Places to go for the Cup Saturday, 26 June 2010 05:53

Just as Qatar is in hot competition to win the right to host the 2022 World Cup, restaurants and public places in Doha are in competition to have the best venues to watch the current World Cup. Various public places have reserved spacious areas and advanced equipment in hopes of attracting more customers.

“In the first round we had a crowd of 150 to 200 people every day, but the second round of the World Cup is when it becomes more intense,” said Ahmad Sabr, project manager of the football tent 2010. According to Sabr, the football tent 2010 that is set up in Khalifa Stadium’s VIP lounge, which is normally dedicated to the annual tennis competitions in Qatar, isn’t commercial but is for people’s entertainment. “We want it to back up the sports in Doha,” said Sabr.

“When my holiday first started there was nothing to do in Doha, but now that the World Cup is on and there are about 3 matches a day it takes up most of my time,” said Firas Al Kadi, a university student. According to Kadi, Qatar is trying to attract sponsors to host the World Cup. “In Qatar, people love football, I think all restaurants are competing, not for the money but to try to attract as many people as they can,” said Kadi.

Some restaurants are known for their crowds, some for their paramount screens; nevertheless they all have one thing in common that is the World Cup spirit.

THE PENINSULA