qatar world cup places to visit

Guide to Qatar: Cities, stadiums, attractions and activities

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With futuristic cities, desert adventures and endless shopping opportunities, Qatar has something for everyone

From sightseeing trips and nature tours that cover all aspects of local life to unlimited shopping opportunities, Qatar offers visitors a wide variety of activities, with something for everyone.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will undoubtedly afford football fans everywhere the chance to enjoy a unique experience in this Gulf country.

Here are five things fans can expect when visiting Qatar during the World Cup.

Generosity and hospitality Generosity and hospitality

Bedouins are known for their hospitality and traditionally sharing their food with their guests. This culture is still deep rooted in Qatari society and permeates all aspects of life in Qatar. Offering Arabic coffee and sweets to guests remains an expression of hospitality. Qatari cuisine is rich and unique, with its dishes influenced over the years by the gastronomical delights of the Indian Subcontinent, Iran, the Levant and North Africa.

Resorts and beaches Resorts and beaches

Qatar has many wonderful resorts where people can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These include the Sealine Beach Resort, one of the finest coastal strips near the capital. Visitors can also spend time at the Al Ghariya Resort on the seafront, where there are many walk areas like the Doha Corniche, a waterfront promenade extending for several kilometres along Doha Bay in Qatar’s capital.

Islands and water sports Islands and water sports

Given its geographic location, rich marine life, and crystal-clear waters, Qatar is an ideal destination for water sport lovers, who can enjoy fishing trips, rowing boats, water skiing, kitesurfing, paragliding, and scuba diving among shipwrecks or coral reefs. Qatar also has a number of unique islands like Palm Island, the artificial Pearl Island, and the Zekreet peninsula, which boasts picturesque beaches and natural rock formations.

Historical sites and castles Historical sites and castles

Lovers of archaeology and antiquity can see many historical sites telling the story of Qatar’s distant past, such as the UNESCO world heritage site Al Zubarah and its unique fort. There is also the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara Cultural Village, and Souq Waqif, all among Qatar’s most popular tourist attractions. The country is also home to several ancient forts that were used as military or civilian installations, such as the Doha Fort, Barzan Towers and Umm Salal Fort.

Desert adventures and dune challenges Desert adventures and dune challenges

In addition to the spectacular beaches and islands, Qatar also has some beautiful desert and rocky terrain. Visitors can enjoy desert safari trips, ride camels and camp under the stars in a Bedouin tent, or perhaps visit Khor Al Udayd, which features sand dunes in stunning formations and has been dubbed ‘the Inland Sea’. There is also Al Jassasiya, a magnificent area of rock carvings, where visitors can see examples of pre-historic sculptures.

Qatar is welcoming 102 countries visa-free, check your visa status here .

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FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Qatar hosted football’s greatest showpiece in 2022 – a spectacular event that critics and sport lovers alike call one of the greatest in the history of football.

“The best World Cup ever!”

Qatar staged the “best ever” FIFA World Cup™ from 20 November to 18 December 2022, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. Praised for its “unique, cohesive power”, he emphasised the “transformative legacy” of the beautiful game.

The event gave visitors an unforgettable taste of the Arab world with a joyful atmosphere, breath-taking stadiums, and our nation welcoming the world with our signature hospitality.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE WORLD CUP

A fifa world cup™ first.

The 2022 tournament in Qatar was the first to be hosted in the Arab and Muslim world.

+3.4 million in attendance

Top nationalities who filled the seats: Saudi Arabia, India, USA, UK and Mexico.

17.4 million fans in transit

Total number of travellers who used the Doha Metro (between 20 Nov & 18 Dec).

The Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022™ stadiums

Our eight stadiums won praise for their sustainable design, innovative construction, and for keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Standout features included retractable roofs, impressive cooling technologies, and the first fully demountable FIFA World Cup™ stadium.

The final match venue, Lusail Stadium, is situated in Qatar’s master planned city of the future

Lusail Stadium

Also known as Al-Rayyan, this stadium is located on the edge of the desert and designed with a strong focus on sustainability.

Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium

Shaped like a traditional Bedouin tent, Al Bayt Stadium hosted the opening match of the Qatar Men’s FIFA World Cup™.

Al Bayt Stadium

This stadium’s design reflects the sails of Qatar’s wooden dhow boats, traditionally responsible for much of the country’s economy.

Al Janoub Stadium

Al Thumama Stadium, built in the shape of local headwear (gahfiya), will become a mixed-use leisure development.

Al Thumama Stadium

The “Diamond in the Desert” features diamond-shaped geometrical patterns and will be repurposed for university athletics.

Education City Stadium

The former Ras Abu Aboud stadium is named after Qatar’s international dialling code and was made entirely from shipping containers.

Stadium 974

This multi-purpose stadium showcases Qatar’s commitment to sports with cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities.

Khalifa International Stadium

The lasting legacy of the fifa world cup qatar 2022™.

The positive effects of the men’s 2022 FIFA World Cup™ will be enjoyed for decades, with huge investments in infrastructure, transport, tourism, and the sports industry. Seven brand-new stadiums were built (and one renovated), using 40% less water than international benchmarks. Stadiums are also 30% more energy efficient than international standards (ASHRAE 90.1), with efficient cooling and ventilation systems, LED lighting and state-of-the-art building control systems.

More than 850,000 m2 of new green space was created – the equivalent of 121 full-sized football pitches. Countries that require sporting infrastructure will receive seats, and facilities will be reused as hospitals, schools, places of worship and hotels.

The most exciting moments of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

The tournament had plenty of viral moments that warmed hearts and set the internet ablaze.

La’eeb, the official mascot

Resembling the gutra, a cloth headdress worn in Qatar, the lovable flying, talking La’eeb shared the magic of the mascotverse with fans.

Japanese fans clean the stadium

Japanese fans won over social media when they left the stadium spotless after Japan's 2-1 win against Germany.

Fans fall in love with the Souq

Our ever-popular Souq Waqif became a hub of football activity: a place where all the sports fans in attendance could embrace the love of sport together.

Metro this way

Abubakr Abbass from Kenya became a fan favourite for showing tourists the way to the station from his tennis umpire chair.

Celebrities spotted

A-list celebs and sporting royalty like David Beckham, Novak Djokovic, Elon Musk and Usain Bolt also shared in the football excitement.

