Oman Unveils A Joint Programme For FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
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According to Azzan Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism and Head of the Steering Committee for the management of the programme, The Sultanate of Oman has affirmed that it supports the State of Qatar's efforts to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through a number of areas of cooperation.
Al Busaidi outlined the key features of the programme, which include a World Cup fan visa for entry into the Sultanate of Oman (for holders of a Hayya card), daily flights between Muscat and Doha, a programme for airport and transportation facilities, hotels and vacation packages, a programme of events and activities, and accompanying promotional campaigns.
According to Lt.Col. Ahmed Said Al Ghafri, Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Royal Oman Police's (ROP) Directorate General of Passports and Civil Status, one of the "Hayya card holders” unique benefits is a free multi-entry visa that can be obtained upon arrival and has a validity of up to 60 days. Al Ghafri added that the holder of the visa is also permitted to switch the category of their visa while they are in Oman and bring first-degree relatives along for the trip (conditions apply).
Oman Air's CEO, Eng. Abdulaziz Saud Al Raisi, claimed that more than 120 booking locations around the world offer ticket packages that include lodging and discounted fares. Dr. Khalid Abdulwahab Al Balushi, Senior Manager of Government Affairs at Oman Air, announced that during the World Cup matches, which will take place from Nov 20 to Dec 3, 2022, one-day flight prices start at RO 99 for economy class and RO 305 for business class. He continued by saying that special fares have been made available for citizens to encourage them, starting at RO 49 for economy class and RO 155 for business class.
Shabib Mohammed Al Ma'amari, MD of the National Travel Operator and Omran Group representative, highlighted the fact that more than 200 tourism products, including more than 20,000 hotel rooms, are offered through 35 local operators and 10 land transport companies as part of the programme. 52 international airlines that fly to the Sultanate of Oman have partnerships with these businesses.
To ensure a smooth flow of fans at the airport, Saud Nasser Al Hubaishi, Acting Chief of Operations, emphasised Muscat International Airport's preparedness strategy. In addition to outlets dedicated to verifying fans, identification devices for customs inspection, special routes for inbound and outbound flights through gates designated for aircrafts carrying fans of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.