The 2022 Qatar World Cup is gradually approaching its D-day and the energy-rich nation is more than eager for the momentous occasion to unfold from November this year. We have already witnessed how it is boosting the fortunes of the tiny Gulf state. But the benefits of holding such a prestigious event are not restricted to Qatar alone. In fact, some of its neighbours are also reaping huge benefits from the event. So, let us find out how the World Cup 2022 in Qatar is proving a boon to other states in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Inadequate Stay Facilities & Conservatism Have Prompted Visitors To Move Out Of Qatar
Though Qatar has made adequate provisions to accommodate zillions of international visitors pouring in to catch the event, there are bound to be some gaps in making arrangements for all. This situation of the overflow of international visitors has led to some of them moving to nearby countries like UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia etc. Aside from this, the conservatism concerning alcohol consumption and the mixing of men and women in Qatar has pushed some of the visitors toward the shores of more lenient places like Dubai or Muscat.
Also, the availability of match-day flights from major Middle Eastern cities has played a big part in some visitors opting to stay outside the host country. These flights will take spectators to Qatar during the marquee event. This phenomenon has turned out to be advantageous to airlines, hotels and hospitality destinations across the Gulf regions, especially the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Dubai Is Having A Blast
Resultantly, one of the most famous tourist destinations across the globe, Dubai is having a gala time due to the soccer carnival in neighbouring Qatar. Out of the over 90 new flights scheduled to take off each day from the capital city of Doha, close to 40 will leave from the UAE airport. To take utmost care of the football fans across the globe, the world-class city has built a new hotel on the man-made palm-shaped island for those who wish to stay in Dubai and are willing to take the 40-minute flight to the host country each day. For the same, Dubai has even eased and properly organised immigration procedures.
Apart from Dubai, the other neighbouring Gulf States such as Saudi Arabia and Oman are also doing their bit to woo the visitors. Both countries are conducting festivals to draw in football fans and preparing strategies to organize the travel procedures for such visitors. In fact, the Saudi Tourism Authority has already made it very apparent that it is bracing to take in close to 30,000 visitors for the World Cup in Qatar, and the ones with Qatar’s Hayya fan card are free to apply for multiple-entry visas to the kingdom.
A Win-Win Situation For All
Interestingly, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has said that the event is poised to “raise the profile of many regional destinations” and the financial implication associated with the event could extend beyond it. So, all in all, it’s a win-win situation for some of the neighbouring GCC countries due to the FIFA championships in Qatar.
