AND FINALLY: World Cup comes to Qatar

One might say it is four years too early but the FIFA World Cup has come to Hamad International Airport (DOH) in a big way.

If you are travelling to Qatar or connecting at the airport, you don’t have to miss out with the football, 24/7.

A “Fan Zone” has been created at the airport.

The matches will be broadcast live in three beautifully-themed viewing areas designed to resemble a living room, a stadium and a 'majlis' – a traditional Arabic seating area where guests are received. The themes have been carefully selected to ensure passengers feel fully immersed in the viewing experience and get a taste of what to expect when Qatar hosts the event in 2022.

The iconic Lamp Bear area of the airport has been transformed to resemble a football pitch, featuring games and activities for passengers.

The entire terminal will come alive throughout the World Cup with roaming entertainment typified as football freestylers, ball jugglers and impromptu matches around the airport. Over the next few weeks, it will also have pop-up activations including foosball games and virtual football. Die-hard fans can have their faces painted with the flags of the countries they are supporting.

One word of warning. Screens near the gates will be covering the games but the airline does not want you to miss your flight. If you are flying on Qatar Airways, there is a good chance you can pick up the match you started to watch on the in-flight wi-fi.

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum