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Indonesia is exploring the possibility of giving expatriates in Doha visa-on-arrival entry aimed at further attracting more visitors from Qatar, Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has said. “There is an idea given by the tours and travel community here (Doha) - we could issue visa on arrival for countries, basically citizens of other countries but with a Qatar ID... so we could tap much wider potential markets because Qatar has large expatriate communities,” the minister told reporters during his recent visit.“And having direct flights to Indonesia, not just one destination but several destinations, would be a good way to tap that potential,” he said, citing Indonesia’s strong tourism recovery post-Covid-19 pandemic. Indonesia’s Ministry of Investments noted that the '10 New Balis' project, which consists of 10 destinations in Indonesia that are assigned to be ‘the next Bali’, is projected to attract a large number of visitors, including those from the Middle East.The '10 New Balis' includes Borobudur Temple (Central Java), Belitung (Sumatra), Mount Bromo (East Java), Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara), Lake Toba (North Sumatra), Thousand Islands (Jakarta), Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara), Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi), Tanjung Lesung (Banten) and Morotai (North Maluku), according to the ministry.“I’m pretty sure that we’re segmenting the right market and we are very optimistic that we will be able to attract more tourist arrivals from Qatar, as well as expatriate communities living in Qatar,” Uno said, as he highlighted the key role that Qatar plays as a hub for tourists inbound to Indonesia.He also underscored the importance of holding the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023, saying it will further strengthen the “already close bilateral relationship at all levels”, from people to people, business to business, communities to communities, and educational institutions.This unique cultural initiative, the minister said, provides a lot of opportunities between the two countries such as boosting the tourism sector and creative economy. “We are very excited and we are preparing a series of events to commemorate this Year of Culture and hopefully we could benefit from it, both Qatar and Indonesia.“For me in particular, I want to look for more investments coming from Qatar in the area of tourism because we see how hospitality has been transformed here and although we have the human capital, but I would say we're in a very serious need to upgrade our amenities, accommodation, hotels, specially new destinations,” Uno said.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar provides an opportunity for Indonesia to better prepare for its hosting of the Under-20 (U-20) tournament next year, particularly in using the latest football technologies and in organising sporting events, Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has said.Speaking to reporters at the embassy, he said Indonesia could learn from the event’s use of state-of-the-art technologies in enhancing people’s experience, crowd control and ticketing, in addition to the semi-automated offside technology during matches. “We should see how the game has changed and it's showcased here in Qatar, the use of technology to determine offside goals, something that's appeared like the Japan goal (against Spain),” the minister said. “When you see it with your eyes from a certain angle it’s definitely out, but because of the use of technology, they're able to call the right outcome."Lauding Qatar for organising the 2022 edition of the tournament splendidly, he said they learned a lot from its preparations, including the FIFA applications – “an astonishing technology that this World Cup has introduced”.This, Uno noted, allows fans in the stadium to watch and able to see the players’ statistics, name tags and other relevant information using the applications. He also lauded the well-maintained level of safety and security at the tournament with several facilities and measures in place to protect football fans while they enjoy roaming around.The minister said he witnessed how fans are enjoying and celebrating after winning every match, usually held at iconic locations such as Souq Waqif.Many people have also been visiting places such as Msheireb Downtown Doha, the Doha Corniche, Souq Al Wakra and various fan zones to experience an array of shows and activities. “I think this is a very good showcase, it’s the first time a World Cup is held in the Middle East and I think it would open up opportunities for a country such as Indonesia to host similar events in the future,” the minister said.The tournament in Qatar, Uno added, provides economic opportunities and huge job creation for the country, and “this is something that we want to do also for the FIFA World Cup U-20 next year”. “I think it's also time for Indonesia not just to promote sand, sea, and sun but also serenities, virtuality, and sustainability, and for a country of 270mn people and 17,000 islands, I think it's going to boost the image of tourism having a presence here in Qatar.“First the use of technology; second, how security and the health aspects are being truthfully watched; and also I would say, sustainability, how it could be more focus on green economies and jobs,” he said.About the World Cup in Qatar, Uno said he finds the event “very well organised, well marketed and well promoted”, as he sees excitement on the ground.Apart from a vibrant culture and art scene, and the use of technology, he said he saw the involvement of local businesses, as well as small and medium enterprises.“I think this is also a very well-prepared World Cup, probably the first major event that I see live after the pandemic and I would say that this will be an inspiration to the world,” the minister said, adding that the tournament allows Indonesia to promote its tourism and creative economy. “This is something that we’re able to show the world how football is magnificent, it's able to unite people. It's a tense match but after that, everybody becomes family – something that is truly remarkable,” he added.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar has ignited creativity among football fans and volunteers, either to showcase their nation’s heritage, make new friends, or simply express their excitement and enthusiasm for the sport.Every match since the start of the tournament on November 20 at Al Bayt Stadium witnessed a large number of supporters cheering for their teams by wearing colourful dresses or traditional costumes and painting their faces with flags and football-inspired designs.It is learnt that such a trend fascinated many people who want to join the frenzy in the metro, stadiums, in some of the most visited sites in Doha such as Souq Waqif, Katara – the Cultural Village, Msheireb Downtown Doha or while heading to watch the matches at the venues or fan zones.Japanese national Tomi shows his support for his team by wearing a traditional dress and greets incoming fans by singing and playing his guitar while taking pictures and videos with them at the stadium’s entrance.“I am really enjoying this World Cup, people say Japanese anime is great and Japanese people have kindness... and (they) pick the garbage so they like Japanese,” he said.Tomi is just one of the many friendly supporters who not only attracts and entertains the crowd but also puts a spotlight on this country’s heritage.This was also underlined by the increasing demand and popularity of wearing traditional Arab dress such as thobe, ghutra, and igal – designed with the flags of participating nations and sold at various outlets in the city.Javier, a Spanish supporter, said that he finds these kinds of attire unique, attractive, and impressive in a tournament like the World Cup, compared to the usual jerseys and sports apparel.“Such ingenuity helps promote a nation or a region’s culture, which sparks curiosity among visitors and those who watch it on social media pages, so it may eventually entice many people to explore the destination,” he added.This was echoed by a Polish supporter, Arthur, saying these fashion trends also presented creative ways to promote the tournament and for fans to familiarise themselves with the culture of the host nation, as well as the region.“I hope I get to see more of these in the coming days, weeks until December 18, the finals, and hopefully even in the next World Cup because it gives us plenty of artistic ideas,” he pointed out.Volunteers, especially those who guide metro passengers at various stations, found a way to do their jobs in an entertaining way. Apart from ‘metro man’ Abubakr Abbass’ “Metro? This way. Metro? This way,” several other volunteers have been welcoming fans of different teams by dancing and singing their usual phrases of chants like as ‘Ole Ola’ or mentioning their nationality and adding the word “This Way” such “Espanol, This Way”.

