With a 133% rise in Dubai-Doha bookings, and Dubai’s first luxury football-themed hotel scheduled to open in November, the city is all set to capitalise on Qatar’s World Cup fever.
Lusail Stadium, the 80,000-seater centrepiece of Lusail City, will serve as the glamorous setting for the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Courtesy www.qatar2022.qa
With less than 100 days till the start of Qatar 2022, the Middle East is reaping the benefits of the region’s first World Cup. Dubai in particular has been a significant gainer. A marked increase in ticket holders expressing a willingness to be based in the city has prompted a 133% jump in advance air ticket bookings for the Dubai-Doha route.
A confluence of factors has bolstered this trend. Daily shuttle flights take advantage of simple geography. With Qatar and the U.A.E. being achingly close, fans can revel in the buzz of Qatar’s football throngs or Dubai’s unparalleled attractions, and return to their luxurious residential bases within a day. Recent events like the successful Expo 2020 and the capable handling of the pandemic have only served to enhance Dubai’s reputation as an engaging, unique and stable getaway.
Other popular routes are expected to increase their number of flights as a result, with travellers from India, China, Europe and South America keeping a close eye on proceedings.
NH Dubai the Palm, the first football-themed hotel in Dubai. Courtesy NH Dubai the Palm.
Dubai is capitalising heavily. The city’s first football-themed luxury hotel, the NH Dubai, is set to open just in time to cater to the needs of the football hungry. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the 533-room luxury property boasts direct beach access, a rooftop infinity pool and an exclusive fan zone. These are all cradled by stunning views of the tranquil Arabian Sea and the striking Burj Al Arab.This hints at the slew of attractions and activities that visitors can enjoy in Dubai, from soothing beaches and acclaimed museums to world-class gastronomy experiences and global icons like the Burj Khalifa. With hotels expecting full occupancies during the World Cup, Dubai is all set to join Qatar in experiencing a feverish football month.
