QNA
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) invited 44 football fanatics from 28 countries to sample the atmosphere at the FIFA Arab Cup, the guests, who are all members of the SC's Qatar Fan Leader Network, enjoyed a four-day trip which included attending the inauguration of Al Bayt Stadium, visiting tourist attractions and meeting some legendary football stars.
The objective of the trip, which began on the eve of the tournament and ran until 1 December, was to introduce fans from across the globe to Qatar's rich culture and offer a glimpse of what to expect at next year's FIFA World Cup.
The SC's Communications Executive Director, Fatma Al Nuaimi, said: "We were delighted to welcome Fan Leaders to Qatar for the FIFA Arab Cu,. it was a golden opportunity to introduce our country to fans from across the globe and give them answers on a range of topics, including travel and accommodation, public transport and ticketing, among others, these fans have already started sharing their experience with their networks, as we build up to hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022."The delegation included fans based in Qatar, who interacted with international fans to help them learn more about football in the region, the group attended the opening ceremony at Al Bayt, which preceded Qatar's 1-0 victory over Bahrain in front of a packed crowd, the fans were also given a behind-the-scenes look at tournament preparations, visited Khalifa International Stadium and had a chance to have their photo taken with the FIFA Arab Cup Trophy.
As well as visiting tourist hotspots such as Souq Waqif and the National Museum of Qatar, the delegation was also treated to a desert safari, dhow boat ride and an exclusive dinner with a host of Qatar Legacy Ambassadors, including Cafu, Samuel Eto'o, Tim Cahill, Ali Al Habsi, Ibrahim Khalfan and Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari, the visiting delegation was accompanied by a number of fans residing in Qatar, who contributed to introducing fans from outside Qatar the country's and the region's passion for football.
Members of the Qatar Fan Leaders Network expressed their happiness to visit Qatar during this important sporting event in the region, which allowed them to witness the festive atmosphere during the tournament, learn closely about Qatar's readiness to host the World Cup next year, and learn about the most important tourist and historical landmarks in the country.
Vincent Okumagba, 57, from Nigeria, said: "It was my first time in Qatar and I must confess I was blown away by what I saw, the airport, roads, restaurants and culture are unbelievable, It's a lovely country with beautiful people, I will tell people back home that they cannot afford to miss the World Cup in Qatar, People in Nigeria need to start preparing to travel in the hope we qualify, I think Qatar 2022 will be the best World Cup ever."