Apart from a well-organised FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, football fans from various countries have lauded the high-level of safety and security in the host nation and the people’s warm and friendly reception. Steven and Mica from Jamaica, who were enjoying their visit at the Msheireb Downtown Doha Wednesday, cited what they described as “an extremely safe environment in the country.” “We have so much respect with the country, it’s way far from what is shown and published by critics in the media. It is very safe and we are enjoying it here very much,” Steven stressed. Alex R from Argentina echoed the same view, citing the extraordinary safety that is in place in the stadiums and across the country. “Very nice quality of tournament, very safe place, no criminality, well organised, and excellent transportation,” Alex said. However, he suggested there should be more restaurants to reduce the rush and transportation beyond 3am, so as to make it easy for fans to return to their hotels and homes. “But otherwise, the World Cup is well organised, Qataris are very nice people, sophisticated, warm, welcoming and willing to spare time to help and assist anybody,” added Alex who also attended the last few World Cups. Qatar has been ranked the safest country in the world by Numbeo from 2020 to 2022 in terms of crime and general safety, while Doha ranks second as the safest city in Numbeo’s Crime Index by City in 2022. Mexican supporter Carlos Domingez, who also supports the USA team since he lives in Atlanta, said "it's been an amazing experience we feel so safe you can walk in the middle of the night and everybody is so friendly." He said in this World Cup, he experienced how politics, race, religion and beliefs have been set aside after Iranian supporters in Qatar helped and brought him home safely the other night after watching the matches. Matthew, a South African who lives in Doha, urged football fans from various countries to visit Qatar, saying "you wouldn't be disappointed." Matthew was supposed to take a vacation back home but decided to extend his stay to experience the World Cup and what it has to offer. Matthew said he witnessed the 2010 World Cup in his home country, and is now experiencing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. "There are so many things that you can do (here) and there are so many things free as well, it is so warm, it is so welcoming, and all the songs are amazing," he added.

