Air traffic between Qatar, UAE on rise due to World Cup

By Mohamed Attia

Air traffic between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar is witnessing an increase of 360 per cent this month, coinciding with the start of the World Cup competitions, being held in Doha.

The UAE is a major gateway for inter-traffic with Qatar and contributes to the operation of a large number of flights for the audience to enjoy World Cup matches, which will continue until December 18.

There is a coordination between Qatar and the UAE to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic between the two countries.

The UAE and Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding including procedures for the facilitation of air traffic for the public wishing to see the World Cup matches.

 Many continuous coordination meetings are also held on a daily basis to guarantee the success of the competitions.

On the other hand, a Qatari national team, including representatives of airports and airlines, was formed to be concerned with solving the problems facing the World Cup and smoothing procedures for passengers.

Qatar is not the only country getting a massive boom in tourism thanks to its hosting of the 2022 World Cup.

The neighbouring UAE will benefit more from the wave too, with its glitzy commercial capital of Dubai set to see an estimated one million additional visitors during the course of the soccer tournament.

“We are expecting a more than 300 per cent rise in yacht bookings in December, mainly due to visitors for the World Cup and Qatar who are also looking for leisure activities in Dubai,” Managing Director Amit Patel said in recent remarks.