DOHA: The FIFA World Cup 2022 organisers have confirmed that fans without tickets can visit Qatar after the group stage of the competition.

After the group stage concludes on December 2, non-ticketed fans will need to obtain a Hayya card, a crucial document introduced by Qatar for the competition, in order to enter the Gulf nation.

The FIFA World Cup will be held in eight futuristic stadiums in Qatar, the first Middle Eastern nation to host the event. Games will be played there from November 20 to December 18. Around 1.2 million spectators are anticipated throughout the tournament in the nation, which has a population of roughly three million. Security troops from several other countries will assist in policing the event.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 organisers gave a news conference on Thursday at the Host Country Media Centre in Msheireb Downtown Doha where they discussed the most recent operational aspects of the competition.

"We are happy to declare that we are prepared to host the World Cup safely. The Ministry of Interior and security forces have diligently worked to implement comprehensive plans and programmes to guarantee the delivery of a respectable and safe tournament "said Colonel Jabr Hammoud Jabr Al Nuaimi, the Ministry of Interior & Safety and Security Operations Committee's official spokesperson (SSOC).

Added him: "We are excited to announce that once the group stage concludes on December 2, 2022, fans without tickets will be able to enter the State of Qatar to take in the unforgettable tournament atmosphere. Through the Hayyaplatform or the Hayya to Qatar 2022 mobile app, non-ticketed fans can start applying for their Hayya Cards as of right now, as long as they meet the outlined qualifications and pay the QAR 500 admission charge for children 12 and older. Underage children won't be charged."

"The State of Qatar topped the list of Middle Eastern and North African nations for many years and ranked among the top nations in terms of global security and safety indices. Because of this, Qatar is the perfect location to safely stage huge events of all kinds "Nuaimi said.

There are numerous cultural and entertainment venues planned, as well as over 90 special events that will take place during the tournament.

The Doha Corniche will be one of the largest fan destinations, with roving performances, cultural activities, food and beverage stalls, and retail outlets along its 6 km route, with capacity to host more than 70,000 fans every day, according to Khalid Al Mawlawi, Deputy Director General, Marketing, Communications, & Event Experience, SC.
One of the biggest pyrotechnic performances in the world, the daily "Welcome to Qatar" show, will be among the other events. Fans will have access to theme park rides, various attractions, North Qetaifan Island, the 974 Beach Club, the Hayya Fan Zone on Lusail South Promenade, the Arcadia Spectacular, and the ARAVIA by MDL Beast dance music events at Al Maha Island Lusail. More than 6,000 performances will also be part of the Last-Mile Cultural Activations, Al Mawlawi noted.

The opening ceremony on November 20 will start at 5 p.m. at Al Bayt Stadium outside of Doha.