The first FIFA Fans' Cup kicked off Tuesday at the FIFA Fans Festival, featuring 32 teams representing each of the nations competing in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and underlining the key role of football fans in the success of the prestigious tournament.The special event, organised for the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, was attended by Legacy Ambassadors Marcos Evangelista de Morais (Cafu), Samuel Eto’o, Ronald de Boer, and Xavi Hernandez, as well as Supreme Committee and Delivery’s (SC) Communications and Media executive director Fatma al-Nuaimi, and football fans.“I think it (Fans' Cup) is amazing. In the end, we play for the fans, we play for spectators, they are one of the most important parts of football so this tournament is so important and I hope they will enjoy it. All the best especially for Spain. It is a very good initiative, I am happy to be here and I am honnoured also,” Hernandez said.According to SC, the four-day five-a-side competition, which will conclude on December 2, is played in the same format as the FIFA World Cup with group and knockout stages until a team bags the championship.Like the World Cup schedule, the Fans' Cup opening matches Tuesday saw the Qatar team competing with Ecuador and Iran against England, held at the two pitches at Al Bidda Park.“The fans are the heart and soul of every game and we want to organise a tournament that is similar with the schedule as the World Cup where we have 32 competing teams from the competing nations,” said al-Nuaimi, adding that the winning team will take home $20,000.A number of participants like Faisal from the Netherlands team lauded the initiative, saying it provides an opportunity for fans to enjoy and have “some nice time with each other and getting more involved in football".“I am happy to play in this tournament and like what Xavi has said, it is not only about the players but also about the fans,” he said, expressing optimism that his team will win the tournament.“I have seen other teams and I expect the level would be high but we will see, we will enjoy the game, enjoying the game is the most important thing,” Faisal stressed.Alex from Ghana shared the same view saying “I am happy and excited about the Fans Cup, it is the first time in World Cup history and I am so proud of FIFA and Qatar Football Association for organising this tournament".South Korean national Tuni Hao said he is enjoying the World Cup and felt honoured to be one of the Fans' Cup players representing his country. He hopes his team will be the champion of the tournament.

Renowned angklung artistes from Indonesia enthralled football fans from various parts of the world with their dazzling performances for 11 days at Katara – the Cultural Village.The cultural event, in line with the FIFA World Cup 2022 celebrations, puts a spotlight on Indonesia’s rich culture and heritage with Saung Angklung Udjo’s live performances. It was organised by the Indonesian embassy in Doha in collaboration with Katara from November 18 to 28.“Around 12 angklung performers from Indonesia and hundreds of performers from our community in Qatar has joined this show. It is part of our public diplomacy to build understanding among the international communities in Qatar through culture”, said Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan in a press statement.The embassy brought Saung Angklung Udjo from Bandung to Doha to give residents and visitors a series of unique cultural presentations using traditional musical instruments.This was backed by the performances of Indonesian diaspora members in Qatar, with the support from the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture and the Association of Indonesian Community in Qatar (Permiqa).“On the stage, visitors not only enjoy our performance but also were able to practice how to play angklung” said Taufiq Udjo, the team leader from Saung Angklung Udjo, Bandung.Angklung, an Indonesian musical instrument made of bamboo, originated in West Jawa. Unesco inscribed angklung as the ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ in 2010, the embassy noted.Angklung tubes symbolise human life: the large and small tubes located next to each other in each instrument represent an individual's growth and capabilities. Different tube sizes signify the truth that all people have different roles to play to create harmony and peace in this world.“Angklung symbolises nothing but beauty in harmony. No matter how strong or capable we are, we could never present the masterpiece without integration and cooperation,” Hassan said.Udjo’s House of Angklung is located in the eastern part of Bandung, and aims to underline the “beautiful harmony of vibrating bamboos that echoes from this simple amphitheater all the way to the other side of the world”, according to Wonderful Indonesia’s website. “It spreads the values of simplicity, co-operation, unity, and togetherness, as well as maintaining the mutual relationship between humans and the environment”.Outside Katara, Indonesian cultural activation artists have also attracted a huge number of football fans with their live performances at Metro stations. Several other Indonesian cultural performances and activities were held in various locations in Qatar in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup.

