The big day is here and a large number of people, including both citizens and expatriates, are expected to turn up at different venues in Doha screening the final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup between Qatar and Japan live on Friday.
These include major cultural and sporting hubs as well as a number of private establishments, it is learnt.
Large screens at Aspire Park, Souq Waqif, Airport Park (next to Qatar Airways headquarters Tower 2), Qatar Foundation, Katara – the Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art Park, Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar and Lagoona Mall, are expected to attract a large number of spectators on Friday from 5pm onwards.
“Support the Qatari national team in the Asian Cup 2019 final match and live a festive ambiance of excitement and challenge on our giant screen at Katara Esplanade on Friday at 5pm,” Katara’s poster on Facebook stated.
Several restaurants, hotels and clubs have posted, on their social media channels and websites, announcements of an array of "special dine and watch" offers and discounts to entice football fans and revel in the excitement with them.
These include The Rooftop (The St Regis, Doha), Champions and Aqua Lounge (Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel), Mix Bar (The Westin Doha), Hive (Intercontinental Doha The City), Belgian Café (Intercontinental Doha Hotel and Residences), and Al Shurfa (Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli), among others.
Those who will be watching the match in such locations are advised to arrive early to avoid possible traffic congestion and get parking slots.
The Qatar team - Al Annabi - has played some high-quality football to reach their maiden Asian Cup final. From top dignitaries to various organisations and common citizens and residents - everybody has provided strong support to the team through their Asian Cup journey.
The emphatic 4-0 victory over the UAE in the semifinal was followed by huge celebrations around Qatar. Football lovers lauded the way the Qatari team outplayed the Emiratis despite a hostile environment at the stadium and disgraceful behaviour by some UAE fans.
In addition to revelry on the streets, there was a lot of activity on social media as congratulatory and inspirational messages poured in from various quarters.
Meanwhile, various business establishments and outlets in Doha extended their special deals and offers beyond January 30 to mark Qatar's progress to the Asian Cup final.
People with love for sweets can take advantage of Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel’s treat as it gives away 1tonne of one of its famous desserts, Umm Ali, for free until Friday. "We would like to thank everyone for the unexpected turnout for Um Ali where 853 kilos have been granted within 24hrs. We continue to give out free Um Ali tomorrow, Friday," the hotel said in a tweet last night.
Several eateries in Doha, including Java U and Poori & Karak, will also continue offering free Arabic sweets and hot drinks such as kunafa and karak.
Tandoor is providing 40% discount on the total bill at all its outlets until tomorrow.
A number of supermarkets also gave their loyal customers a treat by doubling their rewards points for shopping at least for a day (on January 30) after Qatar’s win.
Commuters also benefited from the football fever as Woqod gave away free prepaid tags (WOQODe) to customers. The tags will be valid for three months from February 7 until May 6.
A QR500 discount was offered (only for one day, January 31) by some driving schools, including Dalla and Al Khebra, to enrollees on all their courses.
Other establishments that offered deals to mark Qatar’s victory include data deals from Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar, Aspire Active (30% off on fitness classes), Angry Birds World at Doha Festival City (free entrance and rides) and Virtuocity Qatar (four hours free).
Some businesses such as dental clinics, salons, fitness centres as well as laundries also gave discounts on their services.
Qatar vs Japan final on FTA channel: beIN
beIN Media Group has announced that the final of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 between Qatar and Japan will be broadcast on its Free to Air (FTA) channel on Friday “as a gift to its Arabic viewers”.
In addition to beIN Sports Max 1 and Max 2, viewers will be able to follow the special coverage on Friday on beIN Sports’ FTA channel, the Group said in an online statement on Thursday.
Coverage surrounding the final will kick off with the Morning Show at 8am Makkah time. The dedicated match studio will begin at 3.30pm Makkah time.