A World Cup™ filled with great surprises

A fantastic end to an epic tournament between the two top sides – possibly the best football World Cup™ final of all time.

Messi leads Argentina to glory and confirms his greatness

After a 3-3 draw at Lusail Stadium, Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties and Messi finally fulfilled a career dream to lift the coveted world cup trophy – GOAT debate over?

Argentina and France as semi-final champs

Who will ever forget the elation of Morocco reaching the semi-finals – the first ever African country to do so, before a heart-breaking elimination by France? Argentina faced off against Croatia, with Messi scoring one and Alvarez two goals to reach the finals.

Morocco makes history and France kills the English dream

Morocco continued their fabled run with a courageous 1-0 victory over Portugal, while Croatia beat Brazil 4-2 on penalties. France eliminated England with a 2-1 win, while Argentina sent the Netherlands home after a 4-3 shootout win.

Exhilarating moments and unforgettable surprises

Qatar made history by taking part in the World Cup™ for the first time. The biggest shock of the tournament came when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in one of the greatest men’s World Cup™ upsets of all time. Germany's 2-1 loss against Japan also sent shockwaves around the country.

Golden Ball winner

Lionel Messi won Golden Ball for best player.

Golden Boot winner

Kylian Mbappe pipped Lionel Messi as top goal-scorer.

Golden Glove winner

Argentina’s Martinez took home the award for best goalkeeper.

New Doha hotels and restaurants that stole the show

You can still stay at the stylish floating hotels, sprawling resorts and luxurious 5-star hotels that opened in time for Qatar’s greatest ever sporting event, and dine at exciting new restaurants serving flavours from around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha

Zulal Wellness Resort

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Sazeli Qatar

Al Bisana Restaurant

Any questions about the fifa world cup™, when and where is the next fifa world cup™.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2026. It will run from 8 June 2026 until 3 July 2026.

When is the Asian Cup 2023 taking place?

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) have proposed that the next AFC Asian Cup be postponed until January 2024.

What will happen to Qatar’s stadiums after the FIFA World Cup™?

Al Janoub, Al Thumama and Education City’s seating will be reduced and donated to other sporting projects worldwide. Lusail will be converted into a unique community hub of schools, housing, shops, cafes and health clinics. Stadium 974 will be completely dismantled, and materials will be repurposed. Al Bayt will become the home of Al Khor Sports Club, while Khalifa will be the home stadium of Qatar’s national team (Al Annabi). Ahmad Bin Ali will also reduce its seating capacity and will be available for football development projects.

Where can I see some Qatar FIFA World Cup™ memorabilia?

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is one of the world’s most innovative sports museums, with a gallery dedicated to Qatar’s role as a hosting nation (including the Qatar FIFA World Cup™).

What other sports events take place in Qatar?

Qatar is a passionate sporting nation, ranging from one of the oldest sports known to man ( falconry ) to international spectacles like the Olympic Games and Formula One. Take a look at our Qatar calendar for upcoming events and read more about sports culture in Qatar here .

Things to know before travelling

Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here.

Getting here

Planning your trip to Qatar? Check how to get here.

Travel tips

Make the most of your visit with our handy travel guide.

Getting around

From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar.

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World Cup 2022: A Complete Guide to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar

Whether you're tuning in from home or traveling to Qatar, we cover everything you need to know.

Doha the capital of the state of Qatar. View from the airplane window

For months we have been counting down to the much-anticipated men's FIFA World Cup 2022, kicking off November 20, where qualifying teams from around the globe are gathering in Qatar to claim the coveted trophy. And Traveler is here to answer all of your World Cup 2022 questions. After all, whether you're a huge soccer fan or just enjoy the excitement the Cup brings out, the quadrennial event has an undeniable draw for travel-lovers. So, mark your calendars: The event will begin at 5 p.m. local time (9 a.m. EST) on Sunday, November 20, with matches leading up to the final showdown at 6 p.m. local time (10 a.m. EST) on Sunday, December 18.

While many have stake in their team winning, there's a lot of hype on Brazil and England this year. Or will France , who won the last men's FIFA World Cup hosted by Russia in 2018, make their country proud once again? No matter who wins, the global soccer competition is always a thrill to follow, even if you aren't making it to Qatar . Below, we answer every question you may have about the World Cup 2022, for both those planning a game-chasing trip to the event and those tuning in from elsewhere in the world.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When is the World Cup 2022?

So, when exactly does the World Cup start? The 2022 World Cup will begin with an opening ceremony scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. local time, (9 a.m. EST) Sunday, November 20, followed by the starting match between host country Qatar and Ecuador kicking off at 7 p.m. local time (11 a.m. EST) on Sunday, November 20. There will be a total of 64 games played over five rounds: The group stage, a round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. The group stage matches will play out until Friday, December 2, then the round of 16 games will run from December 3 to December 6. The quarter-finals will take place on December 9 and December 10, and the semi-finals will consist of two matches—one on December 13, and one on December 14. The final match and closing ceremony will both take place on Sunday, December 18, with the last game starting at 6 p.m. local time (10 a.m. EST).

Where is the World Cup 2022?

The 2022 World Cup is hosted by Qatar. The matches are going to be held between eight venues in the capital city of Doha , and the surrounding cities of Lusail, Al Khor, Al Rayyan, and Al Wakrah. Each of the Qatar World Cup stadiums completed construction in the past two years explicitly for the games, with the exception of the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, which was build in 1976.

The opening ceremony will take place at the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, just outside of Doha, and the closing ceremony will be held at the 80,000-capacity Lusail stadium, also near Doha.

Who is performing at the opening ceremony?

More than wanting to know when and where the opening ceremony will take place, the Internet is buzzing with an even bigger question: Who will perform at the World Cup opening ceremony? Ahead of official announcements from FIFA, K-Pop sensation BTS confirmed that Jung Kook, one of the band's seven members, will be performing at the ceremony.

CBS Sports report that Lil Baby, who recorded a song titled “The World Is Yours to Take” for the 2022 World Cup soundtrack, will also be performing. The Telegraph has reported that Canadian actress Nora Fatehi is expected to sing the tournament's official song at the opening ceremony. Dua Lipa, The Cure, and Rod Stewart have all confirmed via their individual Twitter accounts that they are not performing. There's also online gossip of a Shakira performance—she recorded the World Cup 2010 theme song—though that has been chased by reports in Spanish media that she has since backed out.