The football frenzy in the FIFA World Cup 2022 goes beyond the four corners of the stadium as fans explore what Qatar has to offer.“I walked around almost the entire Doha Corniche, it is beautiful and we took a boat ride, that was great, the (Doha) skyline was gorgeous,” Cesar from the US told Gulf Times. He has been roaming around Doha to discover some of the country’s hidden gems.In his recent visit to Souq Waqif, Cesar said he had the chance to dine at a famous restaurant offering authentic Qatari cuisines – referring to Shai Shamoos, owned by the famous Qatari chef, Shams al-Qassabi.“It was delicious, very traditional Qatari food, it was really good. We really wanted local cuisine since we have a lot of international food at home,” said Cesar, who is often seen taking pictures with other fans at Metro stations.Al-Qassabi’s restaurant at the bustling and popular tourist spot is one of the most sought-after dining destinations by many visitors who want to get a taste of local cuisine.He was also fascinated with Qatar’s stunning architecture and modernity – as seen during his visit to Msheireb Downtown Doha, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, and the West Bay area.Slim from Tunisian echoed Cesar’s view citing Qatar’s diverse offerings as a destination, from its warm hospitality to its cultural attractions, as well as its numerous malls and shopping centres.“I passed by Souq Waqif three to four times daily and it is big, it has much traditional stuff here. I bought abaya, a traditional Qatari dress, for my mother. I am happy to be here and I discovered many other spaces in Qatar,” said Slim, who also lauded Qatar’s successful organising of the FIFA World Cup 2022.He said he was happy to see and meet different nationalities from various countries at Qatar’s traditional locations like the souq as they share their experiences since arriving in the country for the tournament.“I like Majboos, this is a specialty here, it is very good,” Slim stressed.Like Slim, many football fans find Souq Waqif as a vibrant and festive spot to hang-out and celebrate a team's win, drawing crowds who also share the same ecstasy and enthusiasm.A group of Pakistani nationals who witnessed the motion art projections on the Ministry of Interior (MoI) building on Sunday was impressed with the extraordinary cleanliness and safety across Qatar.The event showcased Qatar's past and present with such creativity, along with synced music, celebrating the staging of the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.Taka from Japan, along with his compatriots, enjoyed meeting supporters of other participating teams outside stadiums, taking pictures and videos with them, since the first day of the tournament.He said the World Cup also provides an opportunity for fans like him to visit and explore the region, including neighbouring countries like Oman.“I’m in Oman (now) but I will return to Qatar on Dec 1. Oman is good so far, good weather, mountain, desert, white clean buildings, beautiful ocean, and warm welcome by people,” Taka said.Other Japanese visitors like Kohi and his friends shared a similar observation with Pakistani fans, saying they find Qatar clean, safe and beautiful with a lot of potentials to become a leading tourism destination.While Japan has its own appeal among tourists, he said Qatar’s charm comes from its rich heritage and traditions that cannot be found in other regions – a reason why they plan to stay more.Kohi said they plan to visit other places outside the city such as beaches and try some of the desert activities such as dune bashing and camel rides, which they have not experienced before.About food, he said: “So far we’ve tried biryani and kebab for dinner and it is tasty,” he said, while eating a traditional Arabic crepe

Qatar offers a vibrant calendar of festivals and tourism events beyond the ongoing FIFA World Cup, aimed at attracting visitors from different parts of the world, according to Qatar Tourism (QT)."The return of the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix in October will serve as one of the highlights for 2023, QT chief operating officer Berthold Trenkel said at a press briefing Sunday.Following the success of its launch in Qatar, the renowned international event will take place in the country for 10 years starting in 2023.Qatar will also host the Geneva International Motor Show in 2023 for the first time during the same period next year, he said.“It will be even more amazing because it is not happening in Switzerland but only in Qatar,” Trenkel pointed out. “Then, we have the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and Expo 2023.”Qatar hosted more than 600 sporting events in the last 10 years, and many of these will continue beyond 2022, including the WTA Qatar Ladies Open and Qatar ExxonMobil (tennis), Commercial Bank Golf Masters (golf), and Grand Prix of Qatar (motorcycling).Qatar will also host the 2030 Asian Games.“The FIFA World Cup is a great springboard to get us underway for this goal of 2030,” Trenkel said, citing the QT’s six demand spaces: active holidays; relax and rejuvenate; sun, sea and sand; culture enthusiasts; luxury city breaks; and romantic getaways.He said that nationals from more than 95 countries can enter the country visa-free/visa-on-arrival, which makes it easy to travel to Qatar.The 96-hour stopover will also see its return after the World Cup.Currently, Trenkel noted that from about 31,000 room keys, the number grew to 45,000 with numerous hotels and resorts opening days and weeks prior to the major football tournament.Qatar offers more than 500km of coastline, plenty of beaches, including the beach near Stadium 974 and three recently opened public beaches at West Bay, in addition to the Inland sea and several hotels and beach resorts outside Doha.Besides stadiums, Trenkel urged football fans to explore Qatar’s hidden gems, including the Al Zubarah Unesco World Heritage Site, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Downtown Doha, The Pearl-Qatar, the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the recently opened 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museums.According to the QT, visitors can also see the Arabian Oryx, kayak through mangroves, or spot Whale Sharks, the largest fish in the world which gathers in large numbers of Qatar’s coast, on a dedicated tour.The impressive “Inland Sea” or Khor Al Adaid, a Unesco-recognised site, lies to the south of Doha, and is one of the few places in the world where the sea blend into the desert.

