Infantino praises Qatar’s World Cup preparations

Fifa President Gianni Infantino praised Qatar’s preparations to host the first World Cup competition in the Middle-East and Arab world, during a visit to Al Bayt Stadium yesterday.

Infantino was briefed on the stadium, with its design resembling a traditional Arab tent. He also took part in a seven-a-side match played at the stadium, that will host 60,000 fans and located in Al Khor. The striking arena will be inaugurated in the coming months and has been confirmed as the venue for the opening game of the tournament.

“It is an absolute pleasure to play football at this amazing stadium, where on 21 November 2022, we will kick off the greatest FIFA World Cup ever,” said Infantino.

“Al Bayt Stadium is incredible: a true football stadium. It has a real football feel and a local touch. The tented shape makes it truly unique, and the Arabic patterns in the roof are just beautiful. I am speechless,” he added.
Preparations for Qatar 2022 have continued despite the pandemic following the implementation of stringent health and safety protocols to protect workers from Covid-19. Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City stadiums have all been inaugurated and are fully operational, with three others –Al Bayt, Al Rayyan and Al Thumama — in the final stages of construction. All eight venues will be completed well in advance of the tournament.

“I am very pleased with Qatar’s progress ahead of the tournament. We have seen the plans, but when you see the reality, it is even more impressive. Qatar has been able to continue to advance during the last six months while the world stood still from infrastructure preparations to important developments such as the recent labour reforms announced by the government. If I was confident before, now I can say I am even more,” Infantino said.

He noted that everything will be close during the 2022 World Cup, allowing fans from all nationalities to gather in the same public areas and enjoy Qatar’s mild temperatures at that time of the year, stressing that it will be a World Cup like no other was or ever will be.

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, echoed Infantino’s comments and said he was proud of the foundations laid by the country in the lead-up to the tournament.

“We are immensely proud to be hosting the Arab world and the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup in 2022.

“With that pride comes a sense of responsibility, and that factor has been enhanced since the world has had to come to terms with COVID-19. We are optimistic that by kick-off in November 2022, we’ll be ready to welcome fans from every continent here in Qatar to celebrate together, united by their shared passion for football.”

Al Thawadi added: “It was a pleasure to welcome President Infantino to Al Bayt Stadium today. Al Bayt is particularly meaningful to us as it represents the town of Al Khor as well as the culture and history of Qatar through its special design. We’re all looking forward to the first ball of the FIFA World Cup 2022 being kicked in this stadium two years from now.”

Nasser Al Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said Qatar was in excellent shape and looking forward to welcoming fans from all over the world in a little over two years’ time.

“When it comes to World Cup infrastructure, we’re in a great position, with construction nearing 90% completion across all projects,” said Al Khater. “At this point on the road to 2022, our focus is now shifting from delivering infrastructure to refining and optimising the detailed operational planning and fan experience for the tournament. We are also now significantly stepping up our promotion of the tournament to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend and enjoy this unique World Cup.”

Courtesy by Gulf-Times.com: https://m.gulf-times.com/story/674765/Al-Bayt-stadium-leaves-Fifa-chief-speechless

Places to visit in Dubai

Excitement for Asia cup is over the head! If you’re going to witness the matches, then you’ll surely explore The Dubai City. Here are some spectacular places you wouldn’t want to miss while you’re in Dubai!

1. Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world with a spectacular view. You must have heard this line a zillion times but the beauty of Burj Khalifa deserves all the all the praises. The 200+ storeys stands out to be elegant and one of the most attractive tourist destination in the world. Also described as the ‘Vertical City’ and ‘A living Wonder’ crowns the city with extraordinary art and unique craftsmanship. Rising over the city with impressive height of 2,716 feet (828 meters), the $1.5 billion Burj Khalifa project was uncloaked by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in January 2010. There are tickets which would cost you approximately AED 135 to AED 525, depends upon the level you want to visit.

2. Dubai Mall

Ladies attention please! This will surely interest you! Dubai mall is the second largest mall in the world by the total land area, at over 13 million square feet. In 2011 it was the most visited building in the planet attracting over 54 million visitors each year, the Dubai mall is also part of the 20-billion-dollar downtown complex. A beautifully enormous building of 250-room luxury hotel, 22 cinemas and 120 restaurants and cafes and over 14000 parking space. Imagine the variety of shopping you can do! The highlights of the Dubai mall are Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, VR Park Dubai, Reel Cinemas, Rainforest Café, Hysteria (haunt house), Dubai Dino, Dubai Creek Tower Replica & KidZania. Access to the mall is through Doha Street, rebuilt as a double-decker road in April 2009.

3. Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek

Who wouldn’t love to have a luxurious romantic dinner in a cruise? A dream of almost every girl! Get the best cruise experience with Bateaux Dubai. This is a whole new level experience which includes all the fairy tale moments, you walk through a red carpet into a luxury vessel and set a 2.5-hour journey on Dubai’s waters. An elegant view of Dubai with a four–course à la carte menu along with a wide range of fine booze and live entertainment.

4. At.mosphere

A meal at the world’s highest building? A million times yes! At.mosphere is located in Burj Khalifa at level 122, a sleek style with stunning view and delicious cuisine emphasizing on seafood. Going through the glorious Armani Hotel lobby and then a lift to the 123^rd level which will direct you through a walk down stairs in to the stunning At.mosphere restaurant with the view of beautiful interiors of the lounge in deep shades of amethyst with a rich combination of patterned velvets and a flattery fancy vibe! Per person minimum cost would be approximately Dhs500 for lunch and Dhs680 for dinner and also extra for a window table! The tiny tots below 5years can dine for free (ID required with the birth date) & children aged 6-10 years are entitled to 50% on Decadence Menu only (ID required with the birth date).

5. Miracle Garden

Miracle garden is one of its kind, you’ll surely would be all heart eyes over is as its flaunt over by flowers, a nature lover would have the best time visiting this place. Miracle garden was launches on valentine day 2013. The garden is over 780,000sq ft., making it the world’s largest natural flower garden featuring over 109 million flowers planted. It operates from October to April and its closed from May to September due to weather. In its first phase provides state of art service and facilities including open parking, VIP parking, sitting areas, prayer room, toilet blocks, ablution facility, security room, first aid room, carts for handicapped visitors, retails and commercial kiosk and all other related services available to facilitate visitors.

6. Desert Safari

The first name to pop up after hearing about desert safari is Dubai! Gliding in a wide sea of sand at the hours of dawn is a top point on everyone’s wish list! Your expense depends upon the package you choose from. There are Evening Safari Package, Morning Safari Package, Desert Safari on a Camel, Desert Safari on a Hummer, Overnight Desert Safari Package.

7. Atlantis Palm Hotel

The 5-star Atlantis gives a splendid view of the Arabian Gulf. Located on Dubai Palm Jumerirah island with a private sandy beach! How amazing is that?! There is an underwater aquarium, swimming with dolphins and complimentary access to the Aquaventure water park & the Lost Chambers Aquarium. They have stunning Arabian and oceanic décor inspired rooms along with a balcony which offers a spectacular view! The staff is really friendly & you will surely enjoy your stay there!

8. Dubai Fountain

The second biggest choreographed music fountain located on the huge manmade lake at Burj Khalifa equipped with 6600 lights and 25 coloured projectors, attracts thousands of visitors every day. The timings of the performances are 1:00 pm and at 1:30 pm as well as every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 10 pm on weekdays, and from 6 pm to 11 pm on weekends (weekends being Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). The entry fee is AED 20 per person and the tickets are available at Dubai Fountain Abra Tickets counter along the Waterfront Promenade!

9. Ski Dubai

After exploring the hot Dubai city, it’s the perfect time for Ski Dubai! Located at Sheikh Zayed Rd It is the first indoor ski resort in The Dubai consisting of glorious mountain themed setting where you can enjoy snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing and much more!  You can even play with snow penguins! How amazing is that! It is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. You will have a great time skiing!

10. Old Dubai Bastakia

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood also commonly known as Al Bastakiya is a historic district in Dubai which attracts tourist for its architecture. Stunning architectural buildings include Dubai Museum, Ostra- the gallery portraying sculpture and contemporary art, Majlis Gallery, Sheikh Mohammed Building, XVA- a small art house and gallery and Arabian Tea House- a popular courtyard. Al Fahidi is located at at Hamriya Bur Dubai, open every day from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. You will explore the old Dubai, before the tourist craze and even before the oil discovery. If you’re a fan of history this place is highly recommended for you!

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