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Updated December 2022
The World Cup 2022 is now upon us and it is pretty obvious that the craze for football has never been higher. Fans worldwide have been rushing to get their hands on match tickets, hotel accommodations, and World Cup packages for the mega-event. With accommodations potentially being limited, fans are understandably concerned about their prospects of attending this year’s iteration of the premier football tournament.
Read on to learn more about alternative bases outside Qatar that you can stay in for the duration of the World Cup.
Please note: Effective today, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has announced that Qatari citizens and GCC residents will be allowed to enter the country without a Hayya card. Only non-GCC tourists and visitors attending the World Cup matches will require the Hayya card.
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Multiple-entry visa for Hayya Card holders
With international fans basing their World Cup journey in neighboring countries, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have rolled out multiple-entry visit visa schemes for international fans holding the Hayya Card. Find the details below:
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the multiple-entry visit visa to Saudi Arabia is available for fans holding the Hayya Card. They can apply for the multiple-entry Saudi visa and get a 60-day stay in the Kingdom beginning 10 days before the tournament kicks off.
UAE
The UAE is also issuing a multiple-entry visa to Hayya Card holders. The Hayya Card-associated visa will allow international football fans multiple entries to the UAE over a 90-day period.
According to the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the fee for the visa has been set to AED 100 and can be extended for an additional 90 days.
Please note that international fans from visa-exempt countries will not be required to apply for the new visa as the current arrangement already allows them to enter and stay in the UAE.
How to attend the FIFA world cup from outside of Qatar?
While Qatar shares land borders only with Saudi Arabia, there are several neighboring countries with close proximity to Doha from where you can avail flights easily and get cheap hotels to stay at while enjoying the best amenities, and effortlessly enjoying the football match.
No pre-arrival COVID test required
Please note that World Cup visitors along with returning residents are NO longer required to submit COVID-19 test results to travel to the country. The World Cup spectators will also not be required to show proof of vaccination nor will they be asked to quarantine upon arrival.
Qatar’s health ministry also dropped the requirement for adults to show their COVID-19 status on the government-run contact tracing Ehteraz application before entering stadiums or other establishments like shops and restaurants. However, visitors and residents will still be required to show the application before entering a healthcare facility.
Hayya Card for fans staying in nearby countries
Day trip fans staying in nearby countries may obtain their Hayya Card without a hotel booking. All they need to do is provide their day trip details which typically involve shuttle flight bookings through the Hayya portal or Hayya app detailed below.
https://blog.wego.com/hayya-card/
Countries easily accessible to Qatar
Saudi Arabia
On top of this list, we have Saudi Arabia for obvious reasons, the only country that shares borders with Qatar. No matter your country of origin, several air carriers operate regular flights to and from Saudi Arabian cities every day. From Saudi Arabia, you can easily avail transport options to Qatar and seamlessly enjoy the matches in Doha.
COVID-19 entry restrictions
All COVID‑19 restrictions for travel to Saudi Arabia have been lifted. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or a COVID‑19 test result to enter the country. Quarantine restrictions have also been lifted.
Flight schedule
Here’s the flight schedule and airfares for flights from Saudi Arabia to Qatar in November by some prominent airlines. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Saudia
Saudia operates direct flights to Doha only from Riyadh.
Riyadh to Doha: One direct flight available every week. Ticket prices start from SAR 3,060 (USD 816).
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways flies to Qatar from most cities in Saudi, but Riyadh is the closest to Doha, while flying from cities like Jeddah and Madinah may take upto 5 hours.
Riyadh to Doha: Two direct flights available every week. Ticket prices start from SAR 1,427 (USD 380).
Flight time
Flights from Riyadh to Doha wouldn’t take more than 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Find Cheap Flights to Doha from Saudi Arabia
Driving from Saudi to Qatar
While flights take only 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Doha from Saudi Arabia, airfares have been skyrocketing following the increased demand for flight tickets. Instead, driving to Doha is cheaper and enjoyable too, especially for those with a passion for driving. A road trip from the capital city of Riyadh to Doha will take about 6 hours.
