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The highly anticipated Football World Cup will return from November – December 2022. The host country for the games is Qatar, an Arab country boasting bountiful beaches, deserts, and ultramodern skyscrapers.
Qatar is the smallest country yet to host the World Cup and if you’re planning to travel down to the Middle East for football, make some time to discover what the glamorous Arabian country has to offer. We’ve created the ultimate guide for footie fans traveling worldwide to support their country.
From the best things to do in Qatar, what to expect when you arrive and how to conform to the local culture, laws, and the country’s conservative outlook, read our top tips and advice that we recommend to all footie fans.
If you’re obsessed with traveling and football, booking your flights to Qatar for the World Cup is a no-brainer. You’re guaranteed to have a blast (and hopefully experience a win for your national team too). However, there are things to know before you go. Being an Arab country, there are some laws and rules that you will need to familiarize yourself with before 2022.
Qatar has a whole different set of laws to abide by.
To westerners, the dress code in Qatar may seem strict, but it’s essential to respect the local culture and traditions. Women traveling to the country for the World Cup should dress modestly in public. Remember to cover your shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts and low-cut tops. Make long skirts, maxi dresses, and linen shirts your go-to wardrobe pieces! Get yourself a couple of pashminas so you can cover your shoulders when wearing any strappy tops.
As for the male dress code, wearing shorts that come just below the knee or lightweight trousers is respectful, so you don’t get too hot.
It is against the law to drink alcohol or carry alcohol in public. Alcohol is available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, so you can have a drink (or a few) to celebrate your team’s win there. Local restaurants and bars may or may not serve alcohol, so check before you book a table.
Be careful when you’re out in public with your partner in Qatar. Showing intimacy in public is an offense and can lead to arrest. Public displays of affection that you should avoid include kissing, cuddling, and even holding hands in some places. If you break these rules, it’s not uncommon for a bystanding local to report you to the police. It’s best to be safe than sorry.
The weather in Qatar for the Football World Cup will be nice and warm. You’re in the desert, after all. In November, the country experiences an average temperature of 24-25°C, but you may see highs of 29°C. In December, it gets a little milder with temperatures between 19°C to 24°C which is still pretty warm compared to Europe. This is why the Middle East is a great place to escape for some winter sun. Keep an eye out on this page for any updates, just in case the World Cup dates change.
Qatari riyals (QR) are the local currency of the State of Qatar. Make sure you exchange money before you arrive, as carrying cash around in Qatar is essential if you want to get anywhere. You’ll be able to use your card in most modern places, but it’s best to have a little cash on you for taxis, local transport, and more traditional areas.
Of all the Middle Eastern countries, Qatar is the most open. Nationals from over 80 countries can benefit from visa-free entry into Qatar depending on their length of stay and reason for travel. Unless you’re staying for more than 30 days or heading there for a reason other than tourism, this is likely for you. Head to the Visit Qatar website to check your visa-free entry eligibility.
Hamad International Airport is located just south of Doha and is likely to be your port of entry into Qatar. In 2019, HIA was ranked the 4th best airport in the world! Getting into the city center of Doha by taxi will take just half an hour; make sure you have enough Qatari Riyals with you as they only accept cash.
For more information or questions about your trip, please email us at: concierge@uniqluxury.com.
