Tourist bosses in Qatar have unveiled an array of new attractions and activities for fans travelling to the FIFA World Cup beginning in November. From a winter wonderland in the desert to a water sports paradise, the developments will offer a mix of attractions and activities for visitors.
Qatar aims to capitalise on the influx of more than one million visitors expected for the World Cup, which will end just before Christmas. Chief operating officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “The countdown to the World Cup is well underway and there’s lots of world-class attractions to come before the matches begin.
"Amongst the buzz around the tournament itself we hope people are wowed by Qatar’s state-of-the-art new tourism developments, significantly boosting the country’s appeal as a leading holiday destination. There are new beaches for those looking for sun, sea and sand, theme parks and water sports hotels for the adventurous, and lots of new resorts, spas and restaurants for visitors seeking a more relaxing getaway.”
Five new attractions
Winter Wonderland
Pack your shades and sun cream for the Doha Winter Wonderland, set to be launched in Qatar on a sandy island. Instead of the icy cold temperatures that greet visitors at the famous sister event in Hyde Park, London, travellers to Doha Winter Wonderland will be able to relax on the beach under delightful average temperatures in the mid 20Cs.
Doha Winter Wonderland will feature seafront chalets, restaurants, festival games, 50 rides, and cafes, bringing the festive spirit to the Middle East. Situated near Lusail City just north of Qatar’s capital, the upcoming 200,000 square metre attraction will be operated by IMG (International Marketing Group), the same company that manages Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park each year.
Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB)
Fuwairit is a coastal village an easy one hour drive north of Doha with excellent kitesurfing conditions from consistent winds, ideal ocean water and powder-soft sands. The resort is designed around the kitesurfer’s lifestyle with everything for the water and even more on dry land. There will be a yoga studio, fully equipped gym, restaurants, pool and much more.
The Outpost Al Barari
The Outpost will be the first of its kind in Qatar, integrating close-to-nature experiences, sustainability, and luxury hospitality into one beautiful resort in the globally unique Inland Sea nature reserve. Surrounded by soaring sand dunes and desert wilderness, 21 luxury lodges with private pools will provide the perfect retreat from hectic city life.
Stargazing, hot air ballooning, and immersive desert walks where you will learn about the local wildlife will be among the experiences on offer, alongside “Emerge in Nature” spa treatments and sensational culinary experiences.
Qetaifan Island North
Billed as the first “Entertainment Island” in Qatar, Qetaifan Island North will feature floating hotels, beach clubs and a water park with 36 rides – including “The Icon Tower” zone, featuring an 85-metre-high slide set to become the highest of its kind in the world. Set over 1.3 million square metres, the island is close to the Lusail Stadium, where the World Cup will take place.
West Bay North Beach Project
West Bay North Beach is an extensive new tourism development being constructed, covering 40,000 square metres of a premium beachfront in the heart of Doha. The public and private beach areas will offer three distinct beach experiences with a wide variety of food and beverage offerings, to create a sought-after city beach experience for everyone to enjoy.
The wave of new resorts and attractions adds to a flurry of openings in Qatar over the last couple of years. In March, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum opened. Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park opened last year with 28 slides and rides. And last summer a theme park called Quest Doha was unveiled featuring the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster.
