Qatar, stage for the 2022 World Cup
Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappé's French team fought all the way to the final in Qatar to defend the World Cup title they won in Russia (2018), from November 21 to December 18, 2022. This global event, which will bring the world's cameras to the emirate for a few weeks, is historic for the country. The Qatar 2022 Committee has undertaken to build stadiums inspired by the country's architecture, with extremely high security standards and a capacity ranging from 40,000 to 80,000. The stadiums were all modular, some of which could be dismantled and some of which were "moved" after the end of the tournament. Qatar planned to offer the modular components to other countries after the Cup, but no such move was made. It did, however, reduce its sporting capacity, which was more suited to its needs. It should be noted that, for the first time in history, the World Cup was held in winter, the heat being too stifling in summer. But as temperatures are also high in winter, most stadiums are... air-conditioned!
Lusail Iconic Stadium. With a capacity of 80,000, the country's largest stadium hosted the opening match and the final of the 2022 World Cup, as well as four other matches. Located in Lusail City, on the seafront 7 kilometers from the Corniche, the stadium has a new metro station and is connected to roads and bus routes.
Designed by architects Foster & Partners, it takes the form of a traditional local sailing boat, the dhow, with a retractable roof and solar-powered cooling technologies up to 27°C. Since the World Cup, it has been used for cultural shows and sporting events.
Khalifa International Stadium. Located in al-Rayyan, this stadium has a capacity of 45,000. It was built by French architect Roger Taillibert, famous for having designed the Parc des Princes. It will host 8 matches during the World Cup, including the match for3rd place.
Al Thumama Stadium. Located 12 km from downtown Doha, this stadium has a capacity of 40,000 and its structure evokes the traditional Arab Gahfiya headdress. After the World Cup, it will be reduced to 20,000 seats.
Stadium 974. The Doha Port stadium is a marvel of engineering and is fully modular and demountable, with a capacity of 40,000. One of the main assets of Qatar's bid is undoubtedly its most spectacular feature: built in the bay of Doha, on the water around a small port, it is made up of 974 containers and much of its structure is made of recycled steel. Located on an artificial island, it evokes the aquatic world. After the World Cup, the entire stadium will be dismantled and the seats sent to developing countries.
Education City Stadium. In al-Rayyan, the 45,000-seat Education City stadium is located on the Education City campus, which is home to prestigious Qatari and foreign universities. The Round of 16 matches will be played here. Its original shape is inspired by a diamond, lit up by a thousand lights at night. After the World Cup, the stadium will be reduced to 25,000 seats, which will be used by the campus universities' athletics teams.
Al Bayt Stadium. The al-Khor stadium has a capacity of 60,000. With its shell-like shape and movable roof to cover sunny areas, it evokes the region's pearling past. The stadium offers spectators a breathtaking view of the Persian Gulf from their seats and will be located in a sports and leisure zone.
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. A true technological gem, the al-Rayyan stadium now has a capacity of 44,740. Its facade is covered with giant screens for news, updates and current matches. Capacity will be reduced to 21,282 after the World Cup.
Al-Janoub Stadium. The stadium is located in Al-Wakrah, one of Qatar's oldest cities, traditionally renowned for its pearl and fishing trade. It will host a round-of-16 match. The 45,120-seat stadium and surrounding sports complexes symbolize an oasis, as water has played an important role in the city's history. After the World Cup, the stadium will seat 25,500.
Falconry, the traditional activity
Falconry was once the preserve of nomadic tribes. Today, it's considered a noble passion, requiring patience and skill. Visit the falconry section at Souq Waqif. A bond ofalmkhuwa (brotherhood) or al-shareek (ethics linked to the notion of partnership) governs the conduct of falconers. Almkhuwa means the bond of companionship and equal sharing of tasks, costs and responsibilities during a hunting trip. These are usually groups of six to twelve falconers out on a hunting trip for a period of one to three weeks. After a day's hunting, they gather around a campfire and tell stories or anecdotes about the day just passed, often composing poems. For thealmkhuwa group, falconry is a way of savoring a cultural tradition that celebrates the spirit of camaraderie in the desert. In Arab falconry, the falconer pronounces the name of God in front of the bird or animal caught by his falcon. Falconers take their children into the desert and teach them how to master the falcon and develop a relationship of trust with a bird that is often part of the family. It's a long process that leads the falcon to recognize the falconer's voice. The process also involves perfecting skills such as the art of feeding and carrying the falcon on the fist, or calling the falcon by spinning a decoy. There is now a falconry festival in September, during which demonstrations are given.
