Qatar: A Guide on What to Expect

Nearly 40 million people traveled through Qatar’s Hamad International Airport in 2019 (which is equipped with a Paris Saint-Germain gift shop), which is becoming one of the most important hubs in the aviation industry worldwide. This was before the global pandemic caused all aircraft around the world to be grounded. The vast majority of passengers who were not from Qatar were changing planes in order to continue their journeys to other countries. Only about two million tourists actually followed the signs that pointed to the immigration hall, after which they boarded the brand-new metro and traveled to the center of Doha.

In November, all of that is going to change, however, because Qatar is going to become the destination for football fans from every continent when the 2022 World Cup is held there. There is no one who can predict what will take place on the field once all 32 teams begin competing, but there are things that can be organized when there is no football to be played. 

The Weather

This is the very first time the Winter World Cup has ever been held in the northern hemisphere. Many people who watch the 64 games at home are going to find that to be an unsettling experience. When South Korea plays, there will likely not be the massive street viewings that are typical in Seoul, and fans in Europe may find that heading to bars and pubs is not quite as appealing when temperatures are low and it is dark by the early evening.

Those who travel to Qatar in the winter will at least get to experience some sunshine. The mercury is low in comparison to the summer months, which is, after all, the reason why the event was switched from the summer. The temperatures in Qatar are much more bearable during the months of November and December because they typically range from the mid to upper 20s during the day and into the late tens during the night. Those who are traveling from more frigid climates can rest assured that the prospect of trading in their dark winter nights for clear skies and warm weather will do wonders for their enthusiasm for the World Cup.

DOHA

In point of fact, even the most daring and inquisitive tourists are going to have a difficult time finding new things to do in Qatar if they stay for the full month. Russia, the nation that most recently hosted the World Cup, encompasses approximately one-eighth of the total landmass of the planet and is spread out across 11 time zones. Due to the fact that Qatar is 11,571 km2, it is possible to drive across the entire country multiple times in 11 hours. It does, however, make for a more condensed World Cup, and it affords viewers the chance to see more games than they normally would.

Doha is the only major city in the country, so most of the action takes place there and in the surrounding area. There is a brand new, driverless metro system with three lines and 37 stations that connects all of the major destinations in the city. This was done to help alleviate the heavy traffic that exists in the city. It is widely recognized as one of the most cutting-edge methods of public transportation in the whole wide world. Additionally, there are quite a few brand new roads. Even though there may still be a significant amount of traffic during rush hour, getting around Qatar is significantly simpler than it was in the years leading up to the country’s selection as the host of the World Cup.

People frequently congregate in the shadow of multiple skyscrapers to engage in activities such as walking, running, skating, or simply hanging out. It is possible that the late morning or later in the day, when the sun is setting, will be especially pleasant. In addition, there are beaches, including public beaches as well as beaches that are owned by the five-star international hotels that are located in the region.

Moving outside Doha

Those who are unable to stand the big city have two primary options outside of it: the desert or the sea. It has for a long time been a recreation area for locals, expatriates, and people just passing through the area. The majority of people want to take rides over the dunes, and there are many different ways to do so. 4×4 jeeps will transport you outside of the city, and once there, It is an exciting ride, despite its bumpy nature. After some arduous driving through the desert, visitors often stop at the Inland Sea, which is located on Saudi Arabia’s border. There, they can cool off in the water before continuing their journey.

Looking even further afield, FIFA has hailed this year’s tournament as the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East, and there are a number of fascinating places that are easily accessible from Qatar. Many people who have this idea will travel to the large and vibrant cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. However, there are other places that will provide a greater contrast to Doha.

It is recommended that you take a trip to Oman if you want to get a feel for Arabic culture that is more traditional. It is the ideal place to take a detour on the way to the main event because it is home to some of the friendliest people in the region, a wealth of historic landmarks and architecture, and, of course, some fantastic beaches.

Petra and the Dead Sea are two of Jordan’s most popular tourist attractions. It would be an unforgettable experience to get a sense of how the competition is perceived in other parts of the region. Additionally, Iran is hoping to entice tourists who are having trouble finding accommodations in Qatar to visit its southern beaches in the hopes of attracting those tourists.