Your frequently asked questions about the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 answered

The FIFA World Cup 2022 is set to be held in Doha, the capital of Qatar in the Middle East. 

The country’s small size is set to make the FIFA tournament more compact which will allow fans and players to move around with ease. Fans can see more than one match in a day and make use of the brand new metro system to help them travel to each stadium. 

Qatar also consistently ranks among the top 20 safest countries in the world and has hosted more than 90 sporting events. It’s working alongside international partners to ensure the safety and security of everyone attending. 

Kicking off on 20th November and running until 18th December 2022, the tournament will be held over 29 days in Qatar. The Final will take place on Qatar National Day which commemorates the country’s reunification in 1878, so it’s guaranteed to be a special occasion. 

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony will take place on Sunday 20th November 2022 at the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor just north of Doha. It’s expected to start 3pm UK time and there will be performances from a whole host of artists including Bollywood star Nora Fatehi. 

The first match of the tournament will then kick off between Qatar and Ecuador at 4pm UK time. 

There will be 64 matches across eight stadiums with 32 qualifying nations taking part. These stadiums are: 

• Al Bayt Stadium
• Lusail Stadium
• Al Janoub Stadium
• Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
• Khalifa International Stadium
• Education City Stadium
• Stadium 974
• Al Thumama Stadium

The first match of the tournament starts at 4pm on Sunday 20th November which will be 7pm in Qatar. 

The start times for the next three games on Monday 21st November are as follows: 

• England vs Iran – 1pm UK time (4pm Qatar time)
• Senegal vs The Netherlands – 4pm UK time (7pm Qatar time)
• Wales vs USA – 7pm UK time (10pm Qatar time) 

Dubai is one of five cities hosting a FIFA Fan Festival during the World Cup tournament. It’s also the only officially sanctioned FIFA Fan-Fest outside of Doha, regionally. 

What’s more, Dubai’s proximity to Qatar makes it an easy destination for fans wanting to be close to the action. Fans who don’t have match tickets can still make the most of the World Cup parties and fan zones all over the city.

Those who do have match tickets will be able to use shuttle flights from Dubai to Doha on game days. This is particularly handy as hotel availability is limited in Qatar. Explore holidays in Dubai. 

Throughout the World Cup tournament, flydubai and Qatar Airways are including additional Match Day Shuttle flights to allow ticket holders to watch a game in Doha and return to Dubai within 24 hours. The flight time from Dubai to Doha is around one hour and 15 minutes. 

These shuttle flights are limited so if you plan on using this service, be sure to check with your Winged Boots personal travel manager in advance. Please note, this service is only available for match ticket holders. 

There are several ways. You can either book a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha or you can make use of the World Cup shuttle flights. For the latter, you’ll need to book the AUH Express bus from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai and pick up your shuttle flight from there. The AUH Express runs for 24 hours a day. 

Direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Doha are one hour and five minutes. If you’re getting the shuttle flight, it will take at least one hour and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and then the flight will be one hour and 15 minutes from Dubai to Doha. 

You can fly direct from the UK. The flight time from London to Doha is six hours and 50 minutes. Major airlines such as Qatar Airways and British Airways can facilitate your flight. 

To gain entry to Qatar, all international visitors will need a Hayya Card. 

A Hayya Card is Fan ID for match ticket holders in Qatar. It allows fans entry into Qatar and gives them access to stadiums as well as free public transport. 

To get a Hayya Card, you will need to apply for a Hayya account on the Qatar 2022 website. 
 

FIFA Fan-Fest is a football World Cup fan festival which is set to take place across two destinations in Dubai during the Qatar tournament. 

For those aged 21 and over, BUDX FIFA Fan-Fest at Dubai Harbour will show matches on the big screen with pre- and post-game entertainment. There will be VIP lounges and afterparties accompanied by city skyline views. 

Expo City will have three dedicated football fan areas. Jubilee Park will have concerts and experiences for those aged 13 and over; Al Forsan Park will have family-friendly activities; and Wasl Dome will offer VVIP experiences for semi-final and final matches. 

But Dubai’s football celebrations won’t stop there. Fans can also explore the city’s best FIFA Fan Zones. 

Dubai is set to be buzzing with football fever during the FIFA World Cup. You can catch games and a party atmosphere in bars and venues across the city. 

For a little more exclusivity, hotels such as Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Hilton Dubai Jumeirah have their own private outdoor arenas. FORM Hotel Marriott Bonvoy allows guests to watch matches in their own room, too. 

Other popular venues include McGettigan’s, Soho Garden and the Football Park (DIFC). Check out our list of favourite FIFA Fan Zones in Dubai!
 

Abu Dhabi is set to have its own FIFA World Cup celebration just like Dubai. Yas Links Golf Course is set to have a huge fan zone with big screens, football activities, food trucks and more. 

For added luxury, Emirates Palace is geared up to host a VIP fan zone with food chalets, bars and big screens. One of the most popular venues, Lock, Stock and Barrel on Yas Island is expected to be one of the best spots to watch the World Cup. Discover our Abu Dhabi getaways. 

Match ticket holders can also get direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Doha for the game. For the special World Cup shuttle flights, those in Abu Dhabi will need to travel to Dubai via the AUH Express. 

Yes, whether you want to celebrate the World Cup in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Qatar, the football World Cup is a family event. Qatar is set to combine traditional Qatari and Arabic hospitality with exciting fan and player experiences to make the tournament a memorable one. 

In Dubai’s FIFA Fan-Fest, there are designated family-friendly zones with kids’ activities and no alcohol permitted. Fan Zones such as Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and the Stadium Lounge in City Walk will also be suitable for kids. 

Alcohol is not part of Middle Eastern culture. There will be designated areas where you can drink in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar but drinking in public places is not permitted. 

Whether you need a base to stay for your trips to Doha or want to get in on the football action in an officially sanctioned FIFA Fan-Fest, Dubai has some world-class hotels that will make your experience that extra bit special. 

All Address hotels have football themed watch parties and pop-ups. Dubai Emirates Towers and Hilton Dubai Jumeriah also have their own events. 

We love Armani Hotel close to iKandy Sports Lounge and Atlantis, The Palm for some quiet time too. Check out our guide to Dubai hotels for the World Cup!