Other performances expected to take place during the Cup, according to the Telegraph, are concerts at the Doha Golf Club by British singer Robbie Williams (on December 8), the Black Eyed Peas performance (on November 20), and J Balvin (on November 24).

Who qualified for the World Cup?

There's always a lot of talk—and national pride—as we find out who qualified for the World Cup. There are 32 World Cup qualified teams representing every division: Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), Europe (UEFA), North/Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF), Oceania (OFC), and South America (CONMEBOL). FIFA has grouped the qualified teams into eight draws (for the sports laymen, that means the teams in each draw, or group, will face off against each other first):

Group A: Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands Group B: England, Iran, United States, Wales Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland Group D: France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia Group E: Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

Who is the favorite to win the world cup 2022 in Qatar?

Brazil, who has won the most World Cups with five trophies, is the favorite to win the 2022 World Cup, according to the latest polls by Bet365 . They are followed by Argentina , France, England, and Spain.

What are the chances of the United States winning the World Cup 2022?

We are the underdog.

Odds are very low that the U.S. wins the 2022 World Cup, according to Draft Kings . While there is always hope, the teams that the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is up against in group B are in much better standing. The USMNT is slightly favored to make it past the first group stage, though England is the rightful favorite to win the group.

Where can I watch the World Cup?

The World Cup 2022 will be available live on FOX Sports and FS1 in the United States—available in English, as well as in Spanish on Telemundo. Both of these channels are available to stream on major platforms like Peacock TV , Hulu , YouTube TV , and Sling , among others.

Where can I stream the World Cup 2022 for free?

The ad-supported streaming platform Tubi will broadcast all World Cup matches free of charge. There's a catch though, the matches will only be available as a replay, on-demand.

(As you probably know, the streaming services above offer free trials—many of one month—which would make watching the 2022 World Cup free during the trial period.)

When is the next World Cup?

The FIFA Women's World Cup is taking place next year in Australia and New Zealand , from July 20, 2023 to August 20, 2023. There's still time to plan a memorable trip to watch the U.S. women's team compete—a team that is actually likely to take home the win, yet again.

The next men's World Cup will be in 2026. For the first time ever, there will be three host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Host cities will be Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto and Vancouver. Tickets haven't gone on sale yet, but keep an eye on this page for details.

Al Thumama Stadium located in Qatar for the 2022 for FIFA World Cup

The Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, will host a number of World Cup 2022 games.

Traveling to the World Cup 2022?

Flights to qatar.

Most Qatar flights are offered on Doha's own, Qatar Airways . The airline partners with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, JetBlue, and more. Of the four Qatar airports, only one is international: Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH). Non-stop flights to Doha take 12 hours and 35 minutes from New York City , 15 hours and 40 minutes from Los Angeles , and 6 hours and 35 from London .

What to do in Qatar

All international travelers heading into Qatar will need to fly via Doha, and that's a good thing—the city has rich offerings when it comes to fantastic hotels, world class restaurants, and cultural draws. There has been a ton of activity on the museum front, for starters: the Jean Nouvel-designed National Museum of Qatar opened in 2019, the very on-theme Olympic Museum opened this April ahead of the Cup, and the latest, the Museum of Islamic Art—credited with establishing Doha as a creative hub—reopened this October in a five-story limestone building designed by I.M. Pei.

When you've finished working your way through the above, make a point to shop at Souq Waqif, a century-old shopping landmark, or earmark a day for a desert safari to get you out of the city. Read more about the best things to do in Doha in our just-updated guide, below.

Qatar hotels

As with most major global sporting events, the host country prepares for years to show off the best of their nation. That usually means improving infrastructure, building top-of-the-line sports arenas, and, yes, investing in luxurious, world-class accommodations. Given that this is the biggest event ever hosted by Qatar, U.S. heavy-hitters and international brands went all in.

While new properties like the Banyan Tree Doha and Zulal Wellness Resort are making big splashes, the grande dame in the city has long been the St. Regis Qatar . Known for housing some of the best restaurants in the urban center, like Chef Ho Yiek Chung's contemporary Chinese spot Hakkasan, the Marriott property is an ideal choice. If you want to stay closer to the Lusail Stadium, where the final—and biggest—matches will take place, the U-shaped architectural feat of the Katara Towers (one side is Raffles Doha , the other Fairmont Doha ) is opening right in time for the action. Or, check into the expansive Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha set to open in October 2023.

Get the full rundown on the best hotels in Doha through our new guide, where we cover wellness resorts, historic guesthouses, and much more.

Qatar restaurants

If you were planning on just grabbing a quick bite at the hotel between matches, think again. The food scene in Doha has undergone somewhat of a renaissance as of late (not unrelated to that aforementioned investment poured into every corner of the hospitality sector ahead of the Cup). Expect to find local flavors like spiced karak tea and machboos (reminiscent of biryani) in the form of Qatari street food, and elevated dishes at restaurants like Jiwan by Alain Ducasse, which serves Qatari dishes with French flair (think desserts that combine strawberry and labneh, for example). There are of course more international flavors, such as Syrian food at Damasca One , and Sri Lankan at contemporary Nourlaya . And if it is great hotel dining you're after? Make a beeline for Jean-George Vongerichten’s South American Curiosa in the Four Seasons hotel on West Bay, or Gaston Acurio's ceviche haven La Mar at the InterContinental .

Get more tips on the best restaurants in Doha, Qatar , through our complete dining guide.

What are Qatar's travel requirements?

As for the standard Qatar travel requirements, your passport will need to be valid at least six months after your return date. Though Qatar usually requires a tourist visa upon entry (it costs roughly $27), only travelers with a ticket or approved by someone with a ticket can enter the country around the World Cup 2022, from November 1 to December 22. If you have a World Cup game ticket, or are traveling with a ticket holder, apply for your Hayya Card before traveling—this will function as your visa for entry to the country, and ticket into the World Cup stadiums. (It also grants fee metro and bus access in the country.) Travelers without a Hayya Card will not be permitted entry.