The post coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic period provides an opportunity to attract more visitors from different countries, especially those who are looking for unique experiences, according to Qatar Tourism (QT).“We see a rebound specifically coming out of the Indian subcontinent, and we are hoping that China will open up and allow their nationals to travel,” chief operating officer Berthold Trenkel said at a press briefing Sunday at the Host Country Media Centre at Msheireb Downtown Doha, highlighting some of Qatar’s best tourism spots and experiences for fans during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.While most visitors to Qatar come from Saudi Arabia and Oman, he noted that the other major sources include the UK, Germany, Italy and India.A big percentage of stopover traffic comes from American and Australian travellers, according to Trenkel.“I think Qatar is a great destination for the right people, and when it comes to tourism, every country is trying to position itself and has a different market, and we have particular spots where we think were extremely attractive and appealing for those people,” he said, adding that Qatar is a great place for people (who are) interested in the Islamic world.Trenkel noted that besides having a modern city with modern infrastructure, Qatar has plenty of healthcare and educational facilities, and is one of the most developed countries in the Middle East.He also underlined the key role that Qatar Airways play in boosting the country’s tourism sector even beyond the prestigious tournament.“Qatar has something very powerful – Qatar Airways – one of the biggest international carriers in the world connecting the East and the West,” he said.QT vice-president for marketing and events Brett Stephenson shared the same view, saying that many people – post-pandemic – are looking for new and curated experiences.“We believe that our premium family travel audience will embrace that and are looking for something different,” he said. “We have the infrastructure now, the facilities, the beach resorts, and all of that, beyond the natural beauty of Qatar.”Besides these offerings, Qatar has been ranked the safest country in the world by Numbeo from 2020 to 2022 in terms of crime and general safety, while Doha placed second as the safest city in Numbeo’s Crime Index by City in 2022.

Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) has become a favourite destination for dining, shopping and exploring Qatar’s cultural heritage, attracting a huge number of football fans from various parts of the world.“(The MDD is) very beautiful, very clean, very modern ... I just ate Mexican food and it was delicious,” Dean, who just arrived from Ireland Friday morning, told Gulf Times.He said he plans to explore some Arabic food in Qatar such as kabsa (a mix of rice and lamb), which he tried before in Saudi Arabia.Dean said he was impressed with the MDD’s infrastructure and the subway (Doha Metro), which has been transporting people safely and efficiently.“The transportation system is excellent, the subway (metro), it’s perfect, no complaints. Also, the football stadiums are unbelievable, and so clean,” said Dean, a supporter of the Argentinean football team. “Nice job, Qatar.”The MDD offers an array of local, regional and international cuisines – from cafes to restaurants – spread across the 310,000sq m district, while numerous shops and boutiques showcase a wide range of luxury brands.Food trucks also get a fair share of business due to the influx of customers who find the place relaxing.Located in the heart of Doha, the MDD can be easily accessed via the Doha Metro and other modes of transportation.“It’s been our busiest period so far,” said an employee of a popular food truck chain. “The queue seems endless, and guests like the food that we offer. There is a little difficulty in communicating with them because many cannot speak English or Arabic, but still, we were able to resolve it.”Mehdi S from Iran, meanwhile, said he was enjoying roaming around the district with his compatriot, looking for Persian food for dinner Friday.He was fascinated with the MDD’s design and modernity, which makes it attractive to many.Apart from football matches, the start of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar also witnessed foreign visitors exploring Qatar’s many attractions, touristic and cultural spots such as the MDD – dubbed “the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project and one of the smartest cities on earth”.Juan from Uruguay, who was with his compatriot Leo, said: “This place is so nice, beautiful and modern, it has much colour and much culture.”“There are many things to do (here), to know, and to visit,” he said. “It has a lot of activities for children and for families, and it is one of the most beautiful parts of Doha that I visited. We arrived three days ago.”He noted that they visited Qatar not only for football but also for leisure and to discover the country’s various tourism sites, including the MDD and its museums.Cezar from Sacramento, California, shared a similar view, lauding the many offerings at the MDD, as well as in different places in Qatar that he had visited, such as the Doha Corniche.“It’s our fourth day. It is a little warm but it’s been great, people are amazing, the service is great, everybody is just happy and friendly and I love that," he said.The MDD hosts several events, exhibitions, and activations at its three zones (Baraha, Heritage, and Sikka) throughout the tournament, aimed at providing football fans with exceptional experiences.The MDD also provides an opportunity for people to visit and discover the Al Annabi Village at Msheireb Museums’ Company House; the Universo Olivetti – Italian Exhibition at Mohamed bin Jassem house; and the Frida Kahlo Immersive Art Exhibition at the lower gallery of Bin Jelmood House – all located at the Heritage zone.

