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Doha Named Arab Tourism Capital For 2023

Qatar envoy Al Shafi affirmed that Doha’s hosting of World Cup is a success for all Arabs, adding that naming Doha as Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 bolsters this success….reports Asian Lite News

The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, in its 25th session at the Arab League General Secretariat HQ on Tuesday, named Doha as Arab Tourism Capital for 2023.

The meeting, which kicked off yesterday at the Arab League’s headquarters, is under chairmanship of Jordanian Minister of Tourism Nayef Al-Fayez.

Addressing the meeting, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the Arab League Salem Mubarak Al Shafi, who chaired Qatar’s delegation to the meeting, extended thanks to the Council and to the Arab Tourism Organisation and its president Bandar bin Fahd Al Fuhaid for their efforts exerted in this regard, state news agency QNA reported.

Naming Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 sincerely reflects and proves its prestige as a destination for peoples from around the world while hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which kicked off on Nov. 20 and slated to run through Dec. 18, Al Shafi said.

The State of Qatar proves its potentials for good organisation, management and hospitality, he said, stressing that billions of people who watched the World Cup worldwide closely saw the tolerance, good treatment and hospitality, of the country’s leadership, government and people with hundreds of thousands of World Cup fans.

Qatar 2022: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan unveiled to the world in spectacular launch.

This contributed to refuting the allegations and lies promoted by some parties with special agendas, that Qatar is unable to organize the World Cup, Al Shafi added.

Al Shafi affirmed that the State of Qatar’s successful World Cup hosting is a success for all Arabs, adding that naming Doha as Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 bolsters this success, and represents an appreciation for the country’s tremendous efforts to reach this widely acknowledged prestigious position.

AL hails Qatar on WC hosting

Arab League praised the distinct organisation of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and confirmed that the tournament is a response to those who are skeptical of the ability of an Arab state to organise such a global sporting event.

This came in the General-Secretariat of Arab League’s speech delivered by the Director of the Economic Integration Department at the Arab League Dr. Bahjat Abul-Nasr in the opening session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism.

Dr. Abul-Nasr extended congratulations to the State of Qatar for the distinct organisation of the world cup which is considered a response to those who are skeptical of the ability of an Arab state to organize such an important global event.

The events of the conference kicked off Tuesday and will run for two days at the headquarters of the Arab League with the participation of a delegation from the State of Qatar headed by HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the Arab League Ambassador Salem Mubarak Al Shafi.

Intra-Arab collaboration

The Arab tourism ministers emphasised the need for increased intra-Arab collaboration in the tourism industry as well as increased training in the tourism industry and efforts to increase the trust of Arab tourists in the Arab tourism offering.

For his part, Yemeni Minister of Tourism Muammar Al-Aryani valued the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s stances towards Yemen in all fields, indicating that the Yemeni legitimacy is represented in the Presidential Council and the government which extends its hands in peace with the support of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He added that “while the Houthi militias continue to oppose these plans with Iran’s backing, the tourism industry in Yemen has suffered significantly as a result of Houthi attacks on facilities including airports, hotels, and museums as well as the smuggling of Yemeni antiquities.”

ALSO READ: Possession is not everything in Qatar 2022

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Morocco inspire Arab pride: Sheikh Mohammed

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council also hailed Morocco for its historic victory over the Spanish….reports Asian Lite News

“The impossible is not Moroccan… The impossible is not Arab…The Atlas Lions’ victory is a source of joy and pride for all Arabs,” so expressed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, his and all Arabs’ euphoria over the historic win notched by Morocco over Spain in Qatar 2022.

It’s safe to say that Morocco now pose a threat to any European or American World Cup hopes after excellent group stage and last 16 performances. The Atlas Lions’ balanced tactics saw them progress from the group stage to the last 16 to the quarter-finals after defeating Belgium, Canada and Spain, scoring four goals in the process and becoming the first Arab national team to top their Group in the World Cup before reaching the best 8.