Additionally, COVID-19 travel restrictions for U.S. visitors to Qatar have been essentially eliminated—a vaccination certificate is no longer required to enter the country, nor are negative test results. Travelers no longer need to use the Ehteraz health certification app upon arrival, but are required to show it if/when entering public and private healthcare facilities.

Keep tabs on the most up-to-date Qatar travel requirements and restrictions on the Qatar's website.

What is Qatar's weather like?

In November and December, temperatures are very pleasant at an average of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. While the country gets quite hot in the Summer months (think 106 degrees Fahrenheit), from November to March the weather is warm and perfect for travel.

What is the currency in Qatar?

The Qatari riyal is the official currency in the Middle Eastern country. At the time of publishing, the exchange rate is USD 1 = QAR 3.64. As is always the case when traveling abroad, try to bring at least $50 to $100 per person, per day—you never know when a restaurant isn't going to take your credit card or when an ATM might be hard to find.

Can you drink in Qatar?

Yes, alcohol is available at licensed restaurants and bars for those over the age of 21. Each stadium will have areas where sports goers can grab a beer or Jack Daniels. Drinking is illegal outside of these licensed spaces (like, in your hotel room).

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FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Top 10 tourist attractions you can’t miss in Qatar

When and where is the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022?

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Qatar’s burgeoning capital city — Doha has been in the spotlight as the FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off on November 20, and run until December 18.

As a busy transition hub, Qatar connects many destinations all over the world. Thanks to the convenient transportation, all 8 stadiums built in and around the city of Doha could be easily reached by subways and buses.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup kicks off on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium when the hosts take on Ecuador in Group A.

The tournament was originally set to begin a day later with Senegal's game against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium but Qatar's match was moved forward to allow them to open their home tournament.

England will now feature on the second day with their Group B match against Iran scheduled to take place on November 21 with a 1pm UK time kick-off. The game is just eight days after the Premier League shuts down.

After qualifying via the play-offs, Wales' first game will also be on November 21.

Wales will then play England on November 29 in Group B.

The final will be played at the Lusail Stadium in Doha a week before Christmas on December 18.

1. It is the first time that the World Cup is held in an Arab country.

2. It is the first time that the World Cup is held in the northern hemisphere winter.

3. It is the first World Cup to bring in female referees and to use semi-automatic offside technology.

FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Travel requirements

Many countries across the globe have specific regulations in place for arriving and departing passengers in order to restrain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors could read and check the travel requirements through the official website of Qatar Airway before booking your trip and ensure you have the required documents at the time of travel.

Transit through Doha

Passengers who are transiting through Doha, and not leaving the airport, are not required to present any test results or certifications above the requirements of their departure or destination country.

Before booking your flight with Qatar Airways, it’s recommended that visitors need to check the latest information on country/region travel restrictions as well as visa and passport requirements.

Citizens of over 95 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Qatar. How long you are allowed to stay will depend on where you're from, so best to check beforehand. Ideally with an authorized entity, because the terms and conditions that apply can be different per country.

New visa rules apply during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 period of November 10 to December 23.

It’s reminded that both local and international fans must apply for a Hayya Card before they make a trip to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Hayya Card is your entry permit to the State of Qatar and will also be required to access to stadiums. Each guest under your FIFA Ticket Application Number will need to apply for their own Hayya Card and the process is easy.

Qatar entry rules

Visitors are no longer required to bring a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Rapid Antigen test certificate before travelling to the State of Qatar.

Citizens and residents of the State of Qatar are no longer required to take a Rapid Antigen test (nor PCR) upon their arrival in the State of Qatar.

Individuals are mandated to present the health status on the Ehteraz mobile application only while entering public and private healthcare facilities in Qatar.

It is mandatory for individuals to present the health status of the Ehteraz application when entering public and private healthcare facilities in Qatar.

The Health Status for citizens, residents, visitors who have received the vaccine outside Qatar will remain green without a golden frame until their vaccine data is updated in the system or through the Overseas Vaccine Portal (www.ehteraz.gov.qa).

The Health Status on the Ehteraz app will remain red throughout the isolation period, until the end of their period of isolation.

Diplomats, administrative card holders and VIP visitors arriving on official state visits are excluded from this measure.

Recently, Qatar has eased COVID restrictions on international visitors travelling during the World Cup and will allow free entry for fans from December 2 when the group stage ends.

Argentina won the FIFA World Cup 2022 final after a penalty shootout that followed a 3-3 draw after extra time on December 18 (Sunday).

Lionel Messi scored twice and Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick, but Emiliano Martinez's save from Kingsley Coman's spot-kick in the shootout was decisive with Aurelien Tchouameni also firing wide for the defending champions.

🤞Argentina airline adds 2 more flights for 2022 FIFA World Cup final

Argentina’s national carrier scheduled two extra flights from Buenos Aires to Qatar to take football fans to the 2022 World Cup final.

Both Aerolíneas Argentinas flights sold out quickly. The first one leaves from Argentina’s capital on Friday morning, and tickets for that flight were gone within a half-hour of the national team’s 3-0 victory over Croatia in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Tickets for the second flight, which leaves Friday night, went on sale early Wednesday and were sold out within a couple of hours, the airline said in a statement.

The airline sold 540 roundtrip tickets for the two flights, with each one costing around 2 million pesos (more than $11,000). Aerolíneas Argentinas has offered a total of 12 flights for the World Cup.

Time: Friday December 9

Croatia vs Brazil - Kick-off 3pm

Netherlands vs Argentina - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Saturday December 10

Morocco vs Portugal - Kick-off 3pm

England vs France - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Tuesday December 13

Netherlands or Argentina vs Croatia or Brazil - Kick-off 7pm

Time: Wednesday December 14

England or France vs Morocco or Portugal - Kick-off 7pm

The FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup begins with 32 teams in eight groups of four:

The group phase played from November 20 to December 2. The knockout phase will run from December 3-18 .

FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: Top 10 tourist attractions you can’t miss in Qatar

Travel tips in Qatar

Qatar is a destination that offers novel, authentic experiences. Here are some tips that will help better navigate the local culture and fully enjoy your time in Qatar.

Attitudes towards dress in Qatar are relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public. It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered.

This is widely expected at Souq Waqif and other traditional markets.

