Join the Action: AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Fantasy Football is Now LIVE!

 

The wait is over as the Official AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Fantasy Football game is now LIVE for fans worldwide! Fans can now visit the-AFC.com or download the AFC LIVE app to play the game.
 
Fervent supporters of Asian football can start playing by creating their virtual squad featuring AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ players with a virtual currency budget of 100 million, which will increase to 105 million during the Knockout Stage. Each squad will consist of 15 players in total with 11 players in the starting line-up and four bench substitutes. Fans can strategise, manage, and compete against users worldwide and join private leagues with their friends.
 
The game will last for the entire tournament and provides a thrilling platform for fans to showcase their strategic skills in team management by using transfers and boosters to earn more points based on the players’ real-life performances. At the end of the competition, the top 20 participants with the highest accumulated points will win one of many prizes, with the top three highest scoring winners earning the exclusive opportunity to attend their preferred team’s match for the AFC Asian Qualifiers in 2024.
 
Join the action now and start selecting your team in preparation for the first AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ match on 12 January 2024. Let the games begin! Terms and conditions apply.

Qatar Welcomes 4 Million Visitors, a Five-Year High

 Qatar Welcomes 4 Million Visitors, a Five-Year High

 

Qatar has crossed four million visitors, exceeding annual visitor numbers of the past five years. Announced by Qatar Tourism, the latest figures highlight the positive momentum of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM and the country’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to promote its tourism sector.

 

Earlier this year, Qatar announced the seamless operation of the Hayya platform to unify and simplify visa processes for travellers who require a visa to enter Qatar. These efforts complement Qatar’s already open travel policies which see 95 countries granted visa on arrival. In addition, Qatar’s year-long calendar of events and captivating marketing campaigns have supported the increased tourism figures.

 

His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar continues to demonstrate its appeal as a global tourism destination with its expanded tourism infrastructure, safety, and authentic Arabian hospitality. Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, with its 500km of pristine coastline, world-class museums, cultural and contemporary destinations, combine to make for a unique and compelling holiday that can be tailored to suit travellers from the region and internationally. New developments in Qatar’s tourism sector are ongoing, creating even further opportunities for growth.” 

 

Since the beginning of 2023, leading Qatar’s tourism figures are visitors from Saudi Arabia (25.3% of total international arrivals), followed by India (10.4%), Germany (4.1%), UK (3.9%) and Kuwait (3.5%). To date, 85% of visitors chose to arrive by air, followed by land (14%), and sea (1%). 

In October of last year, Qatar inaugurated the first international debut of the renowned Geneva international Motor Show, which saw 1,000 journalists and 180,000 visitors over 10 days. It also launched the 2023/24 cruise season which welcomed 81 cruises and 350,000 passengers, surpassing the 2022/23 cruise season which saw 54 cruises and a total of 253,191 visitors, making it the country’s biggest cruise season yet.

 

Looking ahead in 2024, Qatar is set to host more than 80 unique events from sports championships, cultural events, world class exhibitions, shopping festivals and international summits.  Some of the biggest 2024 events are the AFC Asian Cup, Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Exhibition, (DJWE), Katara International Arabian Horse Festival, Annual Qatar Economic Forum, Formula 1 Grand Prix 2024, Autonomous e-mobility Forum and the world’s biggest technology conference, Web Summit.

WANG CHUQIN DEFENDS WTT FINALS TITLE IN DOHA

 

WANG CHUQIN DEFENDS WTT FINALS TITLE IN DOHA

Wang Chuqin has clinched victory at WTT Finals Men Doha 2023, defending his Men's Singles title in style. The World No.2 lifted the trophy following a decisive 4-0 (11-8, 11-9, 12-10, 11-7) win against top seed and World No.1 Fan Zhendong at the Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar

Building on his success at Xinxiang 2022, Wang aimed to secure another Men's Singles title at the season-ending event. The grand finale took on added significance with the second seed facing off against the event’s 2021 champion. 

Despite Wang trailing in the head-to-head record 3:9, the duo had split their previous two encounters, with each of those matches going the full seven-games distance.

