Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. Share the link of this article with your facebook friends

 

Qatar Hosts World Cup 2022 Successfully, Presenting Comfortable Environment for Players and Fans

November 29, 2022

Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is reported to have promised a Rolls-Royce to each player of the Saudi Arabia World Cup team for their win over Argentina, November 26, 2022	Qatari band during the world cup festivals, November 30, 2022

Former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has arrived in Qatar and was filmed taking a stroll through Souq Waqif, November 28, 2022	Deputy PM of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bisera Turkovic in World Cup event in Doha, November 26, 2022

Fans watching games outside stadiums in Qatar's World Cup, November 30, 2022	Doha, capital of Qatar, during World Cup, November 30, 2022

Participants prepare fishing nets during the Traditional Dhow Festival at Katara beach, November 30, 2022 the peninsula

 

Note:

For following the World Cup football games, look at the FIFA official website, at: www.fifa.com

 

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Qatar has kept its promise to the world, note ambassadors

30/11/2022 / Nation

+ A A - Qatar tribune

Khalid Al Tawalbeh

Doha

With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in its second week, the many successes Qatar has achieved while hosting the first edition of the tournament anywhere in the Arab world, are evident.

Also evident is the fact that Qatar has kept its promise to organise a unique and distinct edition of the World Cup.

The distinguishing features of this tournament include exemplary Qatari hospitality, a large number of volunteers to guide and assist the guests, excellent fan residences, stadiums in close proximity along with and superb transport, and unique entertainment shows to keep the fans engaged in their spare time.

The other hallmarks of this edition are top-notch security and safety, the spirit of love, peace, brotherhood and a host of cultural events that highlight the Arab culture and Islamic heritage to the huge gathering of people from all over the world.

Talking to Qatar Tribune, a group of ambassadors praised the great successes achieved by the state of Qatar in delivering this special edition of the World Cup as promised.

The ambassadors said that they were happy to Qatar become the first country in the region to host a FIFA World Cup and noted that it has worked hard to ensure that every visitor enjoys the tournament as well as the hospitality of its people.

Underlining the importance of seeing the international community coming together to enjoy football here in Qatar, they pointed out that the spirit of sports and the respect of players and fans seen here exemplify the “best that the world can be today”.

Pointing out that sport has rules which everyone should abide by, they called upon the fans from all countries to visit Qatar and experience its rich culture and hospitality and at the same time asked them to respect the laws and the culture of the host.

Ambassador of Jordan

The Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the State of Qatar, HE Zaid Mufleh Al-Lozi, stressed that the arrangements and equipment seen in Qatar are unprecedented and represent an achievement not only for the country, but also for the game and the tournament.

It will leave a distinctive legacy for Arabs and the world, and everyone will benefit from it. This is true for everything from infrastructure and equipment to organisational arrangements. The facilities created to facilitate the attendance of fans and their movement, and tourist projects and cultural centres will continue to attract visitors long into the future,he said.

He stressed that the sites hosting cultural and entertainment events accompanying the championship have a role no less important than that of the tournament itself. They have proven to be a big draw for the football fans at the 2022 World Cup with the participation of the world’s brightest stars. These areas, like Lusail Boulevard, to name just one, will become a tourist destinations in future.

He reminded of the distinguished Jordanian presence during the World Cup reflected in their cultural performances, presence of fans from the country at stadiums to encourage and support Arab teams, and the active participation of the highly disciplined Jordanian force to secure the championship.

The Jordanian ambassador concluded that Jordan has been and will continue to be a major supporter of all brothers in the region and will spare no effort to achieve this.

Ambassador of Ethiopia

Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Qatar HE Feisel Aliyi Abrahim stressed that this edition of the World Cup is the most special ever. He praised the wonderful activities and events as well as the hospitality offered by Qatar, which together make this edition unique in its excellence.

“Qatar has proven its competence in delivering the best World Cup ever,” he said adding that the huge turnout at the tourist and entertainment areas, fans’ areas and popular events confirms an exceptional experience.

He also praised the wonderful security arrangements and the equally wonderful Qatari hospitality seen in every corner of the country.

In response to a question on the accusations against Qatar, he said: “Those who campaigned for a boycott of the World Cup, making baseless and blatant accusations, have been proved wrong. The stadiums are working at full capacity and the fans are having a wonderful experience never experienced before.”