The Qatari riyal is the only currency used in the country and can be obtained through ATMs which are widely available in malls, hotels and around Doha. The Qatari Riyal (QR) is pegged against the US Dollar at QAR 3.64.

When bringing local currency (Qatar Riyal-QAR) and all other foreign currencies amounts equal to or higher than QAR 50,000 must be declared on arrival. This includes jewelry, precious metals or stones valued at QAR 50,000 or higher.

The Accessible Qatar smartphone app provides information about accessibility and facilities at different public and touristic venues across the country.

Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Wheel the World to offer accessible tourist experiences to differently abled visitors.

In case of emergency, following specialised services are accessible for the deaf:

Call 992 using the 3G camera on your computer or cell phone;

Send an SMS to 992 clearly stating your problem and what service you need (ambulance, fire rescue, police), as well as your name, address, and any details;

Send an e-mail to [email protected] (it may take some time before you receive a response)

The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of Qatar has access to drinkable tap water. However, bottled water is widely consumed in Qatar with plenty of local and imported brands widely available.

The standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Plug points are the same as in the UK. To use electric appliances made for the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), one needs a voltage converter or a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter.

Emergency telephone numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance:

Traffic & Patrol Police Department:

Embassies & Consulates

Doha is home to over 100 foreign embassies and a consulate. These are open for business from Sunday to Thursday and closed on Friday and Saturday, as well as all public holidays of both Qatar and the embassy's home country.

Friday timings

All business and commercial activity shuts down during Friday prayers in the morning (around 10am -12pm). Several shops remain closed on Fridays while malls open in the afternoon on Fridays.

Qatari ladies will not shake hands with men, and many men will not shake a lady’s hand as a gesture of respect.

In case of emergency, visitors can go to Hamad General Hospital’s network of hospitals and healthcare centers for care.

Qatar is the world’s first country to introduce a commercial 5G network. Free WIFI facilities are available at the Hamad International Airport and most public places including shopping malls, restaurants and parks.

Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting. It is spent with family and friends, with much feasting, and goes on for three days, though shops and private businesses may reopen after one or two days.

The Hajj pilgrimageends with Eid Al Adha, also known as the “feast of sacrifice” and continues for four days.

Home to around a hundred nationalities, Qatar is a melting pot of cultures with numerous languages being spoken. Being an Arab country, the official language is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken at all public places.

Meet & Greet Services

Passengers arriving, departing or transiting through Hamad International Airport can avail Al Maha personalised Meet & Greet Services at Hamad International Airport.

Qatar National Day is celebrated on 18 December. Sports Day is also a national holiday celebrated on the second Tuesday of February each year. In addition to these two holidays the country is closed for three days during Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

As in all Middle Eastern countries, showing overt affection and intimacy in public is frowned upon.

During the Islamic month of Ramadan, visitors are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours out of respect to those who are fasting. Hotels continue to cater to guests by opening restaurants that are out of the public’s view.

Qatar is a Muslim country and Islam plays an integral role in daily life. Prayers take place five times per day: at dawn (Fajr), around midday (Duhr), in mid-afternoon (A'asr), at sunset (Maghrib) and about two hours after sunset (‘Esha). The exact timing varies each day according to the sun's position.

Qatar has been ranked first in terms of safety and security, according Numbeo Crime Index 2020, the world’s largest database of user contributed data on cities and countries.

Smoking is prohibited in all public spaces including museums, sports clubs, shopping malls and restaurants. Violators can be subject to fines between QAR 1000-3000.

Passengers transiting through Doha can take advantage of Qatar’s unmatched stopover program to explore the destination. The +Qatar program offers great deals at 4- and 5- Star hotels.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) regulates the telecommunications, information technology, and postal sectors, as well as access to digital media. Ensuring balancing consumers’ rights and telecom Service Providers’ obligations is a top priority for CRA. If you have inquiries or complaints against telecom Service Providers, you can contact us through:

· Hotline 103, or +97444069938 from overseas

· Email: [email protected]

· Complaint Form: https://www.cra.gov.qa/en/Services/Consumers-Complaints

· Social media: @craqatar

· Mobile App: “Arsel” on Google Play and App Store

For more information please visit CRA’s website: www.cra.gov.qa

Most hospitality outlets in Qatar include a service charge in the bill. However, a tip of 10-15% as a gesture of satisfaction is appreciated. It is advisable to carry cash for tipping.

Qatar drives on the right hand side of the road.

Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, extreme temperatures during summer and mild winters. Average monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 36°C in July, sometimes reaching highs of 40°C+ during the summer months.

Conceived of in 2012 The Year of Culture is an initiative by Qatar Museums. Taking place with another country, the year-long cultural exchange programme invites people to explore a new culture, through a variety of exhibitions, festivals, competitions and events.

As Qatar gears up to host the first-ever World Cup, here we unveiled top 10 tourist attractions in Qatar and gave you the best travel insights into this oil-rich country.

Bursting with diverse world-class museums and cutting-edge art galleries, the Museum of Islamic Art has lured tourists from home and abroad to discover its unique charms and cultures. Designed by world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, the museum is noted as the crown jewel of museums in Qatar and has become one of the marvels of the modern Middle East.

Through great works of art, the Museum of Islamic Art is an ideal place to showcase the achievements of Islamic civilization and abundant Islamic cultures. Perched just off the Corniche, the museum looks like a gigantic broken Rubik cube floating on water from some angles. Looking from the inside, you will discover that the whole architecture is a masterpiece of light and space. In addition, the museum features year-round high-profile rotating exhibitions, adding highlights to the wealth of knowledge here.

No trip to Qatar would be complete without travelling to Khor Al Adaid. Located in northwest part of Qatar, just a short drive from the capital of Doha, the Khor AI Adaid, also known as the ‘Inland sea’, is the desert marvel of Qatar featuring backdrops of large, crescent-shaped sand dunes on the water’s edge — It is one of the few places in the world where the desert and sea meet, making a unique sight as ocean waves appear on the horizon beyond the dunes. The spectacular landscapes offer world-class experiences to travelers.

This scenic spot was declared a nature reserve in 2007 and was recommended to be the UNESCO world heritage site, which has witnessed the profound history of Qatar for years.

For those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and find inner peace, this site is actually a paradise of tranquility and relaxation.

