Tag Archives: FIFA

dnata facilitated the transportation of over 150,000 football fans between Dubai and Doha in the opening two weeks of the world’s largest football tournament. As football fever grips the globe, dnata’s highly trained teams of ground handlers, passenger and ramp agents have ensured that fans make a smooth passage through Dubai World Central airport (DWC). With airlines introducing ‘shuttle flights’ operating between Qatar and nearby Gulf states, Dubai has become a popular transiting destination for fans attending tournament games. dnata’s services between DWC and Doha have enabled more than 600 safe aircraft movements in the first fortnight of the competition. To execute this, over 270 customer oriented and ramp agents have been re-positioned from existing positions at Dubai International airport (DXB). A total of 90 pieces of ground support equipment (GSE) are used to service aircraft, including zero-emission electric baggage tractors, conveyor belts and a push-back tug. For those fans wishing to take their experience to another level, a warm greeting will be received in DWC’s marhaba lounge. Supporters can keep up to date with the tournament with super-fast Wi-Fi and enjoy complimentary international cuisine before they make their trip. marhaba’s Meet and Greet services are also available for fans who wish to further improve their experience. Jaffar Dawood, Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations, dnata, said: “We are dedicated to ensuring an excellent journey for all football supporters by providing a swift and efficient service at DWC, so that they can enjoy their fan experience for as long as possible. We thank our airline partners for their trust in our services, and will continue to support their initiatives.” dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel, catering and retail services …

VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, is excited to announce its partnership with beIN SPORTS, the Official Broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to screen the much anticipated tournament live across its cinemas in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ kicks off on 20 November at the Al Bayt Stadium as Qatar takes on Ecuador. Fans cheering on their favourite teams can choose from a variety of experiences, including mega-screen MAX cinemas, luxurious in-cinema dining at THEATRE and GOLD, open-air OUTDOOR cinemas at Galleria Mall Jumeirah and Aloft Dubai Creek and even a private cinema at Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates. Adding to the experience, VOX Cinemas will be introducing a themed F&B menu featuring items such as stadium hotdogs, half time pies, Brazilian hotdogs and loaded chicken pops and football fries. Toni El Massih, Managing Director, VOX Cinemas said, “At VOX Cinemas, we are dedicated to showing a diverse selection of premium content including major blockbusters as well live sporting events and concerts as part of our alternative content programming. Like film, football has the power to transcend barriers and inspire and connect people. We are extremely excited to partner with beIN SPORTS to showcase one of the largest global sporting events on the big screen. We will be bringing the action of the pitch to life with our cutting-edge audio-visual technology, stadium-like atmosphere and wide array of F&B, so audiences can expect an unrivalled fan experience. We also have a range of corporate packages so you can cheer on your nation in the company of team …

‎With only 20 days to go until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and MATAR Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Badr Al Meer, met at the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport. The leaders assembled on the tarmac to highlight a specially-branded Boeing 777 aircraft painted in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ livery. In 2017, Qatar Airways announced its partnership with FIFA as the Official Airline. The alliance has gone from strength to strength, with The World’s Best Airline sponsoring numerous tournaments such as the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017™, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, the FIFA Club World Cup™, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup™. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are here to represent both Qatar Airways and FIFA and our dedication towards playing our role in hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East. Hosting this tournament is a big achievement for us, and we are ready to unite fans worldwide and provide them with the exceptional experience.” “This will be the first FIFA World Cup™ to take place in the Middle East and the Arab World, and our partners Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport will play a key role in the delivery of this amazing event,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “They are ready to welcome millions of fans to Doha, showcase the Host Country’s unique hospitality, and ensure top-class service and the most memorable experiences, contributing to making this the best FIFA World Cup™ ever.” Most recently, the airline revealed projects, providing football fans with world-class entertainment, including Qatar Live – …

Rotana announced the opening date of Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana in October 2022 and Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana in November 2022. As the group further cements its footprint in the region, Qatar remains a key market as the country gets ready to welcome millions of visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO of Rotana said: “The region is buoyant as countries gear up to host one of the world’s largest events. The FIFA World Cup 2022 will bring an incredible influx of travellers to Qatar and a knock-on effect will also be felt in neighbouring countries like the UAE. As we continue expanding, we look forward to diversifying our offerings in the country and across the region to answer to higher demand.” Located in the heart of Doha, Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana is an easily recognizable new landmark, featuring luxury interior design and spacious apartments with spectacular views of the city. Set to open in October 2022, Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana is the perfect home away from home for residents looking for the ultimate comfort matched with refined living. Offering fully-furnished residences, Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana boasts 158 studios, 278 one-bedroom, 62 two-bedroom apartments, and five three-bedroom penthouses. All apartments ensure the highest level of comfort with a fully-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and a dishwasher in every one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment. Guests are invited to experience the authentic part of the city while enjoying an array of top-class services and amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, sports and wellness facilities, kids’ play area, an international outlet of retail brands and ample parking space. Set to …