Vlogging and picture-taking with supporters of different participating teams at a tournament like the FIFA World Cup have become a universal language for many football fans.The opening of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on November 20 saw many residents and visitors enthusiastically joining supporters of opposing teams in revelries and other activities taking place at various locations in Doha.Just outside the Sports City metro station yesterday before the Japan v Germany match, supporters of both teams – clad in unique traditional and attractive costumes – enjoyed taking pictures together.“Everyone understands what it means when a stranger hands you his or her phone, joins your group for a picture... no need for words, and it feels great to see such as a lovely atmosphere,” said Lydia, a Filipino expatriate, who along with his family, supports the Japanese football team.Indian expatriate Arun echoed a similar view saying that such gesture only proves that sport, football in particular, builds a strong connection between people who speak different languages.While he supports the German football team, he only has nice words for the Japanese people, saying: “I love the people from Japan, they are very neat, respectful, and friendly.”His compatriot, Jerin Johny, also a German team supporter, share the same view as well, citing the Japanese people positive traits such as punctuality, cleanliness and courteousness – traits that other nationalities can learn from.This was highlighted in a viral video showing Japanese fans cleaning the Al Bayt Stadium after the tournament’s opening and first match between Qatar and Ecuador.“Japan, one of the best cleanest countries I ever seen and they are very down to earth, very polite,” Johny added.Miyu from Japan who spent time for picture-taking with both Japanese and German supporters lauded the organising of the World Cup in Qatar, citing an efficient transportation system.She said: “people are very kind, the metro is very good, Arabic food is tasty, and the tournament is well organised.”Another Japanese national, Taka, along with a group of friends, also took time for videos and picture-taking with supporters – families and bachelors – who were roaming around the venue.Asked about Qatar’s infrastructures, he said he was overwhelmed and described the stadiums as “incredible, fashionable and amazing”.He plans to visit some museums and tourist spots in Qatar.Some German supporters, with German flags painted on their faces, were also seen cheering for Japan, chanting some familiar Japanese words such as konichiwa and arigatou gozaimasu.

While every country and region is unique in its own way, the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region, including Qatar, is home to impeccable hospitality, vibrant cultures, rich histories, and diverse landscapes that make them coveted tourism destinations, according to MSC Cruises chief executive Gianni Onorato.“The global travel and tourism industry is finally seeing its long-awaited post-pandemic recovery coming through, and the GCC is an important part of that,” he told Gulf Times.Onorato said that travellers are looking forward to discovering new destinations and re-exploring new ones within the region, including Qatar.As such, he noted that MSC is witnessing a significant number of bookings from Italy, the UK and Germany to the GCC and wider Middle East.The MSC World Europa, MSC Poesia and MSC Opera are currently docked at the Doha Port to provide a unique and curated hospitality experience for fans throughout the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The three vessels have a total passenger capacity of more than 12,000 combined: 6,782 for the Europa, 3,605 for the Poesia, and 2150 for the Opera.“At MSC Cruises, we pride ourselves on being the leading cruise tourism brand in the region, and look forward to expanding our partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure that the world can continue to explore the Mena region and immerse itself in all that it has to offer,” Onorato said.About the trends in the cruise industry such as the use of technology on-board, new destinations, Instagram travel, Gen Z impact, weather, and eco-friendly cruise travel, he said: “I think that some things haven’t changed.”“For example, passengers continue to expect premium, impeccable hospitality,” he continued. “Having said that, our post-pandemic reality means that things like contactless technology have become a key feature of any travel experience, allowing passengers to move throughout ships with reduced contact through doors or when buying items.”“Combined with apps, they streamline the booking process for onboard services and activities, providing a more convenient option for passengers,” Onorato added.He said that MSC Cruises offers guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programmes and the very latest, user-friendly technology on board.He stressed that MSC Cruises is also committed to environmental stewardship, highlighting the importance of being eco-friendly in travel and tourism as the world battles with climate change.Onorato said that MSC Cruises operates one of the most modern fleets in the world, with the aim of minimising its environmental impact.The MSC World Europa, which recently had its naming ceremony in Doha, is the world’s largest LNG (liquefied natural gas)-powered ship – with up to 25% less carbon emissions and significantly reduced local pollutants compared to standard marine fuels.“The Future of Cruising is our new class of trailblazing ships that set new standards of luxury, innovation and sustainability,” he said. “The MSC World Europa is the first in her class, and has already broken capacity and size records, setting new standards of what luxurious cruising means, and is our most sustainable and futuristic cruise ship to date.”This state-of-the-art vessel, Onorato said, is powered by cleaner fuel, and with green technology integrated throughout the ship – “a statement of our commitment to protecting the sea and our planet as a whole”.“We have clear goals that we are working towards – our aim is to achieve a 40% reduction in carbon emissions intensity by 2030 against 2008 baseline, and net zero emissions by 2050,” he added.“These will be achieved by our ongoing research and investment in eco-friendly fuel, waste management and decarbonisation technologies,” Onorato said.The MSC Cruises chief executive lauded and congratulated Qatar and its people for taking on the challenge to host one of the World’s biggest events – the FIFA World Cup 2022.“It is no easy feat, and we have no doubt in our mind that they will put on a great show,” Onorato said. “To the people making their way to Qatar, be prepared to be welcomed with open arms and unforgettable experiences.”