Once a thriving pearl fishing and trading hub in late 18th century and early 19th century, AI Zubarah Archaeological Site is now a well-preserved and largest World heritage site in Qatar. The most famous spot is the old fort. Constructed in 1938 with high and thick walls, and fort has also served as a coastguard station.

with an impressive city wall, ancient residential palaces, streets, houses, markets, industrial areas and mosques, the Al Zubarah Archaeological Site is a gateway to Qatar’s past, as well as an ideal place for history lovers.

Stretched in a half-moon shape, the Doha Corniche is a waterfront palm-fringed boulevard which runs 7 kilometers along the Doha Bay and the city’s sea-front, offering views over the crystal-clear water from every angle.

Walking along the Corniche, you can view the magnificent urban landscapes, including the high-rise buildings in the CBD, the Museum of Islamic Art, gorgeous parks with children’s play areas, and many luxury hotels. Sometimes you could also see the traditional wooden sloops in the bay.

You might be told by locals not to take a stroll during the daytime in summer here as the weather is too hot and there is relatively little shade to be found. While it would be very cozy to while away the summer heat when taking a stroll along the corniche at night. The Doha corniche is indeed one of the most captivating parts of this capital city.

As one of the landmarks in Doha, the Pearl Island is an artificial island and situated off the coast of Doha’s west bay. The island is also a luxurious residential complex that features numerous residential buildings, villas and hotels, and the wharf is often full of luxury yachts.

A trip to the Pearl Island in Doha would leave you with a great impression before you leave the country. The island resembles Italy’s Venice on the whole, and it contains a variety of shopping centers, boardwalks and water taxis, making it a shopping paradise for travelers all over the world.

Home to many traditional Arabic restaurants and a focal point for locals and tourists, the vibrant complex Souq Waqif in Doha, built on the site of Doha’s century old trading market, is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to hang out with friends, particularly after dusk.

For newcomers, walking in the Souq Waqif was like walking in a maze of shops bursting with traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, household goods and souvenirs.

In addition, the Souq Waqif is also home to Falcon Souq where visitors can view the majestic birds standing on the shopkeeper’s arms.

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar tells the story of Qatar and its people from earliest times to the present, bringing to life the peninsula’s natural history, giving voice to Qatar’s rich heritage and culture, and expressing a vibrant community’s aspirations for the future.

Jean Nouvel’s new architecture incorporates the Palace while seamlessly integrating innovative artworks commissioned from Qatari and artists from home and abroad, rare and precious objects, documentary materials, and interactive learning opportunities.

The whole architecture is like the Desert Rose — not a plant, but a special geological phenomenon in the desert. Both exteriors and interiors of the building evokes a feeling of otherworldly design that is beyond expectations of any visitor. Apart from its extraordinary structure, the museum displays exhibitions from all that are considered historic, rare and artistic including archeological artifacts as well as limited car models.

The museum officially made its debut on March 28, 2019.

Nestled on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl, the Katara Cultural Village boasts a variety of cafes, an open-air theater, outdoor markets and buildings designed in the traditional Qatari fashion. The theme of the village is ‘Beyond Boundaries’ and it is envisioned to offer a glimpse of the future.

Since opening in late 2010, Katara Cultural Village has been a hub for art and culture lovers in the city. This tourist attraction is very huge and one or two days might not be enough to cover them all so here are our honorable mentions that you could definitely check out in case you are time-constrained:

1. The Gold Mosque

2. The Amphitheatre

3. 21 High Street

4. Al Thuraya Planetarium

This tourist attraction has gained quite popularity in recent years and gradually become one of the must-visit places in Qatar. Film City — a few also call it ‘Cinema City’ — has a mysterious backstory and it is probably one of the reasons why people are drawn to this place.

It’s said by many people that this small town was once built as a set to film movies and TV series a while ago, however everything here was halted in the middle and all equipment was moved out. No one really knows what has happened and the true story behind this, but the Film City has not been explored by many yet and has an intriguing vibe, something that visitors chase after.

As a replica of an ancient Arabic village, this tourist attraction is also one of the offbeat destinations for tourists to escape from the crowd.

10. Qatar National Library: A paradise for book lovers

If you are a book lover, then you can’t miss one of the tourist attractions in Qatar — Qatar National Library. With a massive collection of rare documents and manuscripts, books and periodicals in many European and Asian languages, visitors could definitely wander in the sea of books.

Qatar National library is the latest expression of OMA’s long-term interest in the library, which goes back to the competition for the National Library of France in 1989.

The library is also part of the Education City, a new academic campus which hosts satellite campuses from leading universities and institutions from around the world.

Qatar 2022 will be the last World Cup for a series of star players, but most attention will go to Lionel Messi of Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. How will the long-time rivals do in their "last dance"?

😉 Read more:

FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022: 8 Stadiums and nearby recommended hotels

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World Cup 2022: What to do, see and eat in Qatar

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It was 115 degrees on the summer day I arrived in Qatar. That answered my first question: Why had FIFA, among the most hidebound and conservative of international sports bodies, agreed to buck nearly a century of tradition by playing the World Cup in the winter?

The second question was a bit more complicated: Why had Qatar, a tiny, conservative, Islamic emirate in the Persian Gulf worked so hard and spent so much to play host to the tournament?

FIFA World Cup posters covering West Bay skyscrapers in Doha, Qatar.

The World Cup kicks off Nov. 20 and over the following 28 days, more than 1.2 million people are expected to flood into a country that is smaller than Connecticut and has a population about equal to Chicago’s. The country and its unfailingly polite people have neither the space nor the patience to deal with more than a million rowdy soccer fans, many of whom know nothing of the country or its culture.

That, however, is the point, said Fatma Al-Nuaimi, executive communications director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the local World Cup organizing body.

“A lot of people will be coming here and they might have their own perceptions from what they read and what they hear,” she said after a late dinner at an Armenian-Lebanese restaurant in the trendy Katara Cultural Village, a sprawling waterfront collection of shops, restaurants and museums. “When you come here, it’s totally different. You learn about new things, new culture, new traditions. It gives you a different perspective. For a lot of travelers, this is what they would be keen to look for and to explore and to enrich the experience they have outside the stadium.”

But will it be a Faustian bargain? By law and custom, alcohol consumption is tightly controlled in Qatar, homosexuality is prohibited, public displays of affection are a serious faux pas and some labor regulations are just a small step above indentured servitude.