As the countdown starts for the greatest football event of the year in the region, FIFA 2022 to be held from November to December this year, the accommodation in Qatar has already been reserved. The last quarter of the year will definitely see an increase of bookings in the GCC region alone. It was stated by professionals in the travel fraternity that Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi will be looking at some increased bookings and revenue in terms of accommodation. Shantanu S. Mehta, General Manager, Orient Tours CWT M&E, UAE, Sultanate of Oman and State of Qatar reiterated, “Our partners in Doha have informed us that 80% of the accommodation inventory has been blocked by the FIFA supreme committee and the remaining 20% can be released to the general public only after every individual booking receives their approval. In order to get this approval, local travel entities need to submit the complete itinerary for every applicant including a copy of the match ticket and arrival/departure flight information. After receiving approval from the FIFA supreme committee, visitors need to apply online for a special permit called the Hayya Card which will be granted to visitors who have a confirmed match ticket and accommodation. Apparently, during the FIFA World Cup tournament only visitors with a Hayya card can enter Qatar. Both Fly Dubai/Emirates and Etihad have announced multiple daily flights between their respective hubs and Doha. Whereas Fly Dubai launched a ‘AED 975 onwards’ promotion recently, Etihad is believed to be selling at AED 3,500 plus. Etihad senior members have verbally advised that a 45-minute quick departure process from check-in to boarding is being planned for passengers without check-in luggage. Many luxury hotels in …

Kuwait Airways announced the signing of an agreement with Qatar Airways, enabling match ticket holders to attend the World Cup 2022, by providing direct, daily match day shuttle service to and from Doha within 24 hours, to attend the match on the same day and enjoy an exceptional experience. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan said, “We are pleased that Kuwait Airways is part of this monumental global event, especially since it is being held in Qatar and we are proud to facilitate the travel of fans to and from the State of Qatar for this event. Not only does this agreement enhance the connectivity among the countries of the GCC, but also facilitates the social and economic growth emphasized by the government of the State of Kuwait.” Al-Dukhan was confident that Kuwait Airways would play a prominent role as a distinguished carrier in linking Kuwait to the world, providing comfort and convenience for fans in Kuwait and the GCC countries, as they choose the Blue Bird for their flights to the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. On his part, Kuwait Airways CEO, Eng. Maen Razouqi stated, “The historic bilateral agreement between Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways is part of an ongoing partnership between the State of Kuwait and the State of Qatar, who share numerous common goals at all levels. Football fans from Kuwait will have plenty of options and choices to travel between the countries at any hour of the day, during the FIFA World Cup 2022 season in Qatar.” Razouqi added, “This agreement with Kuwait Airways is in accordance with KAC’s transformation program to provide comfort to our valued customers and achieve their aspirations to attend …

New travel package options have been released by Qatar Airways for fans travelling to Doha to cheer on their team during the intercontinental play-offs this June. The matches will feature four national teams competing in ‘winner-takes-all’ matches to determine the final two teams for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, which will take place in the Middle East region for the first time this November. The fight for the final two qualification spots are set to be high-octane encounters and will serve as yet another prelude to display Qatar’s preparedness ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Fans traveling to Doha for the intercontinental play-off matches are encouraged to purchase their travel packages before tickets sell out, and to capture the sights, sounds and excitement of Doha prior to the mega event. The games will feature four teams from different global football confederations. Australia or United Arab Emirates (UAE) will face-off with Peru on 13 June 2022, followed by Costa Rica versus New Zealand on 14 June 2022 for the final spots in the tournament. The intercontinental play-offs will be preceded by an AFC Fourth Round Match between Australia and UAE on 7 June 2022, also in Doha, to determine the fourth team in the final qualifiers. The extended travel packages to Doha include round-trip flights with Qatar Airways, match tickets, and a minimum of two-nights accommodation. Fans have the option to book their hotel with Al Messila Luxury Collection, Hilton Al Rayyan Curio, or Holiday Inn Business. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways welcomes the competing nations and their fans to Qatar and wish the best of luck to the …