A huge number of Mexican supporters “painted the town green” Tuesday, revelling at various locations in Doha and on their way to the 974 Stadium for the Mexico-Poland match.Different metro stations witnessed high-spirited Mexican football fans – mostly garbed in green and donning the Mexican sombrero – converging at the Msheireb station singing and dancing while boarding the trains.With a portable speaker, a group of Mexicans also entertained the crowd outside the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), creating a festive atmosphere that attracted numerous spectators.“This is my first time here. I am enjoying (my stay) here in Doha. I like the city, it is very good, very beautiful,” said Enrique from Mexico, adding that he plans to visit the different touristic places in Qatar, such as Souq Waqif.It is estimated that the number of Mexican football fans who will be travelling to Qatar for the prestigious tournament could exceed 80,000.It will be the largest presence of Mexicans in a Middle Eastern country in history, it is learnt.The unveiling of Mexican sculptures gifted to Qatar at Katara – the Cultural Village on Monday marked the start of the caravan of the Mexican fans for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the country.The Mexican-Qatari Centre was also inaugurated on November 19 by Katara general manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti and Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon.Besides a health clinic, the Centre features a cultural events office, and security and passport clearance offices for Mexican fans supporting their national team.

Major hypermarkets and supermarkets in Qatar have stocked, as well as added, various food products and offerings that cater to the needs of football fans from different countries. “We have enough stocks of food items, including bottled water, different juices and carbonated drinks, mainly from countries such as the UK, Italy, and the US where we have offices,” LuLu Group International regional manager Shanavas P M told Gulf Times.LuLu worked closely with Qatar authorities to determine the specific needs, as well as dietary preferences, of fans and tourists coming to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022, 'Gulf Times' had reported earlier. It is learnt that the demand of international foods and beverages has increased since the start of the tournament, which opened on November 20.Safari Mall also added more food items on its shelves, providing an array of selections for local and international visitors, according to procurement manager Rajesh Nair.He disclosed that Safari is also offering ready-to-eat ‘easy meals’ for customers, including for vegans and vegetarians, at a nominal cost. Another major hypermarket in Doha, meanwhile, added more food products such as refried beans, guacamole and soured cream (Mexican); Japanese sweet sauce, organic Tahini, and sushi rice (Japanese); and vegetable rice sprinkles, organic brown rice and barley tea (Korean).Vision Food Trading CEO Jewan Park noted a demand surge in a wide range of Korean products in Qatar since the start of the World Cup, especially popular foods and drinks such as Kimchi and citron tea. Vision Food is a major distributor of Korean products in the country. He said Korean products and food, now widely available in Qatar, including other outlets and at the Doha Metro, are not only popular among Korean visitors but also to different nationalities. “These are fast-moving items now,” he added. Park added that even Korean restaurants in Qatar have been attracting a large number of residents and football fans since the start of the tournament.

The excitement over the FIFA World Cup 2022 extended beyond the stadiums and fan zones as football fans created a festive atmosphere at shopping centres, metro stations, and in some open spaces in Doha, a few hours before the start of the first match Sunday.Colourfully-clad supporters of participating teams, especially Mexicans and Iranians, took their loud chants and cheers to a major mall in Qatar – to the delight of many shoppers and employees.Nationals of different countries, both residents and visitors, found themselves cheering for other teams as they take videos and photos with other fans.**media[871,872]**Alfredo from Mexico City, who was with a group of Mexicans at the mall, told Gulf Times that the 2022 edition of the World Cup is amazing, saying “the vibe is great (in Qatar)”.“I want to go to the Corniche, and I also like museums, as well as the library which I saw on Youtube which is very big, I want to go there as well. I plan to go to 10 different matches, I'm very excited about that,” he said, expressing optimism that the Mexican football team will reach the quarterfinals.A similar ecstatic atmosphere could also be seen outside the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, as well as in a number of metro stations such as Msheireb, Corniche, West Bay Qatar Energy and Al Bidda Sunday, bringing together supporters of Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Qatar, among others.A huge crowd gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival to watch the opening ceremony and the match between Qatar and Ecuador in a live screening.

The excitement over the FIFA World Cup 2022 extended beyond the stadiums and fan zones as football fans created a festive atmosphere at shopping centres, metro stations, and in some open spaces in Doha, a few hours before the start of the first match yesterday.Colourfully-clad supporters of participating teams, especially Mexicans and Iranians, took their loud chants and cheers to a major mall in Qatar – to the delight of many shoppers and employees.Nationals of different countries, both residents and visitors, found themselves cheering for other teams as they take videos and photos with other fans.Alfredo from Mexico City, who was with a group of Mexicans at the mall, told Gulf Times that the 2022 edition of the World Cup is amazing, saying “the vibe is great (in Qatar)”.“I want to go to the Corniche, and I also like museums, as well as the library which I saw on Youtube which is very big, I want to go there as well. I plan to go to 10 different matches, I'm very excited about that,” he said, expressing optimism that the Mexican football team will reach the quarterfinals.A similar ecstatic atmosphere can also be seen outside the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, as well as in a number of metro stations such as Msheireb, Corniche, West Bay Qatar Energy and Al Bidda yesterday, bringing together supporters of Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador and Qatar, among others.A huge crowd gathered at the FIFA Fan Festival to watch the opening ceremony and the match between Qatar and Ecuador in a live screening.

