One of the various areas where you can watch the World Cup matches and tour around is Mina District at Old Doha Port.
Due to its vibrant structures, the district can be seen from a distance. Both residents and visitors said the first thing you will notice is the striking colours of the buildings. It sits perfectly near the Doha waters where you can have a view of the stationed cruises such as the MSC World Europa, serving as an accommodation option for football fans.
There are three floating hotels docked at the Doha Port, all under MSC Cruises Group: MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, and MSC World Europa. Also, there are private yachts stationed there and tourists can do their grocery at the floating market of Al Meera, which was first introduced in 2021.
Aside from its colourful buildings, Mina District is home to a variety of food and beverage establishments, retail stores, and pharmacies. It has over 50 cafés and restaurants, 100 shops, and 150 hotel apartments.
Before the World Cup began, the new tourist attraction underwent a transformation and took four years to complete.
Jessica from Argentina said the Mina District is a nice place to walk and enjoy the marina view. “It’s cozy and it’s good to relax and just enjoy the view. They also have a selection of foods and everywhere you go, it’s Instagrammable.”
Visiting fans and residents who want to go to Mina District can either go by train or car. Via Metro, go down to Souq Waqif station, exit at Bus station, where a bus then will take you to the said area. Entry is free of charge and no Hayya card is needed.
The Flag Plaza, a public gathering place close to Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park that honours diversity and intercultural interchange, is also near the Mina District. It is home to 119 flags representing countries holding diplomatic missions in Qatar, along with the flags of European, United Nations, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
This is the first time me and my friends have been here at the Mina District and it is spectacular! It has large screens where you can watch World Cup games, a selection of food choices, a view of the sea – they have everything! I took a lot of photos and videos of this place and when I posted it on my social media accounts, people were asking where the place is because they also wanted to visit,” Faris from Sri Lanka said.
From Mina District, tourists can visit the Doha Port area, Flag Plaza, Box Park, MIA and its park, and all the way to Corniche, Souq Waqif, and Al Bidda Park.