Ambassador of Tunisia

HE Nehro El-Arabi, the Tunisian charge d’affaires in Qatar, praised the wonderful way in which the World Cup is being organised and the progress of the events. “I think when the World Cup is finally behind us we will remember that it as a great success for all of us.”

He stressed that Qatar has done an exceptional job and has shown the world its ability to successfully hold major international football events. He told Qatar Tribune, that Qatar has invested a lot to ensure that the participating teams train and play in a comfortable environment.“In fact with its eight spectacular stadiums and all artistic activities during the tournament, the spectators coming from all around the word discovered the efforts made by Qatar to make this happen”, he said.

“The grand success of the opening ceremony was an apt response to and vivid refutation of the scepticism and campaigns unleashed against the capabilities of Qatar, Arabs in general, to organise this global event,” he added.

He said that the environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies used during the championship will be a starting point for achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.

He expressed his happiness with the hospitality received by the Tunisian national team participating in Qatar 2022, stressing that football fans are having lots of fun inside and outside the stadiums, as Qatar has many cultural and tourist attractions. He underlined that hosting one of the largest sporting events has a great meaning in introducing the culture and history of an individual around the world.Since this is the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East, fans visiting Qatar from all over the world have the chance to experience Islamic culture first hand.

“Our Tunisian fans are really pleased to attend the matches and share their happiness with our Qatari brothers and all the Arab communities living here.” He concluded thanking Qatar for delivering an exceptional World Cup.

Qatar’s success in organising a unique edition of the World Cup is not something strange or unlikely for a country, given the fact that it has accumulated a long experience in organising global events. It is now looking forward to hosting the Asian Cup in 2023 and the Asian Games in 2030.A number of envoys in Doha express their admiration for the way Qatar has delivered an exemplary World Cup

Qatar has kept its promise to the world, note ambassadors - Read Qatar Tribune on the go for unrivalled news coverage (qatar-tribune.com)

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Did MBS offer a Rolls-Royce to each Saudi player for stunning Argentina?

26/11/2022 / Qatar2022

+ A A - Qatar tribune

Tribune News Network

Doha

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is reported to have promised a Rolls-Royce to each player of the Saudi Arabia World Cup team for their stunning upset of Lionel Messi's Argentina.

Saudi Arabia's 2-1 win over Argentina in the Group C opener on Tuesday was so special that the kingdom declared a national holiday to celebrate it. The victory also sparked ecstatic celebrations by Saudi fans, which is still going on in Qatar as well as in Saudi Arabia.

And according to reports, the celebrations don't end there. The Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, is reportedly giving each player in the Green Falcons a brand new QR1.6 million ($450,000) Rolls Royce Phantom.

The luxury car features a V12 with 48 valves and a direct gasoline injection. It generates 460 hp (338 kW) of maximum power and 720 Nm (530 lb-ft) of maximum torque.

Saudi team will next play against Robert Lewandowski's Poland on Saturday and if they manage to win, they will surely enter the round of 16.

But coach Herve Renard is treating the win against Argentina as just one of three difficult group games, keeping all the focus on the next game.

Ahead of the match, Renard said that the win has not changed anything. He said: "Nothing has changed. We are still the lowest team in the group in terms of ranking and experience. So nothing changes in our mind or the favourites for the World Cup."

"We know where we come from and we keep our humility because if we don't have the humility we won't be able to play a good game tomorrow," he added.

Did MBS offer a Rolls-Royce to each Saudi player for stunning Argentina? - Read Qatar Tribune on the go for unrivalled news coverage (qatar-tribune.com)

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Qatar's WC hosting success sets new standards for future mega sporting events: Bosnian Deputy PM

26/11/2022 / Qatar2022

+ A A - Qatar tribune

QNA

Doha

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Bisera Turkovic stressed that the State of Qatar did an amazing job to welcome the world during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and succeeded in establishing an incredible and excellent infrastructure, indicating that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has set new standards for future sporting mega-events.

In her remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Her Excellency pointed out that Qatar's hosting of such a global event will inspire generations of young people to come to embrace each other and create a more tolerant world. She said: "The whole world was watching the Al Bayt stadium for the opening ceremony. I am happy that I was present as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the Western Balkans and a European country. The opening was a great global event for the first time to be held in an Arab country. Qatar has emerged into a modern, prosperous state, whose citizens enjoy opportunities and security, thanks to the wise leadership of HH the Amir, following the footsteps of HH the Father Amir." HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina stressed the need to develop a culture of tolerance and respect, as highlighted during the World Cup opening ceremony. "This is the first World Cup taking place in an Arab country and in a Middle Eastern country. It is a great chance for people to get to know a different culture and to learn about one great religion in the world," she said.

