About 75 percent of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket holders have already applied for the mandatory Hayya Card, ensuring smooth operations of the platform.
Also the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has opened two Hayya Card service centres to assist fans attending this year’s FIFA World Cup. At present between 4,000 and 5,000 cards are being printed daily and the numbers are expected to increase as international fans start arriving in the country from November 1, said officials yesterday.
The recently opened Hayya Card service centre at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) has the capacity to issue 40 cards within five minutes and is soon expected to increase to 80 cards.
“About 75 percent of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket holders have already applied for Hayya Card. The Hayya Card platform is working really smooth.
The number of applications is giving a positive sign that everyone is able to apply,” said Saeed Al Kuwari, Hayya Card Operations Director at SC speaking during a media tour of the Hayya Card service centre at DECC.
“The digital Hayya Card is mandatory. This centre will be servicing those who want their cards to be printed though applicants should note this is not mandatory,” he added.
The Hayya Card is mandatory for all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ticket holders. It will provide access to stadiums for match ticket holders and free public transport. It will also act as an entry permit for international fans.
“Everyone wishing to attend a match during the tournament requires a Hayya Card. But only some fan zone and activities will require a Hayya Card - not all; we have a lot of events where public (citizens and residents) will be welcomed,” said Al Kuwari.
He also said that regional countries allowing using Hayya Card as an entry permit to their countries shows efficiency of the system.
“Some countries are using Hayya Card as an entry permit to their countries. When a country counts Hayya Card as an entry permit that means they depends on our system and trust our system,” said Al Kuwari adding that Hayya Card has been a success in the region.
Hayya Card applications can be made online or via the ‘Hayya to Qatar 2022’ mobile application, which is available via the iOS App Store and Google Play.
Applicants must have a valid match ticket number and upload their personal details, passport photograph and accommodation information.
Approved Hayya Card holders based internationally will receive a PDF copy of the entry permit by email.
Saad Faraj Daham Alsuwaidi, Venue Manager at DECC Hayya Card service centre, said “At present we have the capacity to serve 40 people at a given time and it will increase to 80. Our training for the employees has given them the readiness to complete the work with each fan within the span of five minutes,” he said.
“We are printing an average of 1000 to 2000 cards per day during the last couple of days. We expect this to increase once the fans start to arrive from other countries,” he added.
He said that there has been no issues faced in related to Hayya Card as the applying process is easy and smooth.