FIFA Arab Cup (Qatar 2021): Local Committee Develops an Integrated Guide for Fans

Doha, November 25 (QNA) - The Local Organizing Committee of the FIFA Arab Cup (Qatar 2021) continues its efforts to provide all information to football fans inside and outside the State of Qatar, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during the tournament, which begins in the middle of next week. The tournament is being held for the first time under the umbrella of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), and it witnesses the participation of 16 teams. The FIFA Arab Cup will consist of six match days in the group stage and a knockout phase consisting of quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third-place play-off and the final, which will be played at Al Bayt on 18 December, which is Qatar National Day. Followers of the Arab teams participating in the tournament can view the match schedule through the FIFA Match Center website. Held prior to kick-off, the inauguration of Al Bayt will feature an opening ceremony that will include live performances from Iraqi singer Rahma Riad and other surprise performers, there will also be a stunning pyrotechnic display and a projection show telling the story of Arab unity. Tickets for the curtain-raisers at Al Bayt and Stadium 974, as well as the remaining 30 matches, are available on a first-come, first-served basis at FIFA.com/tickets. A selection of affordable tickets is available, with category 4 tickets costing QAR 25 (Qatar residents only) for all matches, except the semi-finals and final. Click here for more information on ticket prices. Tickets can also be purchased over the counter at the FIFA Venue Ticketing Centre, located at the Doha Exhibition Center (Al Qassar Metro Station). Visa, FIFA's Official Payment Services Partner, is the preferred payment method for fan ticket purchases. After the unique success of the fan card system in the World Cup Russia 2018, the 2021 Arab Cup will witness the implementation of the Hay'ya card system (Fan Card) with the aim of providing an exceptional and integrated experience for fans. In order to attend matches, every ticket holder must apply for a mandatory Hay'ya Card (Fan ID). After buying a ticket, fans should apply for a Hay'ya Card via fac21.qa. One Hay'ya Card will last each fan for the entire tournament. All six stadiums have been designed to be accessible to fans with disabilities. In addition to all venues offering a barrier-free user journey, including the provision of accessible seating, some stadiums will be outfitted with sensory rooms to provide a quiet space for fans with neurobehavioural needs. An accessibility feature that will be introduced for the first time in the Arabic language will be audio descriptive commentary, available at select stadiums, the service will provide blind and partially sighted fans with complementary narration of games delivered directly to their smart phones. Once fans with disabilities arrive at stadiums on match day, they will be met by a dedicated team that will usher them to their seat. The tournament's organizing committee has assigned a trained team that will take over the task of receiving fans with disabilities, guiding them to their seats, and ensuring that their needs are met to ensure that they have an inclusive experience. Tickets for people with disabilities are available on the page dedicated to tickets for people with special needs on the FIFA website. Fans will be able to use public transport to attend matches, with the Doha Metro in close proximity to five of the six tournament venues, for the very latest information, visit our transport hub page. For the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, all spectators must be fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved by Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), to check the list of approved and conditionally approved vaccines, please visit the MOPH website. Fans will also need to show their EHTERAZ app upon arrival at the stadium. Children under the age of 12 that are not vaccinated must provide evidence of a negative PCR test within 48 hours or a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours, prior to each match. Further restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit the MOPH website. International visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with the COVID-19 protocols in both their country of origin and Qatar before travelling. Ticket holders requiring further information can also find more details on FIFA.com. Seen as a vital opportunity to fine-tune preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup, the tournament will feature 16 national teams from across the Arab world. Two spectacular stadiums will host their first competitive matches on the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. Matches will be held at six Qatar 2022 venues, including Al Bayt and Stadium 974, which will both be inaugurated on Tuesday, 30 November. Al Bayt will stage the Group A encounter between hosts Qatar and Bahrain (kick-off 7:30 PM local time), while Stadium 974 will host the United Arab Emirates versus Syria match in Group B (kick-off 10 PM local time). It promises to be a festival of football and celebration of Arab culture. The matches of the FIFA Arab Cup (Qatar 2021) will also be held at Al Thumama, Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, and Al Janoub stadiums, all of which are specially built to host the FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022) in less than a year from now. (QNA)