A spectacular fireworks display, drone show and live performances by renowned singers and entertainers at the Doha Corniche Saturday marked the official opening of the FIFA Fan Festival.The celebration, with Qatari comedian Hamad al-Amari as presenter, featured a “Welcome to Qatar” ceremony for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and enthralled a large number of football fans in Qatar and from around the world last night.The event was attended by FIFA and host country officials, along with FIFA Legends, who raised the FIFA World Cup 2022 Winners’ Trophy on stage, gracing a special occasion that marks the start of the prestigious tournament with the first match between Qatar and Ecuador Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium.Famous Lebanese singer Myriam Fares and Colombian star Maluma, as well as local and other international musicians and performers, took to the stage and entertained the crowd.Many supporters of participating football teams reveled at the FIFA Fan Festival, singing and dancing as they roamed the venue while others took part in games and activities.“Look at the crowd, this is awesome and then the music, it’s incredible," said Armado from Mexico, who was with other compatriots at the event.Visitors will enjoy an array of live performances and entertainment, including different activations and offerings, at the FIFA Fan Festival throughout the tournament.Screening of live matches on the mega-screens will also be held at the venue on top of a variety of local and international cuisines and beverages available in a family-friendly environment.The pedestrianised Doha Corniche will feature daily musical festivals, cultural activities, street fairs, and various entertainment shows.Its 6km stretch from the Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel to the Museum of Islamic Art Park has become the largest theatre in the world for live performances.Football fans can also experience riding newly refurbished dhows, docked along the Corniche area, it is learnt.According to organisers, commuters can reach the FIFA Fan Festival via Doha Metro's West Bay Qatar Energy (Red line), Al Bidda (Red and Green lines), and Corniche (Red line – exit only) stations.Apart from taxi, Uber and Careem, organisers noted that fans can also get to these venues by taking a shuttle bus loop or a stadium express bus for free by showing their Hayya cards.The FIFA Fan Festival will be open Sunday from 4pm-2am; from 11am-2am between November 21-29; and from 4pm-2am between November 30 and December 18.

The Qatar 2022 Contact Centre has so far received more than 500,000 calls and 300,000 e-mails from football fans, mostly related to Hayya card inquiries, since opening in March and recorded a 94% satisfaction rate, centre director Khalid Aljumaily has said. Operated by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Contact Centre assists fans through different channels and eight languages, such as Arabic, English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, and Hindi/Urdu, in addition to having up to 750 agents being in service and in different shifts 24/7, he explained.Khalid Aljumaily speaks to journalists at the Qatar 2022 Contact CentreAljumaily was addressing a press briefing yesterday during a media tour of the Contact Centre, located at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Al Nasr Tower B at West Bay. The SC official noted that apart from the main team in Qatar, the Contact Centre also operates international offices in India, Oman, Jordan, Kosovo, and Columbia for language support. “For example, we have a Columbia office for Spanish, as well as Portuguese; Kosovo for German, Spanish and Portuguese because it's in central Europe; we have the Indian site for English and Hindi/Urdu; while Jordan, Oman, and Qatar for Arabic and English languages,” he said.As Qatar receives a huge number of football fans from various parts of the world (with different time zones), Aljumaily said the centre’s international offices will enable them to work more efficiently and cover more hours based on their shifts. Besides WhatsApp calls, messages, and emails, he said they also deployed different channels to assist fans, in addition to having an official chatbot where people can interact and send their inquiries. “If the problem was not solved at that stage, then that inquiry can be redirected to our contact centre,” Aljumaily said.From Hayya and ticket purchases-related concerns, he said, he expects interactions to shift to accommodation, transportation, and activations such as fan zones, and other general matters related to fans, the tournament, and Qatar. “For example, there is no match today, they can just simply call the Contact Centre and say ‘I would like to do some activities what do you recommend today’, so that's also being taken into consideration and will be addressed,” Aljumaily said.He noted that Contact Centre agents underwent a series of training, from soft skills (how to handle a call, how to respond) and core training to specialised training. These include troubleshooting a number of technical issues that fans might encounter, as well as data correction. According to Aljumaily, the Contact Centre in Doha also deploys supervisors to different locations to oversee the entire operation round-the-clock.