FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ integrated plans revealed

Talking to a daily newspaper Al Raya, CEO of the Haya Platform Saeed Ali Al-Kuwari and Director of the Housing Department Omar Abdul Rahman Al-Jaber gave an exclusive interview sharing insights on the benefits of Haya Card, preparations regarding accommodations, and progression of plans to provide football fans with a unique experience in the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ .

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy has launched the "Digital Haya Card" program serving as an exclusive permit for entry. The card incorporates amazing features provided by its smart application.  Saying that, it is also true that it has become a point of concern for many willing to apply for it with questions circulating. Saeed Ali Al-Kuwari shed light on all details regarding the distinctive experience provided by the Haya card. As the day of the mega event is coming closer, inquiries of fans have duplicated regarding procedures to follow that can make the matches an experience to cherish.

Talking about Haya Card, Local and International fans holding tickets need to submit applications for the digital Haya Card which provides the ability to plan the movement of fans along with free use of public transportation while attending a number of events and activities accompanying the tournament. The Haya Card application is currently available in Arabic and English. Five official FIFA languages ​​will be added at a later time.

Fans have to buy tickets first and then apply for the digital Haya pass to ensure a smooth experience and enjoy the World Cup matches. Applicants should make sure that the data provided during the registration process for obtaining the application is correct is entered in the places designated for it. A clear personal photo should be used in accordance with the required specifications, to ensure that all criteria for obtaining the card are met. Confirmation of accommodation reservations can be done either through the official accommodation platform or via online booking platforms. Those wishing to host their ticket holding friends and relatives during the tournament can be done in a seamless manner. The host just needs to log into their Haya card account and fill in the data of the guests along with their accommodation details for it to be updated automatically. Ticket holders are invited to choose their lodging from among the many options available on the host country’s accommodation portal and apply for a Haya card that will provide them with many benefits and services. The digital Haya card will be available mainly electronically, provided that it will be available in its printed version either by delivery or through one of the authorized centers for collection in Qatar. Applying for the digital Haya card does not require payment of any fees. Citizens and residents of GCC countries will need to apply for the card if they plan to visit Qatar between  November 1st 2022 and December 23rd 2022. Haya service centers will be operating to serve the World Cup fans for all their technical needs and respond to inquiries.

Omar Abdul Rahman Al-Jaber had a comprehensive dialogue regarding the lodgings finalized where the Supreme Committee worked diligently to provide distinctive accommodation with different options, including villas, apartments, fan villages, floating hotels, and holiday homes. They are fully equipped ranging from three to five-star categories.

Al-Jaber confirmed that fans who obtained tickets and registered on the digital Haya platform can register on the official residence platform for the tournament to choose the accommodation that best suits them. Supreme Committee was keen to provide apt accommodations in different regions across the country at an affordable price starting at $80. To provide an unprecedented experience nearly 130,000 furnished and equipped rooms ensuring the provision of 3.64 million hotel nights are made available for more than one million fans expected to come to the country.  Fan villages are mainly centered around camping lovers enjoying an unconventional atmosphere. They will be in six different locations and provide integrated and recreational services for fans at reasonable prices.

All selected residential units, whether buildings or residential complexes will be fully furnished and equipped in cooperation with the international company ACCOR which will provide high-quality hotel services to these units and their service facilities such as swimming pools and gymnasiums. MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia will dock in Doha port as floating hotels and will provide about 4,000 cabins for rent accommodating 9,500 approximately. The vacation homes are distinguished from other accommodation options by containing additional facilities that includes: swimming pools, gyms, children's playgrounds, concierge services, etc.

Until 18 August 2022, the official accommodation platform website recorded about 428,000 reservations for hotel nights, and the seventh day of the tournament corresponding to 26 November 2022 which was the peak of reservations. Confirmed reservations also exceeded 60% in the group stage.

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