The final began at a competitive pace, with Fan initially taking the lead. However, Wang made a strong comeback, securing the opening game with a score of 11-8.

As play unfolded, Wang maintained his dominance, displaying confidence and skill. Fan fought back in the third game, narrowing the gap, but Wang's strategic timeout proved crucial. Wang carried on to seal the victory in straight games, successfully defending his WTT Finals title.

After the win, Wang Chuqin acknowledged the challenges of facing the World No.1 and longtime rival. 

“Since it's the finals, I didn't feel much pressures," said Wang Chuqin. "I enjoyed the stage of the finals. Facing Fan, I gave my best to take on the challenges. As to my overall performance, I had a good mentality this time. Each time I try my best and just focus on my own performance.” 

Wang Chuqin's triumph earned him a USD 40,000  and 1500 ITTF Table Tennis World Ranking points, helping to close the gap to World No.1 Fan Zhendong to under 1000 points. Wang also now leads the list of WTT Series event champions with six Men's Singles titles, surpassing both Fan and Brazil’s Hugo Calderano.

“Things like rankings and comparison with other players are not much on my mind," said Wang Chuqin following the landmark win. "I have my own benchmark. I'm happy to begin the year with the title at WTT Finals Men Doha 2023. There are going to be more major events in the remainder of the year, so I'll take it step by step to stand up to the challenges and try to win even more.” 

With the 2023 season now over, WTT Series 2024 gets underway next week with WTT Star Contender Doha which is set to be staged from 8-13 January at Lusail Sports Arena.

QMMF Releases Calendar for Upcoming Motorsports Events in 2024

 

QMMF Releases Calendar for Upcoming Motorsports Events in 2024

Doha, Qatar, 6 January 2024: The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has announced the 2024 sports calendar featuring 43 International, local, and regional events and championships. The calendar is packed with different motorsports events set to feature diverse global talent. Highlighted events include, the Qatar International Rally from February 1-2, the inaugural Qatar 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship from 29 February to 2 March 2024, the 2024 MotoGPTM Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar from March 8-10, Qatar International Baja from 31 October to 2 November, and the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024 from 28 November to 1 December, 2024.

January is set to kick off with the first round of the FIM Mini GP Qatar and the Qatar National Sprint Championship. February includes the Qatar International Rally, round 1 of the Qatar Off-Road Championship, round 2 of the Qatar National Sprint race, ending the month with Qatar 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship, leading into March, supported by the first round of the Qatar Touring Car Championship.

In March, the 2024 MotoGPTM Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar, supported by the first round of the Qatar Superstock 600 Championship will take place, as well as the Formula 4 event.

April features rounds 3 and 4  of the Qatar Off-Road championship and round 2 of the Mini GP race while May will bring round 3 of the Mini GP race the first three rounds of the Qatar Karting Championship, round 2 of the Qatar Superstock 600 Championship, and Qatar Touring Car Championship. Following shortly after in June, round 3 of the Qatar Superstock 600 Championship and the Qatar Touring Car Championship, followed by rounds 4 and 5 of the Qatar Karting Championship rounds. 

Competitions will resume in September with rounds 3 and 4 of the Qatar National Sprint races, round 5 and 6 of the Qatar Off-Road Championship, and round 4 of the Mini GP competitions. October includes rounds 5 and 6 of the Qatar National Sprint races, Mini GP, and round 4 of the Qatar Superstock 600 Championship, and Qatar Touring Car Championship and will kick off Qatar International Baja leading into November. 

November also features round 5 of the Qatar Superstock 600 Championship, and Qatar Touring Car Championship, round 7 of the  Qatar Off-Road Championship, and FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024. December concludes the year with round 8 of the Qatar Off-Road Championship, and the MENA Karting Nations Cup Championship 2024 from 17-21 December.

QMMF has mapped an exhilarating year of motorsports, showcasing international talent in thrilling competitions for all ages.

