If you’re amongst the million football fans who will be making their way to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in November - December, we’ve curated a list of activities and things you must do and see in between exciting football matches.
The Arab country is well-equipped to entertain the legions of football fans who will find themselves visiting the country for the event. According to Qatar Tourism, there’s something for everybody, whether you love thrilling adventure sports or if you’re someone who likes to soak in the culture of a place. The ‘Hayya Card’, which is mandatory to enter Qatar, will let you travel across the country for free during match days via their public transport, including a newly-launched fully air-conditioned metro.
So take a look at our list of all the things you can enjoy and discover in the Peninsula and be sure to bookmark this…
Thrilling water sports
You’re in luck if you’re an adventure junkie. The Arabian Gulf’s calm crystal waters edge the 560km coastline, making it ideal for water sports, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.. You can enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, sunset kayaking, jet ski rides, and so much more.
Explore the sand dunes of Qatar’s desert
The undulating sand dunes of the Qatar desert, situated at an hour’s drive from the capital city of Doha, are one of the most popular tourist attractions, especially for people who love to explore difficult terrains. Here, you can also visit the stunning Khor Al-Adaid, the inland sea which has been recognised by UNESCO as a natural reserve. Plus, if you’re into adventure sports, you can opt for dune bashing. You can also swim in the beautiful waters to relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes..
Theme parks
Qatar is home to some of the best theme parks in the world, including one that hosts two Guinness World Record-making rides. The Doha Quest, a new theme park, has the tallest indoor roller coaster in the world and the tallest indoor Drop Tower ride as well. You can also check out their new, and first-of-its-kind, Entertainment Island, or the Lusail Winter Wonderland.
Art and Culture
You can’t go to Qatar without checking out the National Museum of Qatar which is known for its unique design. The building is shaped like a desert rose and is a sight to behold. You can also visit the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M Pei, or the new 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which is being billed as the world’s most innovative sports museum. The country is also home to some stunning street art and public installations, like East-West/West-East by Richard Serra. The Souq Waqif, a traditional market, is also an unmissable destination. Our tip? Explore the market in the evening, when the alleyways are bustling with life and are filled with locals and tourists alike. You can try the local cuisine here or pick up a souvenir for your loved ones at home.
Foodie’s paradise
What’s a trip without exploring local flavours and cuisines, right? This is why you need to try the delicious food offered by the country and its host of local and international restaurants. If you’re not in the mood for high-end restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs like David Myers, you can choose to eat at budget-friendly cafes and delicious street food options that range from tacos to shawarma. You would also be remiss to not visit Qatar’s acclaimed cafe Chapati & Karak, for an authentic local snack.
Relax at the beach
If you want to give yourself a break from the adrenaline rush of attending the thrilling matches, you can relax and rejuvenate at the stunning beaches. Carry a book to enjoy and experience reading as you sunbathe or go for a refreshing dip in the sea. If you want to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sunset, take our advice and head to Al Shamal on the North coast and Fuwairit Beach.
Shop till you drop
If you want to indulge in some retail therapy during your stay in Qatar, you can take advantage of the many incredible shopping malls around. Our pick would have to be the Mall of Qatar where you can shop from a variety of local and international brands and also explore exciting eateries. Shoppers who don’t mind splurging a little bit can head to Galeries Lafayette, a luxury outdoor, air-conditioned walkway that has been modelled after Rue de la Paix, Paris’ high-end shopping district.
We think it’s abundantly clear that Qatar has something for every kind of football fan visiting the country to celebrate and enjoy the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. So curate your itinerary and make sure you don’t miss out on any of these exciting activities on your trip this November!
Disclaimer: This article has been written in association with Qatar Tourism.
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