"The more we know the better chance we have for progress and stability in the world. Qatar offers an open hand to all who want to come and witness what the Qatari nation achieved in such a short period of time offering unity of basic values and appreciation for difference with full respect of their own culture and religion," she added.

Dr. Bisera Turkovic indicated that previous World Cup hosting countries were not subjected to smear campaigns as Qatar was, saying: "Other countries did not receive such scrutiny when hosting global sporting events, even though those countries had many more things that could be criticized." She explained that Qatar once again stresses that there is more that can unite people rather than divide them, and as sports are a healthy part of societies, it should remain clear from political influence, struggle to dominate, and imposition of bad habits such as alcohol and drugs.

The Bosnian official expressed her happiness that a Bosnian folklore group was present to take part in the world cup festivities at Katara Cultural Village for this truly global event.

On the other hand, the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that there are strong fields of cooperation between Bosnia and the State of Qatar, including political, economic, and cultural cooperation that is based on friendship and fraternity. This has been maintained through the exchange of visits between officials of the two countries at the highest levels and documented by the signing of many agreements and bilateral cooperation protocols. she expressed her hope to see economic cooperation expansion during the coming period in all sectors.

She added that the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been working hard to attract public and private investment from Qatar by having more connectivity between the two countries, enabling direct flights with Qatar Airways, and increasing rights and security for Qataris in ownership of the real estate in Bosnia.

Qatar's WC hosting success sets new standards for future mega sporting events: Bosnian Deputy PM - Read Qatar Tribune on the go for unrivalled news coverage (qatar-tribune.com)

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Former Croatian president takes a stroll through Souq Waqif

28/11/2022 / Qatar2022

+ A A - Qatar tribune

Tribune New Network

Doha

Former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović has arrived in Qatar and was filmed taking a stroll through Souq Waqif.

"Great atmosphere at Souq Waqif with football fans from all over the world. We fight on the field, but all the time we celebrate friendship! How wonderful to feel so safe and welcome! Thank you for your friendship and support for Croatia!" she wrote on Instagram ahead of Croatia's World Cup second-round group stage match against Canada on Sunday.

Croatia beat Canada after recovering from conceding in the second minute for an ultimately comfortable 4-1 victory.

The former leading politician in Croatia was a global hit at the last World Cup in Russia when the team made it all the way to the finals with France. She not only appeared at every match in the stands but also visited the changing rooms to greet and congratulate the players.

'Great atmosphere': Former Croatian president takes a stroll through Souq Waqif - Read Qatar Tribune on the go for unrivalled news coverage (qatar-tribune.com)

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HIA continues to host exciting activations throughout World Cup

29/11/2022 / Qatar2022

Qatar’s international airport provides inbound and outbound passengers with exciting FIFA-themed events and activities

+ A A - Qatar tribune

Tribune News Network

Doha

Hamad International Airport (HIA) continues to host a plethora of exciting activations and events at its premises – providing its millions of passengers with the ultimate FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 experience.

Offering inbound and outbound travellers an extended memorable experience and be part of the Legacy of the World Cup, the events at HIA include match day themed performances, a mosaic photo wall, a number of kids’ zones, fan zones and viewing zones, in addition to interactive virtual activities like the AR football – an augmented reality interactive activity with La’eeb Mascot reacting with the players – and a dedicated ‘try your teams’ jersey’ booth for football fans to pose for photos with their favourite team jersey and have them sent directly to their email – and more.

Activations can be found in and around HIA’s expanded terminal, located in concourses A, B, and C Fan and kids’ zones can be found across all concourses.

Commenting on the activations, HIA’s COO Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “As the official airport partner of the first World Cup in the Middle East, we are delighted to be hosting several activations and events at our premises – celebrating the tournament with our travellers and proudly representing Qatar. Curated for all passengers, the FIFA-themed activations will provide our visitors with a variety of options to discover HIA’s world-class services and hospitality.”

The kids’ zones at HIA feature a variety of activities, including interactive drawings, face painting, a soccer ball pit and giant Lego set-ups. The mosaic photo wall, located next to the famous lamp bear at the centre of the airport’s south plaza, provides passengers with the opportunity to have their picture taken and become part of the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Qatar, several activity booths have been installed at HIA’s north plaza – including WHO’s “Sport for Health” and “Bring the Moves” campaigns.

