More than one million visitors are expected to arrive in Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022(TM) and are looking forward to activities they can do away from the games. Qatar is well positioned to offer visitors any kind of experience they desire. And with the “Hayya Card” that every fan needs to enter Qatar, public transportation, including the new air-conditioned metro, is free on match days, making it quick and convenient to discover the best sights and things to do on the peninsula without breaking the budget.

Action and Adventure – 24 Hours (Day 1)

With more than 560 kilometers of coastline and the calm, crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts. Adventurers, whether beginner or advanced, should try stand-up paddle boarding around The Pearl-Qatar, kayak through the lush green mangroves, or explore the breathtaking skyline during an exhilarating jet ski ride. Among the most popular excursions, just an hour’s drive from Doha, is a visit to the stunning Khor Al-Adaid, or “Inland Sea,” with its enchanting scenery recognized by UNESCO as a nature reserve. The trip usually includes a four-wheel drive jaunt through the sand dunes, a swim in the beautiful waters and, of course, a camel ride.

Back in town, families looking for thrills should visit Doha Quest. The newest theme park in Qatar opened last summer and offers numerous attractions for all ages. Highlights include the two rides that hold the Guinness World Record: the tallest indoor roller coaster and the tallest indoor freefall tower.

Art and Culture – 48 hours (Day 2)

Culture, art and history can be found around every corner in Qatar. One of the most breathtaking public art installations is East-West/West-East by Richard Serra, which consists of four huge steel plates, 14 meters high, placed between the rock formations of Ras Abrouq in Zekreet.

Those wishing to stay in the city will find a number of iconic museums, including the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) with its intriguing design in the shape of desert roses, the I. M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), and the new 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum-an ambitious project billed as the world’s most innovative sports museum.

Afterwards, take a stroll through Souq Waqif, a traditional market best experienced in the evening when the stores and restaurants in the alleyways come to life and fill with locals, residents and curious visitors. Sample the local cuisine, buy a souvenir or just enjoy the hustle and bustle.

Off to the beach – 72 hours (Day 3)

After 48 hours of action, it’s time for some rest and relaxation. Whether you want to read a book, sunbathe on the sand or take a refreshing dip in the sea, a day at the beach is always worth it. Uninterrupted sunset views can be found at Al Shamal on the north coast and Fuwairit Beach. Those looking for a family-friendly vacation can stay at the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, which has a 3.5-kilometer powder-soft sand beach and the Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park, and recently began offering dolphin rides. Another option is a short boat ride to the glamorous Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, which reopened its surf pool this summer and also offers trips to see whale sharks.

Affordable Discovery – 96 hours (Day 4).

Qatar has something to offer for every taste and budget. The capital captivates with a number of colorful neighborhoods where it’s fun to just wander around and discover all the hidden corners, street art and culture. One of the most intriguing areas is The Pearl-Qatar, a sprawling man-made island in northern Doha, with Mediterranean-style marinas, boutiques and its colorful streets in the Qanat Quarter. Another area where Arab heritage blends with modern, sustainable urban architecture is Msheireb Downtown Doha, with trendy cafes, art galleries and museums.

Traveling fans will be among the first to experience a number of new tourism developments that will kick off just before the tournament begins. Spectacular openings include the Lusail Winter Wonderland on an offshore sandbar, the state-of-the-art Fuwairit Kite Beach resort, Qatar’s first “entertainment island” Qetaifan Island North and new public and private beach areas as part of the “West Bay North Beach” project.

It’s also worth strolling through one of the glitzy shopping malls. The largest are the Mall of Qatar and Doha Festival City, with theme parks and family-friendly restaurants amid many hundreds of well-known brands. Galeries Lafayette, with its air-conditioned outdoor walkways, and the new Place Vendome, with its large outdoor canal, dancing fountain, and architecture inspired by Paris’ famous shopping street, Rue de la Paix, are in the luxury segment.

Finally, no sightseeing tour in Qatar is complete without dining at one of the many local and international restaurants. There are quite a few new options such as celebrity chef David Myers’ ADRIFT Anda and Lobito de Mar at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel. Visitors will also find a wide range of affordable, delicious street food options, from tacos to shawarma. These are often grouped together in an area like Lusail Night Market. For an authentic local snack, a visit to the renowned café-restaurant Chapati & Karak is also recommended. The restaurant is named after an Indian-inspired flatbread and a sweet tea, available together for just a few euros.

And now for the game! – 100 hours

With four hours remaining, it’s time for a match. Qatar is the first nation in the Middle East, or Arab world, to host a FIFA World Cup(TM) and has made extensive plans to ensure that every traveler has a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, says, “From exciting water sports to shopping in the souks, from exploring fascinating museums to sunbathing on the beaches, there is something for every type of traveler when they come to Qatar. We invite soccer fans from around the world to explore our many attractions and promise them a warm welcome and hospitality typical of Arab culture.”

About Qatar:

Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East; within a six-hour flight for 80% of the world’s population. Rated the safest country in the world by Numbeo in 2022, Qatar welcomes all travelers – guests from over 95 countries can even enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of conveniently accessible tourist attractions: Abundant wildlife and flora – including whale sharks and the majestic national animal, the Arabian oryx antelope – as well as numerous experiential offerings that create a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums, rooftop restaurants and exciting desert adventures to world-renowned events, including none other than the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar(TM), there is something for every type of traveler and budget. Transit travelers via Qatar can make two vacations out of one thanks to discounted stopover packages (https://www.qatarairways.com/en-gb/offers/qatar-stopover.html) offered by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar with the support of Qatar Tourism.

Via Qatar Tourism:

Qatar Tourism (https://www.qatartourism.com/en/home) is the official government agency responsible for developing and promoting tourism in Qatar, supporting the exponential growth of the sector. Qatar is a destination where people from all over the world come together to experience a unique range of arts, culture, sports and adventure, focused on service excellence and appealing to both families and business travelers. Qatar Tourism is committed to strengthening the entire tourism value chain, increasing local and international visitor demand, attracting inbound investment, and creating a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target of welcoming more than six million international visitors per year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East.