Top budget hotels in Saudi Arabia
Please note that prices are subject to change.
Boudl Al Munsiyah
The 3-star hotel Boudl Al Munsiyah is located in the northeast of Riyadh with close proximity to the King Khalid International Airport and easy access to all Riyadh’s tourist attractions and business centers. Enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center and get to enjoy Saudi hospitality and complete luxury at its best.
The Boudl Al Munsiyah offers elegantly designed suites consisting of a bedroom, a living room with a flat-screen tv, a kitchen, a shower, and complimentary toiletries. LCD televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected.
Per night: 380 SAR (USD 82)
Book your stay here now
Intercity Hotel Riyadh Malaz
Intercity Hotel Riyadh Malaz is located in the center of the old business district in Riyadh. The hotel offers simple yet modern and fully air-conditioned accommodations, free WiFi, a fitness center, a rooftop swimming pool, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and a cafe.
All rooms are stylish and equipped with a spacious wardrobe, attached bathroom, LED TVs with international and local channels, tea/coffee making, big working desks with high-speed internet, minibar, iron and board and an electronic safe.
Per night: SAR 294 (USD 79)
Book your stay here now
Arjaan Altakhassusi Hotel Suites
Located in Riyadh in the Ar Riyad region, Arjaan Altakhassusi Hotel Suites provides accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking. All rooms feature a satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a private bathroom with a shower and slippers.
The King Khalid Grand Mosque is 3.1 miles from the condo hotel, while Al Faisaliah Tower is 3.6 miles away. The nearest airport is King Khalid Airport which is 27 miles from the hotel.
Per night: SAR 349 (USD 93)
Book your stay here now
United Arab Emirates
With its growing prominence as a hub of business, culture, and tourism, Dubai attracts a massive influx of visitors from all over. No matter where you depart from the UAE, be it Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you can easily get to Doha while enjoying everything the city has to offer.
COVID-19 entry restrictions
No testing and quarantine for vaccinated travelers.
Flight schedule
Here’s the flight schedule and airfares for flights from Dubai to Qatar and Abu Dhabi to Qatar in November by some prominent airlines. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Qatar Airways
There are several direct flights operated by Qatar Airways from Dubai to Doha every day.
Dubai to Doha: 3 direct flights on all days of the week. Ticket prices start from 980 AED (USD 267).
Abu Dhabi to Doha: 3 direct flights on all days of the week. Ticket prices start from 1450 AED (USD 395)
Etihad Airways
Etihad flies only from Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi to Doha: 6 direct flights on all days of the week. Ticket prices start from 2970 AED (USD 809)
Flight time
Direct flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Doha would take close to 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Find Cheap Flights to Doha from the UAE
Driving from the UAE to Qatar
Driving to Doha from the UAE is a lot cheaper than flying and may take upto 6-7 hours. With proper vehicle insurance and visa, you can easily drive your way to the World Cup this year.
Fan zones
UAE also has a special Football Park Fan Zone at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) will have Michelin-starred eateries, butlers, and a concierge for supporters. On the platform of Gate Avenue, a sizeable screen will be used for fans to view the games.
Top budget hotels in the UAE
Please note that prices are subject to change.
Holiday Inn Express Dubai-Jumeirah
A warm welcome awaits you behind the striking geometric façade of the Holiday Inn Express Dubai Jumeirah, 20 minutes by taxi from Dubai Airport. The location overlooking Port Rashid Docks is just 3 km from the World Trade Centre and a short complimentary shuttle ride from Jumeirah Beach.
Kick-start your day with a complimentary hot buffet breakfast in the vibrant Great Room and stay connected with complimentary wireless internet in the spacious lobby or the in-room Internet.
