Before the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022™ kicks off in November an assortment of exceptional new tourism developments will open across the country. From a winter-sun wonderland to a water sports paradise, these developments each add something special to the peninsula’s eclectic mix of attractions and activities to suit every type of traveler.
One year after Qatar re-opened its borders to the world on 12 July 2021, Qatar Tourism reveals the latest attractions that will build on the extensive tourism development strategy of the last few years. Qatar aims to capitalize on the influx of over one million visitors expected for the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and show the world its hidden treasures and unmissable holiday potential.
Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “The countdown to the World Cup is well underway and there are lots of world-class attractions to come before the matches begin. Amongst the buzz around the tournament itself, we hope people are wowed by Qatar’s state-of-the-art new tourism developments, significantly boosting the country’s appeal as a leading holiday destination. There are new beaches for those looking for sun, sea, and sand, theme parks and water sports hotels for the adventurous, and lots of new resorts, spas and restaurants for visitors seeking a more relaxing getaway.”
Five major upcoming openings
- Winter Wonderland
Pack your shades and sun cream for the Doha Winter Wonderland, set to be launched in Qatar later this year on a sandy island. Instead of the icy cold temperatures that greet visitors at the famous sister event in Hyde Park, London, travelers to Doha Winter Wonderland will be able to relax on the beach under delightful average temperatures in the mid 20°Cs. Doha Winter Wonderland will feature seafront chalets, restaurants, festival games, 50 rides, and cafes, bringing the festive spirit to the Middle East.
- Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB)
FKB is an upcoming state-of-the-art kite beach resort in Fuwairit. Fuwairit is a coastal village an easy hour drive north of Doha with excellent kitesurfing conditions thanks to consistent winds, ideal ocean water, and powder-soft sands. The resort is designed around the kitesurfer’s lifestyle with everything you need for the water and even more when you are out of it. There will be a yoga studio, fully equipped gym, restaurants, pool, and much more.
- The Outpost Al Barari
The Outpost will be the first of its kind in Qatar, integrating close-to-nature experiences, sustainability, and luxury hospitality into one beautiful resort in the globally unique Inland Sea nature reserve. Surrounded by soaring sand dunes and desert wilderness, 21 luxury lodges with private pools will provide the perfect retreat from hectic city life. Stargazing, hot air ballooning, and an immersive desert walk where you will learn about the local wildlife will be among the experiences on offer, alongside “Emerge in Nature” spa treatments and sensational culinary experiences.
- Qetaifan Island North
Billed as the first “Entertainment Island” in Qatar, Qetaifan Island North will feature floating hotels, beach clubs, and a water park with 36 rides – including “The Icon Tower” zone, featuring an 85-meter-high slide set to become the highest of its kind in the world. Set over 1.3 million square meters, the island is close to the Lusail Stadium, where the final of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will take place.
- West Bay North Beach Project
West Bay North Beach is an extensive new tourism development being constructed, covering 40,000 square meters of a premium beachfront in the heart of Doha. The public and private beach areas will offer three distinct beach experiences with a wide variety of food and beverage offerings, to create a sought-after city beach experience for everyone to enjoy.
The wave of new resorts and attractions adds to a flurry of openings in Qatar over the last couple of years. In March 2022 the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum launched as one world’s most innovative sports museums. In 2021 one of the region’s largest theme parks called Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park opened with 28 slides and rides. And last summer a theme park called Quest Doha was unveiled featuring the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster.
There will also be lots of exciting events in Qatar after the FIFA World Cup 2022™. The country will host a Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix for at least a decade from 2023, along with the new Geneva International Motorshow Qatar.