As the Official Airport Partner of the World Cup, the two-time World’s Best Airport – as awarded by Skytrax – is ready to welcome millions of passengers from across the globe to an extraordinary destination right in the heart of the Middle East.

HIA continues to host exciting activations throughout World Cup - Read Qatar Tribune on the go for unrivalled news coverage (qatar-tribune.com)

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Distinct, history-rich pavilions enlightening visitors at Katara Dhow Festival

Gulf Times, November 30, 2022

The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, organised by Katara - the Cultural Village and based on the region’s maritime heritage, continues to dazzle as patrons and visitors explore the many activities on beach promenade.

The 12th edition of the popular festival is running until December 18, accompanying the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Nine participating nations have set up several attractive pavilions which see a daily influx of thousands of visitors to the cultural neighbourhood for an enjoyable and exciting tour of the festival which highlights maritime heritage, tradition, voyage into the sea in the past, pearl diving methods, sea-side marketplace of the past and related culture and handicrafts.

The Qatari house, which is in the centre of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, embodies a model of the heritage house reflecting the character of ancient marine of ancestral generations - who lived in an era of hunting and pearl diving. Well preserved cooking pots, water pots, mattresses, utensils for preparing Arabic coffee, stove, sailors' supplies, ropes, fishing and diving equipment, cages, a housing box, and a box of pearl kit are also on display.

The Omani house also conveys an image of the fragrant past and the treasures of maritime heritage and Omani originality in detail. Rare exhibits and collectibles document the era of wooden ship making, traditional dhows and pearl diving, forming a wonderful museum that provides tourists a deep insight and amazement.

The Saudi House receives guests of the World Cup warmly, welcoming them with Arabic coffee and taking them on an interesting tour of its exhibits and integrated collections of marine heritage masterpieces and traditional folk industries, especially the manufacture of ropes, fishing nets, gargoyles and wedges.
The pavilion of Kuwait has many crafts and supplies that were used in the past and closely related to the sea, such as the manufacture of wicker and baskets from palm fronds - baskets and barns, earlier used to store fish and to keep food on board on ships.

The Tanzanian house is distinguished by an exhibition that highlights the ancient maritime heritage of the Zanzibar region. It provides bright glimpses of the lives of ancestors and the stories of the first sailors. These pictures document the traditional dhows used in the past and the spices they carried, along with pictures of Arab sailors on the coast of Zanzibar. They were photographed by the Coutinho Brothers and photographer Pierre de Lourdes dating back to the period between 1890 and 1950, which embodies an integrated heritage museum with a rich history of fishing, diving and maritime trade.

Katara is also preparing to open more art exhibitions, including the Museum of Traditional Dhows, Thursday at 4pm in Building 19, Hall 1. There will be a ‘World Wonders Balloon Tour’ show for three days from Thursday at the Wisdom Square (near the fountain). The first show will be held at 5pm and the second at 7pm. There will also be a Bosnian folklore event for three days from Thursday, with the first show from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and the second from 9pm to 10pm. The Indonesian Exhibition (Batik Art), Building 47, will open Thursday at 6.30pm.

The ‘Football, Fine Art and Collectibles Exhibition’ continues to receive visitors until December 18.

Distinct, history-rich pavilions enlightening visitors at Katara Dhow Festival - Gulf Times (gulf-times.com)

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Katara Dhow Festival introduces visitors to region's maritime history

30 Nov 2022 - 09:08

The Peninsula

Doha:

The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, organised by the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara and based on the region’s maritime heritage continues to dazzle as patrons and visitors explore its many beautiful activities being held along the Katara beach promenade.

The 12th edition of the popular festival is being held until December 18.

Nine participating nations have set up several attractive pavilions which see a daily influx of thousands of visitors to the cultural neighbourhood for an enjoyable and exciting tour of the festival which highlights maritime heritage, tradition, voyage into the sea in the past, pearl diving methods, sea-side marketplace of the past and related culture and handicrafts.

The Qatari house, which is in the centre of the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, embodies a model of the heritage house reflecting the character of ancient marine of ancestral generations — lived in the glorious past during an era of hunting and pearl diving. 

Well-preserved cooking pots, water pots, mattresses, utensils for preparing Arabic coffee, stove, sailors’ supplies, ropes, fishing and diving equipment, cages, a housing box, and a box of pearl kit are also on display.

