Qatar
Organizers of the Qatar 2022 World Cup said they are considering housing fans in tents in areas close to the desert.
The idea they say is informed by the need to “showcase the hospitality and friendship of the Middle East”, as well as satisfy a major creative requirement of football governing body FIFA.
Some 500,000 fans are expected to attend the games which will take place in November and December, 2022.
“At the heart of this World Cup is a commitment to showcase the hospitality and friendship of the Middle East. As a result, we are actively researching the concept of supporters sleeping under the stars,” a spokesperson for Qatar’s World Cup Supreme Committee told Reuters.
Not a novelty, desert camping is a popular winter activity popular for most Qataris.
Organizers are also planning cruise ships for close to 12, 000 people during the games.
With the world’s attention on them especially after recent issues of using cheap labour to get some of its facilities in place for the games, the country is working on how best it could stick to its cultural values while meeting FIFA’s requirements.
00:40
Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso backs Rudiger after alleged racist abuse
00:33
Mamelodi Sundowns victorious in Club World Cup debut match
00:54
Countdown: Less than one year until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Go to video
2026 World Cup: One year to go
01:00
Jordanians celebrate historic World Cup qualification
01:01
African trade unions want Saudi Arabia probed for worker abuse, racism