DUBAI, 20 July – Dubai’s first football-themed hotel where fans can base themselves for the duration of the 2022 Qatar World Cup and be shuttled in and out of Doha for the day will open in November.
NH Dubai on the western side of The Palm Jumeirah will become a hotspot for supporters heading to Qatar to take in the biggest sporting event staged in the region.
Demand for hotel rooms from international football fans planning to stay in the UAE has surged in recent weeks, as the sporting showpiece edges closer to its November 21 kick-off.
The Football Fans Dubai Experience, hosted by the Expat Sports tourism agency, will offer a package of flights from Dubai to Qatar, airport transfers and accommodation at the new NH Dubai The Palm.
Separate hospitality packages will include match tickets.
“This is a completely new addition to the Dubai hospitality landscape,” said Sue Holt, executive director of Expat Sport, the exclusive sales agent of official matchday hospitality.
“We are collaborating with the official partners of the Fifa World Cup to make this a unique and immersive experience for our guests.
“As a specialist sports tour operator, we fully understand the travel needs of football supporters, which can be quite specific compared to general holidaymakers.
“There will be international fans who are coming to this region for the first time, so being in a relaxed environment with other like-minded individuals in a stunning location on The Palm should make this an enjoyable and unforgettable holiday.”
During the month-long tournament, NH Dubai The Palm, which is due to open in early November, will be transformed from a modern, 533-room hotel into a hotbed of football fever.
Hotel guests will have access to sports challenges and competitions throughout the tournament, while the hotel’s sports bar will be transformed into a fan zone.
Supporters flying to Doha on a day trip and staying at the hotel will receive welcome packs, tickets and discounts to other designated fan zones around the city to watch games.
Shuttle buses will be laid on so fans can watch other matches at official fan zones around the city at Dubai Harbour, the Coca-Cola Arena and Football Park at DIFC. — The National News
