Vodafone Qatar’s Gulf Cup Fan Zone proves huge draw

Vodafone Qatar, the official telecommunications sponsor of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, has “upped the fan experience” with a high-tech Fan Zone at Khalifa International Stadium, where thousands of football fans attending Tuesday’s opening match between Qatar and Iraq enjoyed the latest technology in real-time gaming.The Fan Zone gives visitors the chance to experience an augmented reality (AR) game powered by Vodafone’s 5G GigaNet network as well as a Virtual Reality (VR) football game, the company said in a statement.5G technology provides gamers with ultra-fast speed, a more reliable connection and ultra-low latency to enjoy an enhanced gaming experience.The Fan Zone is open at Khalifa International Stadium until the final match is played on December 8.The AR game has been specially customised to incorporate elements of the Arabian Gulf Cup, while the mascot — Sodeifi — guides participants through their games, the statement notes.Participants also have the opportunity to play on 5G handsets powered by Vodafone’s high-speed 5G network.Integrating game visual and audio content with the user’s environment in real time, AR gaming showcased how Vodafone’s 5G GigaNet network transforms real-time gaming.In turn, fans can get into the action in the VR Game that transports each participant right into the arena where they can show off their football skills.Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla al-Thani said, “It has been an exciting start to the highly anticipated Arabian Gulf Cup, making us even more delighted to have extended the fan experience well beyond the pitch and into our Fan Zone.“Vodafone Qatar demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can transform the way people stay entertained and we hope that fans will truly enjoy our virtual reality gaming experiences as part of an unforgettable Arabian Gulf Cup 2019.” Organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, the tournament kicked off with the participation of all eight nations — Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.As part of its sponsorship of the Gulf Cup, Vodafone Qatar is covering the two tournament venues — Khalifa International Stadium and Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium — with free Wi-Fi powered by its GigaNet network that will keep thousands of fans connected during the games.