To welcome the world, the country has given in on all those things. And while that was done to appease international critics, it hasn’t played well at home.

Then there’s the organization.

The final test event in September, a soccer match that drew 78,000 people, was beset by a series of logistical disasters, from long lines and air conditioning and PA system failures to concession stands selling out of water by halftime. In response, hundreds of civilians, including diplomats summoned back from overseas, have been called up for mandatory military service operating security checkpoints at World Cup stadiums.

But there’s also an upside. Qatar has become one of richest countries in the world thanks to large deposits of oil and natural gas, resources the government knows are nonrenewable. So it has already begun the long and laborious task of diversifying the economy.

Two years before the controversial vote that awarded the World Cup to Qatar, the country launched National Vision 2030, a multipronged plan to invest $200 billion in economic, social, human and environmental development and one designed, in part, to make the desert emirate a global destination for tourism, education and culture.

Qatar also invested heavily in sports tourism, staging more than 600 international events in the last decade, from the world track championships and a Formula 1 Grand Prix to international bowling, squash, table tennis and equestrian events. That has hurried along infrastructure spending on highway and light-rail construction and expansion of Hamad International Airport.

“These mega-events, there is part of it where it’s actually helping bridge gaps and cultures and bringing people closer together,” Al-Nuaimi said. “There is always a misperception of this part of the world, the Arab world, the Muslim world. Having 1 million fans coming to Qatar from all parts of the world, they will see a different image and having firsthand experience of the country itself.”

The real goal, she said, is to get the world to come sample Qatar, learn about its rich history and culture and hopefully shed prejudices.

But whether Qatar is ready or not, the 32-team tournament will kick off next month and if you’re one of the more than 2.8 million people who have tickets — or if you plan on skipping the madness and visiting the country sometime after the tournament — here’s a guide to help you navigate a most compelling and complicated country.

What you need to get into Qatar

A Qatar Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

If you don’t have World Cup tickets by now, you’re probably going to have a hard time getting them. More than 90% of the approximately 3 million tickets had been claimed by mid-October, but FIFA is promising to continue selling at FIFA.com/tickets, through the end of the tournament on Dec. 18. Some tickets can also be found on the secondary market, although FIFA is urging fans to stay away from unauthorized websites.

But a ticket won’t be enough to get you into a game — or even the country. For that you’ll also need a digital Hayya fan ID card, which can be applied for at hayya.qatar2022.qa . World Cup visitors will need a valid ticket application number and a Hayya voucher code to book accommodations.

To enter the country under normal circumstances (a.k.a. when there is no World Cup), U.S. citizens need a visa waiver, also known as visa on arrival. You don’t have to apply for that ahead of time as the entire process takes place when you arrive in Qatar. You will need a valid passport, good for at least six months, confirmation of a return ticket and a debit or credit card to pay the $28 fee for a tourist visa. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended.

Starting Nov. 1, you will not need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative PCR test to enter the country.

Here’s a tip for those traveling to Qatar on Qatar Airways: The airline offers something called Al Maha Services. For an additional fee, a dedicated airline employee will guide travelers through expedited immigration and customs formalities both on arrival and at departure. That can be a lifesaver, especially after the nearly 17-hour flight from Los Angeles.

Where to stay

A building decorate with the flags of the teams participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the Qatari capital Doha.

Despite a massive construction boom during the 12-year run-up to the World Cup, Qatar has just more than 40,000 hotel rooms, far short of the inventory needed for an event like the World Cup. So the country has come up with a number of novel options that include housing visitors in fan villages and Bedouin-style desert tents. There are also apartments and villas with one to six bedrooms at prices ranging from $84 to $875 a night, and 4,000 staterooms on two cruise ships anchored in Doha Bay.

More than a half-a-dozen airlines have added 160 short daily shuttle flights from Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh, allowing fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly into Doha before and after games.

If all that sounds like too much of a hassle, or if you really don’t like soccer, visiting Qatar after the World Cup is a breeze.

What to do and see in Qatar besides the World Cup

People walk along an alley in in Doha's Souq Waqif.

Sampling Qatar means sampling its history, and Qataris are only too happy to share. My favorite haunt, a place I couldn’t spend enough time in, was the Souq Waqif, the city’s ancient marketplace.

A maze of narrow alleyways linked to a wide main plaza, the Souq long served as a trading post for Bedouin arriving by camel and travelers in small boats. Its merchants still gather every day, as they have for centuries, dressed in the traditional long white thobe and a loose headdress called a gutra , drinking strong Qatari coffee and arguing about the day’s news while selling traditional garments, jewels, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs.

The Souq, now easily accessible on the metro’s gold line, is also home to an array of dining options featuring food from Thailand, Turkey, India, Iran, Italy, Lebanon, Latin America, Morocco and Syria and elsewhere.

Falcons are displayed at the sixth edition of Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition 2022.

On one edge of the marketplace is the Falcon Souq — the word “ souq ” translates as marketplace — where you can view, photograph and even hold the birds, which have a revered place in Qatari culture. Nearby is a state-of-the-art falcon hospital and just beyond that is a camel pen, home to dozens of animals.

If the Souq Waqif is a real-life history lesson, in recent years Qatar has also built several world-class museums to teach the country’s culture and heritage in a more formal way.

The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar.

The National Museum of Qatar, which opened in 2019, is worth a visit just for the stunning work of architect Jean Nouvel, whose design was inspired by the desert rose. Inside, the museum tells Qatar’s story in a milelong journey through a series of galleries that provide multisensory experiences from multiple perspectives.

Equally impressive is the nearby Museum of Islamic Art, another architectural wonder by I.M. Pei, who was coaxed out of retirement at 91 to design the building. Constructed on an island off an artificial peninsula, the museum sits at the end of the Corniche, Doha’s scenic bayside promenade, and is accessible by two small bridges.

Doha Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).

The 480,000-square-foot museum, which reopened in early October after an 18-month renovation, houses more than 14 centuries of Islamic art from three continents, including metal work, ceramics, jewelry, textile and glass, as well as a priceless Quranic manuscript.

