In just over two week’s time, top 16 teams of the Arab world will begin their quest for the title at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. The highly-anticipated tournament, set to feature 32 matches, will kick off on November 30 with the final scheduled on December 18 – the Qatar National Day.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA Arab Cup is busy making the best preparations to deliver Arab Cup in a way which will remain in memories of fans for a long time. While Doha hosted the Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Rayan last month in front of packed Al Thumama Stadium, the FIFA Arab Cup will mark the first major football tournament in the country to be welcoming capacity crowds, following lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions.
The matches of the tournament will be staged at six World Cup venues including Al Thumama, Ahmed Bin Ali, Education City and Al Janoub stadiums. Al Bayt and Ras Abu Aboud stadiums will be inaugurated during the event. The Arab Cup is being held in the same window the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will take place, which is why the tournament is seen as the precursor for the next year’s FIFA showpiece. It will help the Qatari organisers test their operational skills one year ahead of the World Cup. The LOC, meanwhile, has ensured ultimate experience for fans during the Arab Cup by launching the Hayya Card (Fan ID).
The Hayya Card is a smart-technology identification card designed to provide fans with the best experience in Qatar and will serve as a means of identification and provide access to tournament stadiums in combination with a valid match ticket. Fans travelling from abroad can use their Hayya Card to enter Qatar multiple times – provided they carry a valid passport recognised by the State of Qatar. It will also provide ticket holders with access to a number of services and benefits relating to transport, tourism and others.
On Thursday, the LOC announced that over 50 percent of the Arab Cup tickets have been sold and with new ticket centers are being opened, all tickets are likely to be sold out soon. “I would like to advise fans to act fast if they want to catch live action at the World Cup venues,” said Project Lead of Fan Service, LOC Hassan Rabeea Al Kuwari. “Tickets for some matches are available no more. We expect to finish sale of remaining tickets soon and we are looking forward to packed stadiums at the Arab Cup,” he added.
Thrilling matches are on the cards as all the competing teams – eyeing the coveted trophy – will come to Qatar with best preparations. The packed World Cup Stadiums during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 will certainly make the tournament a blockbuster.