Having dumped Spain out on penalties to reach historic World Cup quarters, the Moroccan proved how they excellently rely on the well-rounded approach of head coach Walid Regragui, whose clever strategies have been essential to the team’s success in playing to its advantages.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council also hailed Morocco for its historic victory over the Spanish. “The Atlas Lions deserve congratulations. Best wishes to Morocco. You’ve brought joy to all the Arabs with your valiant effort and well-earned victory,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote in a tweet.

The now-running Portugal-Switzerland clash, where the Portuguese are exhibiting an overwhelming performance, pits the Atlas Lions against one of Europe’s most ambitious teams at a much-awaited Euro-Arab quarter-final clash. However, all hopes are pinned on the Lions to create a new history that will live on in every Arab’s memories.

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MBZ visits Qatar, lauds WC success

Sheikh Mohamed said that Qatar’s success in hosting World Cup is a testament to the ability of the people of the GCC countries and the Arab world in organising global events with great levels of excellence and efficiency…reports Asian Lite News

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, yesterday discussed with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, the brotherly relations and ways of enhancing their cooperation to advance the common interests of the two countries.

This was part of their official talks that took place at the Emiri Diwan in Doha.

The Emir of Qatar welcomed the UAE President and congratulated him on the occasion of the 51st UAE National Day, and wished the UAE and its people continued progress and prosperity under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed. He also expressed his hope that the visit will strengthen UAE-Qatar cooperation and help expand its horizons.

President Sheikh Mohamed reiterated his congratulations to Sheikh Tamim and the Qatari people on the success in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and described it as a source of pride to all the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and to the Arab world in general.

He added that Qatar’s success in hosting this international sporting event is a testament to the ability of the people of the GCC countries and the Arab world in organising global events with great levels of excellence and efficiency.

The UAE President expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Qatari Emir for the warm welcome and hospitality he showed to him and the UAE delegation.

Furthermore, the meeting explored UAE-Qatar relations and the prospects for growing their cooperation to boost prosperity in both countries and serve their common interests across economic, investment and trade areas.

President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tamim also discussed the importance of improving the GCC joint work ecosystem to serve the interests of their peoples and their aspirations towards further development and prosperity.

They also reviewed a number of issues of mutual concern, and exchanged views on the latests regional and global developments.

The Emir of Qatar held a luncheon in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and his accompanying delegation.

The UAE President was accompanied Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Member of the Executive Council; and Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, Chairman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority.

Attending from the Qatari side were Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Personal Representative of The Emir of Qatar; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan; and a number of sheikhs.

Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai had attended the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha, in the presence of the Emir of Qatar.

Sheikh Mohammed also congratulated Qatar’s leadership and its people on the successful inauguration of the mega event. He said Qatar’s successful hosting of the tournament is an achievement for the Arab world in general and a valuable addition to the Gulf region’s sporting landscape.

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Footy Fever Grips Arabia

With a spectacular opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar has kicked off the biggest extravaganza of football….reports Asian Lite News

With the formal kicking off of the once-in-a-four-year and much-awaited FIFA World Cup, football fever has gripped all across the globe.

The biggest extravaganza of football started on November 20 in Qatar and will be held till December 18. Eight stadiums across Qatar will be hosting the 64 matches of this showpiece event.

One of the most popular faces in Hollywood Morgan Freeman and South Korean singer BTS’ Jung Kook stole the limelight during a glittering opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium.

The stadium was also packed as the glitz and glamour of the ceremony caught all the limelight. Some of the superstars of the world performed.

Among the famous faces in the crowd was former England captain David Beckham, who has been working as an ambassador for Qatar 2022.

One of the most colourful elements of the show was an appearance by all former World Cup mascots, including South Africa’s Zakumi and Footix from France 1998.

After the performances, The Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani gave a speech. “Welcome and good luck to all,” he said in English. His speech was followed by loud cheers by the crowd.

“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time.” – Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar

 “We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity. Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day that you have been eagerly waiting for.”

“People of different races, nationalities, faiths and orientations will gather here in Qatar, and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments.

“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time,” he added.

UAE VP attends ceremony

UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha, in the presence of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, heads of states, and senior officials.

