Doha: Before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off in November an assortment of exceptional new tourism developments will open across the country. From a winter-sun wonderland to a water sports paradise, these developments each add something special to the country's eclectic mix of attractions and activities to suit every type of traveller.
According to Qatar Tourism, by the year 2030, attracting over six million international visitors will be the target to make Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East.
Qatar aims to capitalise on the influx of over one million visitors expected for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and show the world its hidden treasures and unmissable holiday potential.
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 places that will be opening before the world cup kicks off are:
1- Doha Winter Wonderland
The first destination that is expected to attract over 1.5 million visitors per year is situated at Al Maha Island in Lusail city. The theme park will be open from November to March every year.
The park will host 50 amusement rides including 10 thrill rides with a 395-roller coaster, 25 family rides with a giant 150 ft Ferris Wheel, and 15 children’s rides.
Doha Winter Wonderland, which will feature seafront chalets, restaurants, festival games, rides, and cafes, bringing the festive spirit to the Middle East, will be operated by IMG (International Marketing Group), the same company that manages Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park each year.
2- Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB)
Located on Qatar’s northern coast in Fuwairit village, with warm crystal-clear water and consistent wind, Fuwairit Kite Beach resort is meant to be the global home of kitesurfing. It’s designed in a way that appeals to the Kitesurfer’s lifestyle, equipped with restaurants, a pool and yoga studio, and other facilities.
Fuwairit is a coastal village an easy hour drive north of Doha with excellent kitesurfing conditions thanks to consistent winds, ideal ocean water and powder-soft sands.
3- 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.
4- 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 final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will take place.
5- West Bay North Beach Project
The West Bay North Beach project is located along the business district in Doha, 10 minutes away from West Bay Metro Station and adjacent to a number of leading shopping outlets, parks and hotels. As part of the first phase, 6 beaches will be delivered for hotels surrounding West Bay to enhance tourism, while the second phase will be announced at a later stage.
The project will add a unique entertainment destination for families and tourists in Qatar to enjoy excellent services and to practice diverse activities in a single destination. The project is expected to become a prominent new tourist attraction in Qatar.
The public and private beach areas will offer 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 2022 the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum launched as one world's most innovate sports museums. In 2021 one of the region's largest theme parks called Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park opened with 28 slides and rides. And last summer a theme park called Quest Doha was unveiled featuring the world's tallest indoor rollercoaster.
There will also be lots of exciting events in Qatar after the FIFA World Cup 2022. The country will host a Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix for at least a decade from 2023, along with the new Geneva International Motorshow Qatar.