As the countdown begins for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East, Qatar has made elaborate arrangements for transportation of fans and teams participating in the tournament and the accompanying events.
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed a network of highways and streets that facilitate access to all World Cup stadiums, training and accommodation venues for the tournament, fans’ gathering areas and metro stations.
Ashghal has readied 2,131 kilometres of pedestrian and bicycle paths on the highways and connected them to the hosting stadiums. The Qatar Railways Company has also completed preparations to receive fans as the Doha Metro will transport fans to five World Cup stadiums, while the other three stadiums will be allocated buses to transport fans.
A total of Karwa 3,000 taxis, 11,500 cars through the Uber application, and 3,500 cars through the Careem application will be ready to serve the fans and will be stationed at HIA, Doha Airport and places like Ashghal Towers, Al Bida Metro Station, Qatar Sports Club, Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art Park and floating hotels.
Qatar aims to capitalise on the influx of about 1.2 million visitors expected for Qatar 2022 and show the world its hidden treasures and unmissable holiday potential. With tourism an important pillar of the ‘Qatar National Vision 2030’, Qatar National Tourism Council seeks to establish the country as a world-leading destination and welcome more than six million visitors a year by 2030. To achieve the mission, an extensive tourism development strategy is underway as Qatar works to diversify and build appeal for residents and visitors.
Qatar’s transportation industry is likely to see exponential growth during the World Cup and after the tournament. Transportation plays an important role in the travel and tourism industry, and with tourism showing continued strong signs of recovery in the country, the demand will be high.
Latest data from Civil Aviation Authority show that Hamad International Airport recorded an increase of 74.4 percent in the passenger footfall in September, compared the same month last year. The number of passengers reached 3,172,062 this September against 1,819,250 in September 2021.
Qatar will continue hosting global sporting events after the FIFA World Cup such as the Asian Football Cup 2023, Asian Games 2030 and will bid for the 2032 Olympics Games. Among other major events being hosted by Qatar next year include Horticultural Doha Expo, Qatar Travel Mart, and Geneva International Motor Show. All these events will give a major boost to travel and tourism industry and make Qatar a favoured tourism destination.