Football fever returns to Qatar with the AFC Asian Cup and a host of festive events

 Football fever returns to Qatar with the AFC Asian Cup and a host of festive events

Following the immensely successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2022^TM tournament in Qatar, which was voted the best this century, Qatar is gearing up to welcome the world once more with the AFC Asian Cup  2023^TM from January 12 - February 10, 2024.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023^TM demonstrates Qatar’s ongoing sporting legacy and showcases Qatar’s ability to host large-scale events and welcome visitors from across the globe with its world-class tourism infrastructure, which includes an award-winning airport Hamad International Airport and national airline Qatar Airways, metro and tram network (which carried over 18.2 million passengers during the FIFA World Cup2022^TM), inviting hotels, and leisure attractions. In addition, Qatar will be abuzz with some of the biggest events of the year during the AFC Asian Cup 2023^TM, providing visitors and residents with a packed itinerary of things to do and see pre- and post- matches.

On this occasion, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: "We are pleased to host the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023^TM this year, with its events extending from 12th January to 10th February. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exciting times and explore many tourist attractions in Qatar. Qatar Tourism will offer a rich array of exciting events and festivals that will amuse both Qatar's residents and its visitors. The kickoff of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023^TM coincides with the organization of various festivals and events, including Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), Qatar Kite Festival, and International Horticultural Doha Expo 2023, which continues until late March. Additionally, there will be a series of musical and entertainment events that together form an unforgettable and exceptional experience."

He added, "Over the past years, Qatar has successfully become a distinguished sports tourism destination, due to its advanced infrastructure, sports facilities, and medical facilities. This is in addition to the diversity of sports events it hosts, especially FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Qatar has demonstrated to the world its hospitality, exceptional organization, complemented by the presence of luxurious tourist facilities and the picturesque landscapes that characterize the destination."

KEY EVENTS

Shop Qatar 2024

Shop Qatar will be running from January 1 to 27, 2024, with incredible discounts in stores, raffle draws, and entertainment spread out in malls. There are a total of 13 malls and shopping districts participating, which residents can explore, with 100s of shops featuring different offers and entertainment.

 

Qatar International Food Festival 2024

The all-time fan favourite, Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), is set to return on February 7 – 17 at Family Zone Expo at Al Bidda Park this time. With one of the broadest ranges of cuisine in one space, QIFF is one of the most popular events in Qatar, with over 100 dishes for people to choose from. Head over to the QIFF after a game to satisfy your cravings and socialise with other food enthusiasts.

 

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024 DJWE

The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024(DJWE) will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from February 5 to 11, 2024, with unique displays and products. Immerse yourself in the highest-quality, most aesthetic and luxurious jewellery at this exhibition.

 

Doha Expo 2023

One of the main events of 2023 continuing into 2024 is the Doha Expo 2023, which will run until March 28. Doha Expo 2023 has been a platform for people in Qatar to engage with local and international agricultural organisations. It is the first ever A1 international horticultural exhibition in the MENA region. Residents can enjoy several other events at the Expo as well, such as immersing themselves in virtual reality, participating in innovative workshops, exploring the botanic garden, or simply sipping on some coffee in the Cultural Zone.

 

Museums and Exhibitions

The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is hosting several exhibitions until March 2024, to satiate one’s curiosity of arts and culture. Some of these include Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance, Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism, Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project, and De/Constructed Meanings.

Close to Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al Samriya. Fans who have some time to spare pre- or post-match can learn about His Excellency Sheikh Faisal, one of the most influential and revolutionary businessmen in Qatar. The museum boasts traditional Syrian craftsmanship, artefacts dating back to the Jurassic age, antique automobiles, and rustic carpets, to name a few.

 

Nature escapes

Balancing football cheers with moments of solitude, fans can take respite at the Aspire Park, Qatar’s biggest park with lush green spaces, walking tracks and cozy cafes. In Education City, there is Oxygen Park, which has walking tracks and football fields to practice, and the Qu’aranic Botanic Garden, a unique garden which features plants mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a nearby place to relax and rejuvenate post-matches, you can also visit the Heenat Salma Farm, which is a 20-minute drive away from the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. The farm offers organic products, crafts, creative workshops and vocational training, and wellness spas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend retreat, or simply a visit to stimulate your artistic side.

