March 22 – Organisers of the 2022 Qatar World Cup are considering the option of housing fans under the stars in Bedouin-style super-tents.
Around 500,000 fans are expected to turn up for the first ever winter World Cup that will take place in November and December. Most are expected to stay in traditional hotels and apartments, but thousands could also camp out under canvas in desert areas close to stadiums, a cultural idea organisers believe would be one way of meeting FIFA’s accommodation requirements.
“At the heart of this World Cup is a commitment to showcase the hospitality and friendship of the Middle East,” said a Qatar World Cup Supreme Committee (SC) statement.
“As a result, we are actively researching the concept of supporters sleeping under the stars to ensure a truly unique World Cup experience in 2022. We are working with all stakeholders to offer diverse accommodation and entertainment solutions for the duration of the tournament.”
Since winning its bid, Qatar has spent tens of billions of dollars upgrading infrastructure. Fans may also choose to stay in neighbouring countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and fly in to watch matches.
With some projects reportedly stalling because of falling oil prices, there are also apparently plans to accommodate around 12,000 fans on cruise ships during the tournament, according to the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA). “Over the past few years, the QTA established a number of strong relationships with international cruise operators as well as with other specialists involved in the industry,” the QTA said in a statement last April.
“This has proved to be of great importance, especially that Qatar will be extensively benefiting from cruise ships over the 2022 World Cup, as a means of providing additional accommodation supply for fans and visitors over the period. QTA will be contracting a minimum of 6,000 rooms on cruise ships for the 2022 tournament.”
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