GCC residents and citizens plan big in Doha after free entry announced

Many citizens as well as residents are planning to spend the weekend in Doha while watching the matches and exploring the tourist destinations. “It’s a good opportunity for GCC residents to enjoy the World Cup vibe while exploring Qatar. We are looking to spend this weekend in Doha while enjoying the World Cup moments with friends there,” Dubai resident Fasil Firoz told Gulf Times.
The new step was taken in the context of the State's efforts to provide an opportunity for visitors, citizens and residents of the GCC countries, to enjoy the atmosphere accompanying the matches of the World Cup.
As per the plans, Fasil, with his friends, will drive to the Qatar- Saudi Arabia border from where they will take the free transportation from the checkpoint to Al-Messila in Central Doha where they will be picked by friends.
“We like to go to the stadiums and fan zones and become part of the World Cup in Qatar,” he said.
Fans and tourists crossing the land border using buses and various means of land transportation can make use of the parking facilities allocated for visitors at Abu Samra border. The citizens and residents of the GCC countries arriving in Qatar by air will be able to enter without requiring registration via the Hayya platform. They must apply for a permit on the MoI website at least 12 hours before travel; the permit does not require any fee. Fans who wish to see the matches live in a stadium must register via the Hayya online platform. MoI has increased the number of passport counters at the checkpoint to serve visitors to the country, including fans, citizens, residents and others. And it has set up a comfortable tent ready to receive more than 4,000 people per hour.
Mosafer Travel and Tourism general manager Firos Nattu said that many GCC residents are availing the benefit of the new step noting that the weekends will see the influx of tourists and fans.
Another Dubai resident Zubair Sidheeq, who is planning to spend Saturday and Sunday in Doha, said that he will be driving to the Saudi Arabian city Salwa from where he will head to Abu Samra border by bus, arranged by the Saudi Ministry of Transport. From the border, he will reach Doha by the free bus. “The proceedings are easy and we are looking to avail of the new scheme,” he said.