By camel or horse, very popular races
Camel racing. To discover this traditional sport, you need to go to theAl Shahaniyah Camel racetrack, 20 minutes west of Doha. The easiest way to find out is to read the press reviews and take note of the timetable. A very special atmosphere, lots of dust and a guaranteed change of scenery. Only the sheikhs have very large stallions. A Bedouin will breed a single female, in the hope that, after twelve months, she will give birth to a future champion... or championess, as females are faster.
Horse racing. It's not just camels that sweat in Qatar! The Qatari Equestrian Federation has existed since 1976. The country has a special bond with the equestrian world and has seen exponential development (as is the case in other sports) since the beginning of the new century: top-level riders, prestigious Arab thoroughbred breeding, organization of horse races and equestrian competitions, notably at the Racing & Equestrian Club in Doha. Although horse-riding is not yet at the level seen in neighbouring Arab states, Qatar's emirs do not measure their investments when it comes to developing horse-related activities: racing, show-jumping, dressage and, above all, endurance, a local "specialty". Endurance is, in fact, the most popular equestrian sport in Qatar.
The passion of the automobile
Thanks to the fluidity of financial resources and the low cost of petrol, Qataris drive German, American, English or Japanese versions of their carriages. Watch the mechanical ballet in the most exclusive locations on a weekend evening, and you'll soon realize just how much the locals love to bring out their big cylinders! Sports cars and show-offs are the preserve of the gents (of course!), while the ladies are happy to cruise around in big, protective 4x4s. And the national hero is Nasser Al Attiyah, five-time winner of the Dakar Rally, including the penultimate edition in January 2023, and bronze medallist at the 2012 London Olympics in... sport shooting! Every Friday during the winter season, Qataris gather in the desert for informal races in the dunes of the Inland Sea.
Relaxation and water sports on the agenda!
A peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Qatar also enjoys year-round sunshine. In short, all the conditions are right for lazing around and enjoying all kinds of water sports.
Kitesurfing and sailing. A kitesurfing spot on Al Rayyan beach, near Dukhan in the west, is currently being developed. Equipment hire and lessons are available. Perfect conditions for sailing too.
Stand-up paddle. You can now go stand-up paddling in the canals of the El Qanat district, particularly at The Pearl.
Kayaking. Kayaks can be hired for guided tours of the mangrove swamps around Al Khor and Purple Island. Half-day expeditions from Doha are also offered by tourist agencies.
Motorized water sports. All along the Qatari coast, you can pilot high-powered jet-skis, enjoy water-skiing or wakeboarding, or go parasailing or flyboarding..
Scuba diving. A few wrecks or the Messaieed artificial reef offer a good insight into local underwater life. Not unforgettable, but always fun!
The desert, a real playground
Less than a hundred kilometers from the buildings, we're in the heart of the giant dunes, in a landscape larger than the imagination. Lunar landscapes, thrills and great peace guaranteed!
Buggy and quad. After a briefing and training period to get used to the machine, the tourist-drivers are led by a guide through the dunes. A truly atypical experience, for all those who love speed, motor sports and off-the-beaten-track rides!
Camel ride. If you're just starting out, a short introduction lasting just a few minutes may be all you need, as it has to be said that the most fun part of the ride is putting on the camel's back and getting off - the very beginning and end of the ride! Sunset rides are very popular.
Dune bashing. Dune bashing consists of a 4x4 ride through the dunes with a driver who is used to this type of terrain and will give you a thrill. The ride is a real change of scenery.
Sandboarding. After donning sandboards, you launch yourself off the highest dune, thinking that the sand will cushion your fall. Hilarious!
