With the region’s biggest football tournament all set for a spectacular edition at FIFA World Cup venues, the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup will be a test event of sorts before the 2022 extravaganza visits Qatar three years from now.
The tournament operations are a drill for the FIFA World Cup 2022 operations, according to officials.
“This is the first time that Gulf Cup will ever be played at FIFA World Cup venues — the Khalifa International Stadium and Duhail Stadium. So we are trying to run operations for this tournament, which is very close to our hearts as Qataris and as Gulf nations, like a drill for the World Cup. People who want to get the feel of the 2022 World Cup venues can come and attend the matches during the Gulf Cup,” LOC Director of Venue Operations and Overlays Jassim al-Jassim said.
On pre-event activities, he said: “The activities will start with the gate opening at 4.30pm. I promise everyone it will be very nice and fun activities inside the stadium.”
He also urged fans to use the Metro to avoid traffic chaos during the tournament. “We have the facility of Metro Gold Line, which includes Sports City station. By using Metro fans can avoid traffic jam and parking issues,” al-Jassim said.
LOC Director of Marketing Khalid al-Kuwari, Director of Culture and Arts Department at Ministry of Culture and Sports Hamad Mohamed al-Zakiba, stadium traffic leaders First Lt Ali Rashid al-Ateeq and First Lt. Salem Mubarak al-Buainain were also present during the press conference.
Al-Zakiba said the ministry has allocated many events to accompany the Gulf Cup.
“It is a very important occasion for us. We are the past winners of the tournament and we make ensure that fans have quality time with their families in and around stadiums. We will stage a play during the tournament featuring artists from more than seven brother countries to entertain fans. There will also be folklore bands that will perform during the tournament so the families will enjoy their time. More than 30 Qatari artists will also showcase their talent in different exhibitions,” said al-Zakiba.
Commenting on parking facilities, al-Ateeq said: “I can assure we have enough parking slot – for 10,000 vehicles. Spectators can use bar code on their tickets to locate their designated parking slot.”
Al-Buainain said traffic police department will make all out efforts to ensure smooth traffic and facilitate the fans.
“We advise fans to come early to avoid inconvenience because the match days will be very crowded. Fans can also use Doha Metro Gold Line which will be very convenient,” said al-Buainain.
The tickets are still available at designated kiosks and online. The prizes are QR50, QR30 and QR10.
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