On behalf of the UAE’s leadership and its people, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed congratulated Qatar’s leadership and its people on the successful inauguration of the mega event. He said Qatar’s successful hosting of the tournament is an achievement for the Arab world in general and a valuable addition to the Gulf region’s sporting landscape. Sheikh Mohammed wished further progress and prosperity for Qatar.

Sheikh Mohammed’s visit follows the invitation extended by the Emir of Qatar and reflects the strong ties between the two nations and their peoples. Sheikh Mohammed and the Dubai Crown Prince arrived earlier this evening in Doha, where they were received by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir of Qatar, along with several ministers and senior officials.

Sheikh Mohammed was also accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

ALSO READ: Hosts Qatar lose on field

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Indian mission in Qatar launches helpline for FIFA WC fans

The fans can dial the Indian Embassy helpline for FIFA fans or send a WhatsApp message to the mentioned numbers…writes Armstrong Vas

Indian fans heading to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be able to reach out to a dedicated Indian Embassy helpline in case of any emergency or to seek the required help.

The fans can dial the Indian Embassy helpline for FIFA fans or send a WhatsApp message to the mentioned numbers. They can also reach out by sending an email or alternatively visit the Indian Embassy or the Indian Embassy help desk at the International Consular Services Centre (ICSC), Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), West Bay.

The following number are listed for calling or to send WhatsApp messages: +974 3993 1874, +974 3993 6759, +974 3993 4308.

The fans can also call +974 5564 7502 or +974 5566 7569 or reach out to the help desk at the International Consular Services Centre ayt +974 4012 4809, or communicate with the Indian Embassy via the official email — indemb.fifahelpline@gmail.com.

The Embassy of India in Qatar is located at Villa No. 86 & 90, Al Eithra Street, Zone 63 Onaiza, Doha.

The football showpiece event, the first to be held in the Middle East, will kick off on November 20, in which 32 teams will compete. The final will be held on December 18 at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA World Cup.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), organisers of the World Cup, has already opened the International Consular Services Centre (ICSC) at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC).

The ICSC will support fans coming for this year’s World Cup from all the 31 nations which qualified for the event along with hosts Qatar, and India.

“The centre will offer embassies a centralised and accessible location to resolve consular issues facing their fans, with key links to various national entities,” Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, SC, had said after its launch.

“The centre provides a new model of international collaboration for consular services at mega-events – a blueprint for future event organisers. Above all, it is a living example of the power of the World Cup to bring countries and peoples from every corner of the globe together, under one roof,” he added.

As of now three million tickets have been sold which amount to 95 per cent sales.

A significant number of people from India have bought tickets and at the end of the two phases of ticket sales, out of the 1.8 million tickets sold, more than 23,500 were bought by fans in India.

After the first phase of ticketing, India was ranked seventh in ticket sales.

The top 10 countries where tickets have been purchased are: Qatar, the US, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, the UAE, Argentina, France, Brazil and Germany.

At Russia 2018, almost 18,000 fans from India were in attendance. Across all non-competing countries, India had the third highest number of fans in Russia, behind only the US and China.

The Indian Embassy has also issued a travel advisory on carrying medicines to Qatar while listing out the names of the prohibited medicines which can land fans into trouble.

“All travellers to Qatar are advised to exercise due caution in carrying medicines. In this context, the following is advised: (1) It is prohibited to carry medicines which contain narcotics or psychotropic substances while arriving in the State of Qatar. These include medicines likeLyrica, Tramadol, Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Zolam, Clonazepam Zolpidem, Codeine, Methadone, Pregabalin.”

The advisory warns fans that carrying the prohibited medicines can land them behind bars.

The full list of prohibited/banned medicines may be seen at: indianembassyqatar.gov.in/users/assets/pdf/announcement/prohibitedmedicines.pdf

It also advised the travelling fans not to carry the prohibited substances and those meant for personal consumption should be supported by prescription from a recognised medical practitioner.

“Do not carry medicines for friends and family. Medicines which are not banned and meant for personal use should carry proper prescription only for a period of 30 days from a recognised doctor or a reputed hospital,” the travel advisor adds.

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