paid with a Karwa Smartcard,  which is available at the airport help desk. Karwa Smart Card is Public transport smartcard needed to ride the Karwa public buses are used as a quick and easy way to pay for Karwa bus trips inside Qatar. You can top up your Karwa SmartCard with anything from QR5 to QR500  (US$ 1.37 to US$ 137.32)

The bus service is not only in the city of Doha, there are also buses that are going to different Qatari cities. This is very useful since the World Cup will be in different cities not only in Doha.

You can find the schedule and more information on Mowasalat Website. Mowasalat is the national transportation provider of Qatar, offering buses, taxis, and even limousines to travelers. 

Doha Metro

The Doha Metro is a  transit system in Doha, Qatar’s capital city. The metro is  connecting various points of interest across Doha.

It’s mostly underground, and a tram system is under development and expected to open shortly. It has three lines with an approximate overall length of 76 km and 37 stations.

The Doha Metro is one of the fastest driverless trains in the world. Even though the Doha Metro is operating it’s not fully completed it has a completion date of 2026.

The three Doha Metro lines are; the Red(Coastal)  Line which connects Hamad International Airport to West Bay, Katara Cultural Village, Qatar University, and Lusail.

Then there is the Green (educational) Line which connects Hamad Hospital, Al Bidda park, Qatar Foundation’s Education City, and Mall of Qatar.

Gold (historic) Line runs through Khalifa Stadium, Villaggio Mall, to Souq Waqif, and the National Museum of Qatar.

Taxis and Ride Share

The main taxi service in Qatar is operated by the same company that runs bus services  Mowasalat. Karwa taxis offer a convenient and flexible way to travel to and from Hamad International Airport.

All taxis are metered and the minimum f fare at the airport starts at QR 25 (USD 7), the only problem the payment has to be in cash which is Qatari Riyal(QR) only.

In Qatar, the different color roofs indicate which company operates the taxi. The aqua-colored taxis are the most popular ones which are operated by  Mowasalat and they are known as Karwa Taxis.

There are other taxi companies operating in Qatar. These companies include Al Ijarah Taxi (blue roof), Al Million Taxi (maroon roof), Capital Taxi (black roof), and Profit Trading Taxi (yellow roof).

Also, there are ride-sharing companies you can find that operate in Qatar. Those ride-share companies that you can use in Qatar are Uber, Colo, and Careem.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Qatar, however, English is widely spoken and roadsigns and the like are in both languages.

English is also a compulsory second language in government schools and is hence spoken widely. In business, it is always good practice to have copies of documents in both Arabic and English.

Both English and Arabic may be spoken at work, depending on the sector, with Arabic being widely spoken within the Government departments and English is prevalent in most international companies. Smart business dress and traditional dress are essential.

Car Rental

There are many local and international car hire companies operating in Qatar, including several with branches at  Hamad International Airport, such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz.

Rules and Regulations.

Qatar is one of those countries that have strict rules and regulations. This rule doesn’t apply only to Qataris it also applies to foreigners when they visit Qatar. 

Here are some of those rules, regulations,s, and customs that you should be aware of before you head to Qatar.

Qatar Entry and Exit Requirements 

Citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry. Allowable lengths of stay vary, and visitors are kindly advised to check with an authorized entity for the terms and conditions that apply.

You can check what is required for your country here. Another thing you should beware of when processing your entry in Qatar is, that the country has restrictions for HIV/AIDS visitors, and does not permit individuals with HIV/AIDS to live in the country.

Medical exams are a must for all long-term visitors and residents of Qatar. Visitors can be charged taxes by the Customs General Authority for carrying certain goods at the point of entry.

There are items that are prohibited in Qatar which are any type of weapons, firearms, and ammunition. Alcoholic beverages, pork products, narcotic drugs

Dress code

When comes to dress code  Qatar is very strict. You should dress modestly when in public, areas. Women are required to cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts or dresses.

Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops when going to government buildings, health care facilities restaurants, and malls.

They are so serious about this in the sense that If you do not dress modestly, you may be asked to leave or denied entry to these locations. Dressing modestly is required especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Public displays of affection (PDAs)

Public displays of affection with the opposite sex in Qatar are prohibited which means you can get in trouble. Kissing,  and cuddling in public places whether it’s with your fiance or husband it can still cause offense.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Qatar face legal challenges. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar  it is considered to be a criminal offense, and those convicted may be subjected to lashings, imprisonment, and/or deportation

Alcohol Consumption or Being Drunk

Alcohol is not illegal in Qatar, but drinking in public or being drunk in public is a crime. You can get alcoholic drinks in some five-star luxury hotels, licensed hotel restaurants, and bars.

The Qatar Distribution Company (a subsidiary of Qatar Airways) is permitted to import alcohol and; it operates the one and only liquor store in the country.  

Drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to QAR3,000(the US $ 823.95). Foreigners living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system. 

Offensive Behavior

Swearing and making rude hand gestures are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed and/or deported. So whatever happens, no matter angry you are, stay calm and keep cool, because you will end up getting in trouble that you didn’t see coming.

You can find more by doing little research before you take your trip.  Still, a few months left before the  World Cup 2022 starts, see you there!!!