A more unique experience can be had at the Msheireb Museums, four historic heritage houses in the old part of the capital dedicated to the cultural and social development of Qatar. Of the four the Bin Jelmood House, which focuses on the history of slavery in the Arab Gulf, a practice that wasn’t outlawed in Qatar until 1952, is a must-see.

Inside, a projector beams a passage from an 1864 letter written by Abraham Lincoln: “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” The exhibitions are particularly timely since much of Qatar’s World Cup infrastructure was built by migrant workers employed under the kafala system, an exploitative and barely-legal form of indentured servitude that, in many ways, replaced slavery. International criticism ahead of the World Cup led to reform of the kafala system and a new minimum-wage structure, though abuses remain widespread.

Another unique gem is the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum housed in Khalifa International Stadium, site of eight World Cup matches. At more than 200,000 square feet, the museum, which opened in March, is one of the largest in the world dedicated to sports. Among the items in the collection are a soccer ball from England’s 1888 FA Cup final, the bobsled used by the Jamaican team in the 1988 Winter Games, a baseball bat from Babe Ruth, boxing glove from Manny Pacquiaoand a Steffi Graf tennis racquet.

And while the focus of the interactive exhibits and artifacts is on global sport, the museum includes sections on such traditional Qatari favorites as falconry, pearl diving and camel racing .

Speaking of history, before the discovery of oil and natural gas Qatar’s economy was built around pearls. In the latter half of the 19th century, nearly half the population was involved in the pearl trade, with divers sailing dhow boats into the warm gulf waters and descending as deep as 130 feet to harvest clams for the treasure they hid inside.

That’s gone now but the old dhow harbor remains. Bay cruises in the long, thin-hulled boats with Doha’s futuristic skyline as a backdrop are a good way to mix the past and present.

Aerial view of The Pearl, upscale residential area in Doha.

Part of that modern skyline is the Pearl, a small man-made island divided into 12 districts of residential towers, hotels, luxury-brand shops from Maserati and Rolls-Royce showrooms to trendy restaurants and cafes offering everything from South American and Lebanese cuisine to confectioneries.

Between the Pearl and the towering office buildings of the West Bay is the Katara Cultural Village, home to restaurants, art galleries and cultural organizations as well as an open-air amphitheater , an opera house, a multipurpose cinema, a multipurpose conference hall and a beach.

Want to live the history of Qatar? Well, time recedes quickly when you leave the city for the desert. Consider a half-day sunset safari, camel rides, sandboarding or a tour of the inland sea, a Persian Gulf inlet at the border between Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

During the World Cup, more than 90 special events including music festivals, cultural displays and street performances will also take place.

Where to eat

A view of Souq Waqif, a marketplace in Doha, capital and most populous city of Qatar.

Qatari cuisine is mix of traditional Arab food. Machboos, the national dish, consists of rice and vegetables and either lamb or chicken. Seafood and dates are also staples. But given the ethnic makeup — more than 2.5 million of the country’s 2.9 million residents are not Qatari citizens — the country has become a gastronomic melting pot featuring world-class offerings from dozens of countries.

As mentioned earlier, the Souq Waqif has a wide array of options served in a comfortable but traditional (read: budget-conscious) style. I’d recommend starting there since even the most finicky palates will find something to their tastes.

The Katara Cultural Village is another reasonably priced food court worth roaming, with cafes, chocolatiers, sandwich and fast-food places serving Greek, Italian, Egyptian, Mexican dishes and more, as well as upscale restaurants offering Palestinian, Western European, Italian and Asian food.

My favorite place was Mamig, a home-style restaurant — the name means grandmother in Armenian — serving a deep menu of Armenian and Lebanese offerings.

Many of Doha’s pricier restaurants are located in hotels, beginning with the Saffron, which offers both delectable Thai food and a breathtaking view from the top floor of the 31-story Banyan Tree hotel in Mushaireb, the heart of the old city.

The Spice Market in the Doha Hotel and Residences in the West Bay serves Southeast Asian-inspired fare from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Also in the West Bay, Hakkasan, a Michelin-starred brand with locations worldwide, serves Chinese food in a uniquely designed dining room or on the terrace.

Nobu, the Japanese restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel on the Corniche, offers a unique experience beginning with your entrance up a floating driveway, over a bridge crossing a reflecting pool and into a three-story building designed by David Rockwell. The most popular dishes are black cod yuzu miso and wagyu beef tacos.

In the trendy Pearl District, Toro Toro serves authentic Latin American dishes from chef Richard Sandoval before a stunning view of the bay. Sandoval has another place in the West Bay called Zengo that serves Asian fare, including sushi, sashimi and curry on the 61st floor of the Kempinski Residences & Suites.

Where to drink

Qatar is a Muslim country where Sharia law holds sway, so alcohol consumption is tightly controlled and it cannot be purchased in stores.

Licensed hotel bars and restaurants are the only places allowed to sell alcohol, but not all of them do. It’s not available in the Souq Waqif, for example, and of the restaurants listed above, Mamig does not serve alcohol. Call ahead or check a restaurant’s policy before making reservations — and if you do find a place that serves alcohol, be prepared to pay $15 or more for a simple beer unless you take advantage of happy hour, which most bars and restaurants offer.

Local laws have been eased somewhat for the World Cup, with organizers allowing beer consumption at the Arcadia Electronic Music Festival, a fan fest about two miles outside Doha, will feature three performance stages and beer will be served there between 10 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Beer is also available at the official FIFA fan festival at Doha’s Al Bidda Park and to ticket-holders at select areas inside the perimeters of World Cup stadiums prior to kickoff and after the final whistle. Only nonalcoholic beverages will be served inside the stadiums themselves.

Keep in mind there is zero tolerance for drinking in public outside these areas and being drunk in public is a crime in Qatar.

Need more information? The Qatar 2022 Contact Center offers 24/7 support in eight languages.

Additionally, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 25, there will be a Consular Services Center at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center which will provide direct access to embassy staff from the 32 qualified countries and countries with the highest number of ticket sales. The center will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Kevin Baxter writes about soccer and other things for the Los Angeles Times, where he has worked for 27 years. He has covered seven World Cups, four Olympic Games, six World Series and a Super Bowl and has contributed to three Pulitzer Prize-winning series at The Times and Miami Herald. An essay he wrote in fifth grade was voted best in the class. He has a cool dog.

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