Per night: 202 AED (USD 55)
Book your stay here now
Premier Inn Dragon Mart
Located near International City, Premier Inn Dragon Mart is a stone’s throw from Dragon Mart retail complex- a shopping paradise where you can find everything on your list, from kitchen sinks to mobile phones and everything! After a long day shopping, guests can retreat to Premier Inn Dragon Mart to share a meal at Nuevo Restaurant or catch up with friends at Mr. Toad’s Pub and Kitchen.
Check out their fully equipped gym to help you stay fit whilst traveling. The 304-room hotel is just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, with easy access to Downtown Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, and Meydan Racecourse, all a short ride away.
Per night: 280 AED (USD 76)
Book your stay here now
Lavender Hotel Deira
Centrally located in the heart of Dubai’s business district in Deira, Lavender Hotel Deira is merely 15 minutes from the Dubai International Airport via Dubai Metro stations at Union or Rigga Street. It is also within walking distance from the Al Ghurair Shopping mall and Al Nasser square, the traditional shopping area.
Lavender is a non-alcoholic family hotel, efficiently backed by decades of experience in personalized service. With 117 prestigious rooms, a meeting room equipped with conference facilities and a selection of internationally themed outlets, the hotel will meet and exceed the demands of both business and leisure travelers.
Per night: 202 AED (USD 55)
Book your stay here now
Oman
Another country located close to Qatar is Oman, a Middle Eastern country that has always been a popular place for travelers to soak themselves in a little culture and luxury.
COVID-19 entry restrictions
The Omani authorities have removed all COVID-19 restrictions. No testing or quarantine is required.
Flight schedule
Qatar Airways is the only airline that has scheduled direct flights from Muscat to Doha for the month of November. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Qatar Airways
Muscat to Doha: Upto 4 direct flights on all days of the week. Ticket prices start from 142 OMR (USD 368)
Flight time
Direct flights from Muscat to Doha would take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Find Cheap Flights to Doha from Oman
Top budget hotels in Oman
Please note that prices are subject to change.
Al Maha International Hotel
The Al Maha International Hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes away from Seeb International Airport in Al Ghubra Area. The rooms are beautifully appointed and particularly designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers.
Each room is tastefully designed, and the room amenities include telephone lines and WiFi connectivity. Bathrooms are equipped with a full range of personal amenities and hairdryers. Doors are controlled by an electronic key system for the added security of hotel guests.
Per night: 12 OMR (USD 31)
Book your stay here now
Al Murooj Hotel Apartments
Al Murooj Hotel Apartments Muscat is just a 25-minute walk from the huge contemporary Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which offers 30 spacious rooms. Additionally, you’ll find a free private car park and a restaurant and 24-hour reception and shuttle service.
The rooms at the hotel feature an air conditioner, wireless Internet and TV. The bright rooms feature wood floors. The café Ciasto Cafe is around 650 meters away, and Al Azaiba, the local bus station, is just 500 meters away.
Per night: 13 OMR (USD 34)
Book your stay here now
Al Shorouq Hotel Apartments
Make yourself at home in one of the 44 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions at the Al Shorouq Hotel Apartments. The memory foam bed comes with premium bedding.
The hotel also offers complimentary wireless internet access that keeps you connected and satellite programming for your entertainment.
Per night: 15 OMR (USD 39)
Book your stay here now
Kuwait
Kuwait, the bustling gulf metropolis with towering skyscrapers, rich with culture and energized by modern wealth is yet another viable option for FIFA fans looking to attend the match as the country is less than 2 hours away by air.
COVID-19 entry restrictions
Kuwait has relaxed most of the COVID-19-related entry restrictions and has lifted the quarantine, testing and vaccination requirements for arrivals.
Flight schedule
Here’s the flight schedule and airfares for flights from Kuwait to Qatar in November by some prominent airlines. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Qatar Airways
As always, Qatar Airways operates daily direct flights to Doha.
