Discover Qatar

The tiny Arab state of Qatar punches well above its weight in terms of wealth and global influence and is fast becoming the new bucket list destination in the Middle East.

Located on the Arabian peninsula, Qatar shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia. A semi-constitutional monarchy, the Al Thani dynasty has ruled the country since 1825. Sharia law is the primary source of Qatari legislation, although Qatar’s legal system is a mixture of civil and Sharia law in practice. Since its complete independence from Britain in 1971, Qatar has emerged as one of the world’s most important oil and gas producers.

The country has a population of more than 2.6 million, with the greatest density in the capital, Doha.

Qatar is fast emerging as a global business hub, where east meets west, and has been host to numerous conventions, conferences and exhibitions in various sectors. The state of Qatar allows entrepreneurs and developing companies the chance to work in a dynamic competitive economic environment with The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) providing the needed support for companies in accelerating their reach to markets and suppliers.

Since its successful bid to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup, the country’s infrastructure has vastly improved with expansions to roads and public transport, new shopping malls, expansion to the Doha Port, and significant advancements in technology and communication.

At times overlooked in favour of its glitzy neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Qatar is an excellent option for those seeking to experience

authentic Middle Eastern culture. Arriving from Europe is easy, with national carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways serving major cities along with other airlines, including Irish carrier Aer Lingus. The 6-hour flight time from Dublin is relatively short, and in no time at all, you can discover a land steeped in mystery.

HIGHLIGHTS Qatar is rich in history and culture and Qataris are immensely proud of their heritage. Visitors can enjoy numerous museums and heritage sites as well as shopping for locally produced goods at the many independent retailers.

Eating out is a popular pastime in Qatar where unique dishes with influences from all parts of the world can be enjoyed catering to all budgets. National dish Machboos is well worth a try – a smoky rice-based dish served with vegetables and an assortment of meat, and Ghuzi – whole roasted lamb served over fluffy rice with Khobes Rgag flatbread.

Live like the locals by starting the day with some strong Arabic coffee served with dates, a symbolic expression of hospitality. Aside from the smell of coffee brewing, Qatar is rich with other heady aromas, such as Bukhoor incense, and the staple ingredient of perfumes – Oud - made from a rare dark resin found in the agar (aquilaria) tree, known as liquid gold.

Hotel accommodation is plentiful and at the higher end of luxury with superb facilities. As the Middle East becomes increasingly popular with tourists, numerous cruise lines include Qatar on their itineraries, often with two-day layovers in port. Beach holidays in Qatar offer perfect relaxation with pristine sandy beaches and a wide variety of wellness resorts and luxury retreats.

Younger travellers are well catered for with a wide range of activities available. Experience the thrill of Dune Bashing as experienced drivers take you on a high-speed adventure across the sand dunes. Stay chilled at one of the numerous ice rinks, or visit Quest, Qatar’s newest indoor theme park, packed with high-adrenaline rides, including the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster and endless virtual reality experiences.

The jewel in the crown is Lusail Stadium, inspired by the play of light on the fanar lantern with decorative motifs of art and craftsmanship from the Arab world.

Qatar is a great choice for business travellers with modern hotels boasting excellent corporate facilities and conference spaces combined with easy transport links to other parts of the Middle East.

Qatar experiences an excellent climate throughout the year, with the highest temperatures in the summer months of July and August. The country is ranked as one of the safest in the world and the health ministry implements the best practices in health and hygiene.

Qatar should be on any curious travellers bucket list with its many offerings, and with the buzz of Qatar22 in the air, now is the time to visit this fascinating country.

QATAR 2022 Qatar transforms into Planet Football this November as elite teams from 32 nations convene, competing for the coveted Jules Rimet trophy. The country burst onto the global sporting stage in 2010 when it won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating favourites USA by six votes. The message around the bid was ‘attracting football to the Middle East’ in line with FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s aim to expand the game across the globe.

Immediately following the awarding of the tournament to Qatar, the country set in motion a turbocharged master plan to develop new infrastructure building eight state-ofthe-art, high-capacity stadia to host 64 games during the 18-day tournament. An eye watering $300 billion was spent on world-class innovative infrastructure including roads, public transport, hotels and other attractions. Football fans visiting for the tournament can expect luxury hotel facilities, modern public transport links, seamless communications and a host of non-football attractions.

An estimated 1.5 million fans - more than half the country’s population - are expected. Organisers hope it will put the country firmly on the map as a tourist and business destination long after the stadium lights are dimmed, boosting the economy and putting Qatar up there with its better-known Middle Eastern neighbours such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

PRECISION PLANNING Downtown Doha, the hub of the action, will shut down for non-football activity during the event, with schools closing and businesses reducing activity to avoid congestion and allow fans to move freely between stadia.

The country’s compact nature lends itself to easy travel between stadia. To make things even easier, however, an app was developed to give fans information on how to travel to follow their favorite team.

In addition, the FIFA World Cup is accessible to all, with the transport network improved to recognise the unique demands of the tournament, ensuring a range of services and greater connectivity for people with disabilities.

