This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
Qatar, the smallest country to host the World Cup, is gearing up to welcome an expected one million visitors in 2022. The country's head of the organising committee, Nasser Al Khater, has promised that fans from boycotting countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, will not be barred.
Qatar won the right to host the tournament in 2010, despite concerns over its ability to manage the influx of fans. Al Khater acknowledged that the country's conservative culture may clash with the expectations of visiting fans, but assured that the right formula would be found to ensure a smooth experience.
“Qatar is a conservative country, it’s a modest country, alcohol is not part of our culture however hospitality is,” Al Khater said in a statement.
Alcohol will be available in designated locations, and the country is considering lowering the price, currently around $15 for a half litre of beer. The issue of cost is being discussed, with Al Khater recognising that there is an issue with price.
Qatar added a 100 percent alcohol tax in January, but later lowered prices by 20 to 30 percent. The country's laws prohibit public displays of affection, but Al Khater assured that fans of all orientations, religions, and races will be welcomed.
Qatar is looking at unique accommodation solutions, including cruise ships and fan villages in the desert, to manage the expected influx of fans. The country still views the tournament as a “World Cup for this region” despite the blockade, which has made travel more difficult and pushed air fares up.
Al Khater expressed hope that the situation with the boycotting countries would be resolved by 2022, and that fans from these countries would be welcome to attend the tournament.