Kuwait to Doha: Upto 3 direct flights on all days of the week. Ticket prices start from 111 KWD (USD 363)
Kuwait Airways
Kuwait’s national air carrier flies multiple flights to Doha every day.
Kuwait to Doha: Upto 3 direct flights on all days of the week. Ticket prices start from 196 KWD (USD 640)
Flight time
Flights from Kuwait to Doha wouldn’t take more than 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Find Cheap Flights to Doha from Kuwait
Top budget hotels in Kuwait
Please note that prices are subject to change.
Wahaj Hotel Apartment 2
Wahaj Hotel Apartment 2 combines warm hospitality with a lovely ambiance to make your stay in Kuwait unforgettable. Facilities like 24-hour room service, free WiFi in all rooms, 24-hour security, grocery deliveries, and a laundromat are readily available for you to enjoy.
Some well-appointed guest rooms feature television LCD/plasma screens, wireless (complimentary) internet access, non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, and heating. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities.
Per night: KWD 20 (USD 65)
Book your stay here now
Wahaj Boulevard
Make yourself at home in Wahaj. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms, each thoughtfully designed with its own artwork and decor. The hotel also has a restaurant, cafe, bar, ballroom, function room, and swimming pool. Being one of the most notable hotels in the metro, families and all guests will appreciate the centrally located hotel and easy connectivity.
The hotel places you in the heart of the city, with shopping options, restaurants and lounges within easy reach and a fast route to the Kuwait International Airport.
Per night: KWD 21 (USD 69)
Book your stay here now
Kuwait Palace Hotel
Set in Kuwait in the Salmiya region, the Kuwait Palace Hotel provides great accommodation with access to a fitness room. Free WiFi is also provided. All rooms here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchenette, a private bathroom with a bath, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer.
Guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool on the roof. The Al-Bustan Mall is just 200 meters from the hotel. The nearest airport is Kuwait International Airport, 15 km from the property.
Per night: KWD 20 (USD 65)
Book your stay here now
Daily shuttle flights to Doha
To assist the transportation needs of people who will be staying out of the country while attending the FIFA match in Doha, several airlines have already announced daily flights between countries and special shuttle services.
Flydubai has begun shuttle service flight bookings between Dubai and Doha in November. Qatar Airways has partnered with several Gulf airlines, including Saudia to operate everyday shuttle flights from and to Doha.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has partnered with Gulf carriers to set up match-day shuttle flights between Doha and major Middle Eastern cities for fans to attend games and depart Doha on the same day.
Introducing the Match Day Shuttle for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. We can't wait to see you in Doha for #Qatar2022.
Learn more at https://t.co/9zHT7Z1hPe. @RoadTo2022En @Saudi_Airlines @KuwaitAirways @OmanAir #FlyDubai pic.twitter.com/2RfqIKT9uJ
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 26, 2022
The shuttle service will connect Doha with GCC countries. To book your tickets, here’s what’s needed:
- This arrangement includes transportation to & from the game or fan zones.
- Does not include any checked baggage allowance so make sure you have everything you need in your hand baggage.
- Ensure you select a flight that arrives at least 4 hours before the match kick-off.
Flydubai
If you’re a ticket holder to the FIFA World Cup, you can now book a Match Day Shuttle flight from Dubai to Doha with Flydubai. A match day Shuttle flight allows you to hop on a flight to Doha, watch your match and return back to Dubai the same day. You’ll also enjoy complimentary ground transportation between the airport and the stadiums if you book a match-day shuttle flight.
All match-day shuttle flights will operate from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) during the World Cup. With up to 30 flights a day, you’ll never miss a match. Just ensure that you select a flight that arrives at least 4 hours before the match kick-off.
You must be a ticket holder to the upcoming football tournament in Qatar if you want to book a match-day shuttle flight to Doha. You’ll also need to apply for a Hayya Card. This is your fan ID and you’ll need it to enter Qatar as well as to access the stadiums.
