The 2022 World Cup is being hosted in Qatar, but some last-minute changes have left many fans disgruntled. Qatar’s crackdown on beer and stance on the LGBTQ+ community have dampened the celebratory mood.
Meanwhile, its neighbor, Dubai, which has always presented itself as a world-class destination, has no qualms and has welcomed FIFA tourists in droves for the football season.
Qatar’s faux pas
Qatar’s alcohol ban, which was announced a few hours before the start of the tournament, has angered fans. Qatar’s last-minute decision underlined the country’s conservative culture and raised suspicions that maybe FIFA wasn’t in as much control as it claimed.
The country has also been subject to allegations of sportswashing concerning its views on press freedom, homosexuality, treatment of migrants, and alcohol ban.
The FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park has also been chaotic, with organizers allowing too many fans on the second day, before kick-off.
Why are FIFA tourists moving to Dubai?
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is estimated to bring in around 1 million tourists, according to the Dubai Sports Council.
In light of Qatar’s restrictions, Dubai has taken the opportunity to highlight its hyper-modern infrastructure and liberal outlook to foreign travelers. It is also just one hour away by flight to Qatar. FIFA fans can take advantage of the proximity to party it up in the Emirates capital.
With a happening nightlife, plenty of luxurious hotels with over 140,0000 rooms, and relaxing spas, Dubai is a convenient base for FIFA fans looking to unwind and enjoy the season. Budweiser, the official sponsor of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has also set up its official BudX fan zone in Dubai Harbor – big enough to host 10,000 fans daily with matches aired on gigantic 3,552 square-foot screens.
In the Palm archipelago, which boasts of replicating the mythical city of Atlantis, one soccer-themed hotel has even made provisions for fans to shuttle in and out of Doha, Qatar, daily for matches.
The starting point of all festivities, Dubai’s airports, have seen a huge influx of tourists, where some shops even ran out of Heineken beer. An expatriate destination, Dubai is familiar with world travelers. To keep employees happy, some companies have even rented out gigantic lounges, where food and booze are aplenty.
It is also the best time to visit Dubai as this is the time visitors start flocking to the city for the winter sun. The tiny city has also arranged for 60 daily shuttle flights that can ferry around 350,000 people to and fro during the matches. The wealthy can book charter flights and travel in the lap of luxury. Dubai tourism is also elevated by the presence of private jets. Private jet charter companies have seen an increase in demand as fans spare no expense to watch their favorite sportspersons in action.
Those who don’t wish to travel, but are looking for ways to enjoy the matches in luxury, can rent out superyachts. Some of these yachts serve Michelin-starred gourmet meals, have sky decks, and multiple cabins to fulfill every dream a FIFA fan can have.
“Dubai has robust demand at this time of year, and I’m sure there will be people traveling through Dubai to the World Cup,” Issam Kazim, chief executive of Dubai Tourism, told FT. “This tournament will be a boost for the entire region.”
The city also has plans to develop its infrastructure further, even building a sustainable laboratory.
Dubai tourism has hugely benefited from the fan zones established in beaches, hotels, and the financial district. Hotels have also put up attractive packages to accommodate every budget traveler. With every kind of amenity available and lesser restrictions, Dubai’s position as a global tourist hub has helped it capitalize on the opportunities accorded by the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
