100 days to go countdown to conclude Saturday

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy’s (SC) football activations at three major malls in Qatar will conclude Saturday after attracting a large number of enthusiasts as the country marked 'the 100 days to go' countdown to the 2022 FIFA World Cup over three days.Football fans queued up to participate in a competition that will give winners FIFA World Cup (category 1) tickets to the opening match between Qatar v Ecuador at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.“I find the games very exciting and challenging but it is worth spending my weekend here at Place Vendome with friends. I hope one of us will win a ticket to the event on November 20,” said Indian expatriate Shakir M.He lauded SC’s activations saying the country is in a festive mood in the lead up to the prestigious football tournament, scheduled from November 20 to December 18 – which also marks Qatar’s National Day celebration.According to SC, the tournament will feature eight state-of-the-art stadiums, which will host 64 matches throughout the event – taking place for the first time in the Middle East and the Arab world.Filipino expatriate Arnel S, who mulls participating in SC’s mall activities, said excitement further builds up in Qatar as the much-anticipated sport competition draws near.Apart from the activations, he said he also hopes to witness some of the side events such as sports competitions, cultural performances, exhibitions, and the upcoming public artworks in the coming months before the tournament.“These various activations give us a glimpse of the kind of atmosphere during the month-long FIFA World Cup, and I am sure that it will be an unforgettable experience for me and my family. I also plan to explore the museums and the cultural centres here this year,” he added.Qatar Museums plans to transform the country into a vast outdoor art museum experience in the coming weeks with more than 100 installations, including 40 new and commissioned public artworks by celebrated Qatari, regional and international artists.The SC activations at Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar, and Place Vendome witnessed many families and children enjoying the different activities, which include e-gaming and other football games.Football fans will also have the opportunity to watch the Lusail Super Cup at the 80,000-capacity Lusail stadium on September 9, featuring the champions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the event’s organising committee announced. Tickets will go on sale from August 18.