 

Concerts and Music

For those with the appreciation of the art that is music, Qatar is hosting various music artists across three locations in the country. At Hotel Park in West Bay, visitors and residents can enjoy Arab singer Wafeek Habeeb’s music on January 17, electronic music by ‘Swedish House Mafia’ on January 19, performances by the renowned band ‘Backstreet Boys’ on January 26, and internationally-recognised pop band ‘OneRepublic’ on February 1. For tickets, visit: https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa

At the Katara Ampitheatre, music lovers can watch performances by Arab singers Modi and Rehab Al Shamrani on January 27, Lebanese artist Najwa Karam on February 1, Moroccan-French performer Amine Boudchar on February 8, and Egyptian singer Amal Maher on February 11.  For tickets visit: https://www.eventat.com/home

The Qatar National Convention Centre will be hosting the established artist Nassif Zeytoun on February 3.

 

Hello Asia

As the pleasant winter weather sets on the country, the Lusail Boulevard and Plaza is welcoming fans for its  ‘Hello Asia’ festival which will take place on January 10– February 10, 2024. The Boulevard is getting ready to be decked with stunning lighting, cultural flags and décor, and F&B kiosks to entertain and encourage fans to show support for their countries’ teams. There will be 24 country zones, such as Qatar, China, India, South Korea, and Lebanon to name a few. Fans are welcome to enjoy entertainment, and to show support for the national teams through this artistic parade and exhibit at Lusail.

 

Modern Architecture

Qatar is no stranger to modern architecture. Fans headed to Education City Stadium will get a close-up look with the Qatar National Library (QNL) which is structured as a shell made by folding two pieces of paper, or the contemporary design of the Education City Mosque, Minaretein. Both QNL and Minartein are worth exploring on the inside with the library’s café, 3D printing, music studio, and reading nooks, and the mosque’s guided-tour. At Al Wakrah is the Abu Manaratain Mosque, with unconventional architecture from the 1940s to appreciate.

 

Attractions

The Meryal Waterpark recently opened at Qetaifan Island North, with rides designed to reflect the oil and gas industry’s omnipresence in Qatari culture. One of its rides, the Icon Tower is world’s highest tower of its kind. The annual Winter Wonderland Lusail is now operating on Al Maha Island, near the Lusail Stadium, with 50 rides which encompass 25 family rides, 15 children’s rides, 10 thrill rides, the 395-rollercoaster, and the 150 ft tall Ferris Wheel.

 

Night Markets and Bazaars

Within the premise of the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium is the Duhail Night Market, Qatar’s pioneering night market, with the finest selection of popular finger foods, coffee, and karak. In Al Waab, there is ‘The Downtown’, a new night market at Aspire Park offering different drive-thru restaurants and cafés, where visitors can snack on delicious finger foods and of course, coffee.

During the weekend, residents can explore the Torba Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday, in Education City. The market offers local, artisanal products and fresh food for visitors to enjoy. Near Al Janoub Stadium you will find the Souq Al Wakrah, where you can take a stroll by the sea in the serene winter weather, indulge in a range of cuisine, primarily seafood, and explore shops selling traditional Arabian products.

 

For Animal Lovers

A 20-minute drive away from Ahmed bin Ali Stadium is Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, which hosts multiple camel racing events throughout the year. Here, you can enjoy both races and camel training, the latter of which takes place every morning at the centre. Al Shaqab, near Education City Stadium, is also a popular destination for equestrian fans to watch horseback riding events, post-matches. In addition, the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival will run from February 1 till 11, and will showcase different purebred horses in competition with each other. These horses are known to symbolize strength and pride in Arab culture.

 

Sports

The World Aquatics Championships 2024 is taking place from February 2 – 18, 2024 at Aspire Dome, Old Doha Port, and Hamad Aquatic Center. This tournament will be hosting 2, 600 top athletes, from over 190 countries, for 75 medal events, with an opportunity for athletes to quality for Olympic Games Paris 2024. Sports include swimming (including open water and artistic), diving and high diving, and water polo. Residents can witness top-class aquatic performances from athletes from all over the world.