To ensure smooth entry procedures for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans travelling by road, the capacity of Abu Samra border crossing has been increased to 4,000 travellers per hour.
Yousuf Ahmed Al Hammadi, Assistant Director of Land Customs Department at General Authority of Customs (GAC), said two new facilities for entry and exit covering 5,000 sqm each, have been built at the Abu Samra checkpost. He was speaking to Al Rayan TV,
“Expecting a huge number of fans by road during the mega sporting event, the General Authority of Customs has expanded Abu Samra checkpost facilities and installed most advanced equipment to speed up the entry process of travellers.
“Each facility has 22 counters for the procedures required by the passport office in addition to screening equipment for customs inspection and entry points for fans,” said Al Hammadi.
He said the most advanced equipment has been installed to speed up the procedures related to passport office and customs’ inspection.
According to Al Hammadi, the checkpost's capacity has reached 2,000 fans per hour.
In case of increase in the number of travellers, he said both facilities could be turned into one for entry or exit as per the need — increasing the capacity to 4,000 travellers per hour at a time.
He said the facilities have been designed to ease entry-only or exit-only at a time to address the growing number of travellers going to enjoy the FIFA World Cup matches or those returning to their homes.
Speaking about the existing counters that are serving travellers in vehicles at Abu Samra checkpost, Al Hammadi said these counters will keep serving as usual during the World Cup.
To a question about fans travelling through Abu Samra checkpost, Al Hammadi said, “We are expecting a huge number of fans from GCC countries during the mega sporting event.”
The GAC, under its strategic plan, seeks to raise the efficiency of goods flow as well as provision of customs services.
In addition, it strives to ensure the provision of vital projects' requirements and access to an environment that would be attractive for investment, fulfil interests of customers and partners and promote the role of the private sector as a strategic partner in the economic development.