The Omani house also conveys an image with the fragrant past and the treasures of maritime heritage and Omani originality in detail. Rare exhibits and collectibles document the bright era of wooden ship making, traditional dhows and pearl diving, forming a wonderful museum that provides tourists a deep insight and amazement.

The Saudi House receives guests of the World Cup warmly, welcoming them with Arabic coffee and accompanying them on an interesting tour of its exhibits and integrated collections of marine heritage masterpieces and traditional folk industries, especially the manufacture of ropes, fishing nets, gargoyles and wedges.

Kuwait pavilion has many crafts and supplies that were used in the past and are closely related to the sea, such as the manufacture of wicker and baskets that are made of palm fronds - baskets and barns, earlier used to store fish and to keep food on board on ships.

Tanzanian house is distinguished by an exhibition that highlights the ancient maritime heritage of the Zanzibar region. It provides bright glimpses of the lives of ancestors and the stories of the first sailors. 

These pictures document the traditional dhows used in the past and the spices they carried, along with pictures of Arab sailors on the coast of Zanzibar.

They were photographed by the Coutinho Brothers and photographer Pierre de Lourdes dating back to the period between 1890 and 1950, which embodies an integrated heritage museum with a rich history of fishing, diving and maritime trade.

Katara Dhow Festival introduces visitors to region's maritime history | The Peninsula Qatar

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Qatar Tourism Chairman highlights preparations for World Cup, post-tournament phase

Gulf Times, November 30, 2022

HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, said that Qatar Tourism prepared for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the world's largest sporting event, and for the post-tournament phase by focusing its efforts to a large extent to offer a distinguished experience for residents and international visitors through its Service Excellence training courses, in addition to digital transformation, and active promotion of Qatar in the global tourism markets as a leading tourist destination, in addition to issuing licences for hotel and tourist facilities, tourism activities, festivals, tourism events and their organising offices.

In exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Baker highlighted the launch of the 'Qatar Host' program, the first online tourism training program in the country that provides professionals with the skills to provide distinguished service to international and local visitors. His Excellency also highlighted the 'Tourist Guide Training' program, through which the participants were given practical and appropriate training on the basic skills to work as a tourist guide, and accredited after completing the program.

His Excellency pointed out that Qatar Tourism has issued more than 3,500 licences for Holiday Homes for about 9,500 rooms since the launch of the initiative last year, an addition to the variety of accommodation options that will be available to visitors during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.

His Excellency highlighted the Iconic Limousine initiative within the framework of the tourism sector development process and enhancing the visitors' experience at every stage of their visit, a competition where many talented nationals and residents sought to produce a distinctive exterior iconic limousine design, that reflects Qatari culture and hospitality in an innovative way.

His Excellency stressed that, in terms of digital transformation, Qatar Tourism launched the Visit Qatar application for mobile phones and the Visit Qatar website, which is available in seven languages (English, French, Italian, Arabic, German, Turkish and Spanish). The application allows users to explore Qatar's cultural heritage sites, sporting activities and unique attractions. It also provides 360-degree panoramic views of famous sites and landmarks, along with a feature that allows users to swipe right on a selection of the best tourist spots in Qatar.

Qatar Tourism, in cooperation with its partners, presented a rich calendar of events through its website that includes a variety of activities covering all parts of the country, and includes entertainment options, including theatrical performances, art exhibitions and sports competitions, His Excellency said.

As part of its efforts to develop tourism in the country, Al Baker said that Qatar Tourism launched the 'Qatar Now' guidebook, a new edition that reviews the tourism scene in Qatar, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of the tourist destinations. The semi-annual guide, which is available to visitors at every phase of their visit to Qatar, is distributed free of charge in hotels, museums, embassies, Hamad International Airport (HIA), and other most visited destinations.

His Excellency also highlighted the launch of Experience a World Beyond campaign in 17 countries as the largest promotional campaign in the history of the tourism sector in Qatar. The campaign represents the most important tourist markets that Qatar targets, in a bid to highlight the archaeological sites and historical monuments, in addition to the best entertainment and adventure places in the country.

His Excellency reiterated Qatar Tourism's commitment to continue improving the experience of visitors so that they can have an enjoyable and indelible experience. Qatar Tourism seeks to welcome visitors from all over the world to Qatar to enjoy the tournament and explore the unique services and experiences that Qatar offers, His Excellency concluded.

Qatar Tourism Chairman highlights preparations for World Cup, post-tournament phase - Gulf Times (gulf-times.com)

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