With just days to go until the FIFA World Cup
2022 gets underway in Qatar, senior executives from Qatar Airways,
MATAR and FIFA assembled on the tarmac at HIA to highlight a
Boeing 777 aircraft painted in a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 livery.
“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.”
In 2017, Qatar Airways announced its partnership
with FIFA as the Official Airline. The alliance has gone from
strength to strength, with the 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.
Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief
Executive, 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.”
The tournament will be held
across eight stadiums designed to invoke the symbols
of Arabian culture.
The Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening
match with a capacity of 60,000 seats, while Lusail Stadium is set
to host the final match of the tournament, with a capacity of
80,000 seats.
The remaining stadiums, which include Ahmad Bin Ali
Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium,
Education City Stadium, Stadium 974 and Al Thumama Stadium, will
house 40,000 spectators.
Dedicated Passenger Overflow spaces
outside Hamad International Airport and Doha International
Airport have been created where football festivities and live
entertainment can be enjoyed while also providing storage space
for luggage and carry-ons. This space will allow fans to continue
enjoying the celebrations before they depart to their respective
destinations, at no cost.
Passengers onboard Qatar Airways will be able to enjoy complimentary live streaming
of World Cup matches.