Qatar to open key tourism developments ahead of World Cup

Five major tourism developments will open in Qatar before the Fifa World Cup kicks off in November – including a Winter Wonderland and beach attractions.

A festive sister event to the Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park, the Doha Winter Wonderland (pictured) will feature seafront chalets, restaurants, games, 50 rides and cafes.

The seaside attractions are a kitesurfing resort; an “entertainment island” with a water park; and a “city beach experience” in the capital, Doha.

The fifth opening will be The Outpost Al Barari, a luxury resort at an inland sea nature reserve.

The tourist board said the new openings build on the country’s “extensive” tourism development strategy and will appeal to a “broad mix of travel lovers”.

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Qatar expects more than one million visitors during the World Cup tournament, which will give the Middle East nation a chance to showcase its tourism products.

Berthold Trenkel, chief operating officer of Qatar Tourism, said: “The countdown to the World Cup is well under way and there’s lots of world-class attractions to come before the matches begin.

“Amongst the buzz around the tournament itself, we hope people are wowed by Qatar’s state-of-the-art new tourism developments, significantly boosting the country’s appeal as a leading holiday destination.”

The Winter Wonderland will be near Lusail City just north of Qatar’s capital, while the Fuwairit Kite Beach (FKB) is an hour’s drive north of Doha.

The “entertainment island” will be on Qetaifan Island North, close to the Lusail Stadium, where the World Cup final will take place.

West Bay North Beach Project features public and private beach areas in the centre of Doha, with three distinct beach experiences.