ARCHITECTURAL GEMS Each stadium is an architectural masterpiece in its own right, with a story behind the design. The jewel in the crown is the 80,000 capacity Lusail Stadium which hosts the final. This awe-inspiring stadium was designed with high temperatures in mind, positioned strategically to ensure the pitch will primarily be in the shade. The stadium is also a rich representation of the Arabic world, showcasing motifs of vessels, bowls and art pieces from the region. Its design reflects the dance of light and shadows seen in traditional fanar lanterns.

When the world cup is over, in keeping with Qatar’s dedication to sustainable development, Lusail Stadium will be transformed into a community space of schools, shops, cafés, sporting facilities and health clinics.

The weather was a hot topic following the awarding of the tournament to Qatar. Since its inauguration in 1930, the FIFA World Cup has taken place in June and July (except between 1942 and 1950 when the tournament was cancelled due the hostilities of WWII). Due the intense heat in Qatar during the summer months where daytime temperatures can exceed 45c, a decision was made to move the 2022 event to November and December, which means the domestic programme in many participating countries had to be rescheduled.

ACCOMMODATION AFLOAT Despite immense expansion in the hotel sector, the Qatari ministry is committed to ensuring all fans would be able to secure accommodation ahead of their visit. With this in mind, a deal was struck with Italian Cruise Line MSC, whereby two of its ‘mega ships’ will berth in the port of Doha. The brand new MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia will provide a combined 4,000 staterooms, acting as floating hotels with fans transported to matches and other attractions by shuttle buses.

Each stadium is an architectural masterpiece in its own right with a story behind the design.

Footballers’ wives and girlfriends are expected to be amongst the guests on the luxury liners, but it is unlikely that players will be allowed out of their protective ‘bubbles’ as their concentration will be on leading their teams to become World Champions.

Qatar2022 is all about the beautiful game, but visitors have a vast range of non-football activities to enjoy. Al Biddah Park will host family-friendly activities and music, with the opportunity to watch live games on the massive screens. The Corniche – Doha’s iconic 6km waterfront walkway - will be the place to see and be seen, with concerts, culture, over 150 food outlets, and people-watching opportunities on par with the tournament itself.

While every fan dreams of seeing their national team lift the Jules Rimet trophy on December 18th, Qatar2022 will leave a fantastic legacy on the country and lasting memories for those lucky enough to experience the hospitality and warmth of this Gulf State.

The official logo for the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup was revealed in September 2019, unveiled in the Qatari capital of Doha before being beamed onto the country’s key landmarks including the Burj Doha, Katara Cultural Village Amphitheatre, the Ministry of Interior, Souq Waqif and Msheireb along with Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its creation follows the practice that began with the 2014 FIFA World Cup, as an abstract interpretation of the famous trophy.

The typeface created for the emblem evokes traditional Arabic calligraphy in a contemporary

THE MASCOT

The mascot for the FIFA World Cup 2022 is ‘La’eeb’ inspired by the keffiyeh, the traditional headdress worn by Arab men. ‘La’eeb’ in Arabic translates to ‘super-skilled player’, in anticipation of the hundreds of footballers about to land in the country.

The fun and curious La’eeb was unveiled during the Qatar 2022 Final Draw, which took place in Doha on April 1, following a tradition that

THE OFFICIAL POSTER

The Official Poster is on display at Hamad International Airport, where it will remain at Gate D18 throughout the FIFA World Cup 2022™. Everyone will have the chance to see the poster as they travel from and transit through Qatar.

This series of eight posters were created through close collaboration with prominent Qatari artist Bouthayna Al Muftah. The artworks combine to convey the values and messages of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in a subtle, unique and relevant way – while remaining closely connected with local culture and heritage.

The main poster focuses on the football itself, featuring the agal – a traditional head piece worn in Qatar – alongside typography expressing the voices of a cheering crowd. Just like the game, the artist’s approach is raw and emotive, packed with palpable movement and energy. This approach aims to create a dialogue with fans, igniting all their senses.

Bouthayna Al Muftah’s practice ranges from painting, photography, printmaking and typography to large-scale installations and performance pieces. The inspiration behind her creative expression is the concept of collective memory, born through thousands of years of Qatari heritage, borrowing elements from folklore and the oral history of Qatar and readapting them to reflect her relationship with her land’s past.

font, taking inspiration from the region and fusing tradition with a modern feel.

Besides echoing the shape of the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, the emblem’s central form takes inspiration from a traditional woollen shawl while its swooping curvature depicts desert dunes. The emblem also draws attention to the symbol meaning infinity which is said to represent the “interconnected nature” of the event. The similarity with the number eight links perfectly too with the number of stadiums being used.

was initiated in England 1966. At the unveiling ceremony, an animated video was displayed, telling La’eeb’s story to millions of football fans. Commenting FIFA said, “La’eeb will be known for his youthful spirit; spreading joy and confidence everywhere he goes. La’eeb comes from a parallel world where tournament mascots live. It is a world where ideas and creativity form the basis of characters that live in the minds of everyone.”