Latest: New Hayya card rules trigger spike in demand for shuttle flights
Boutique accommodation, universities and luxury hotels await the 32 World Cup teams heading to Qatar to compete in one of the world's largest sporting events next month.
Twenty four of these teams will be staying within 10km of Doha, providing fans with the opportunity to do some serious star spotting.
New hotels have been opening under a soft-launch phase to prepare for the arrival of some of the most expensive footballers on the planet with tastes to match.
While each base-camp reserved for national teams may differ, the one thing they have in common is five-star luxury served alongside some of the best training grounds possible.
Each team will have access to their own World Cup training facilities close to their hotel - referred to as each nation’s Team Base Camp (TBC) according to the organising committee.
Each nation was given a variety of hotel options, with a first come, first served rule in effect if more than one country wanted the same venue.
Of the 32 teams, 24 will be staying close to Doha, while eight others, including England, Germany, Belgium and Portugal, have preferred to stay further away from the frenzy of the centre.
Group by group, these are the hotels that national teams will be calling home from next month.
Qatar - Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel
This opulent hotel backs onto the green spaces of the Aspire Park, and could easily be mistaken for a French chateaux or country estate in middle England.
The property is fitting as an escape for the hosts to prepare in sumptuous surroundings with 139 rooms, fully equipped gym, outdoor and indoor pools and a spa.
Netherlands - The St Regis, Doha
The classy Dutch will have to live up to their billing as one of the World Cup’s dark horses with an impressive recent run of form.
Their hotel matches the class of the Dutch teams of the past, with 335 rooms and an Olympic-sized swimming pool in which players can relax weary legs.
A new steakhouse, the Astor Grill, opened recently, while a huge selection of restaurants can be found at the nearby Al Gassar Resort.
Senegal – Duhail Handball Sports Hall
Less salubrious surroundings await Senegal, who have been allocated a sports hall from which to make their World Cup preparations.
The Duhail Handball Sports Hall opened in 2014 ahead of the World Men’s Handball championships a year later.
The Olympic standard venue sits alongside the adjacent Al Tarfa and Duhail districts.
Ecuador – Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha
‘La Tri’ will be staying close to Hamad International Airport at the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha for the duration of their stay in the tournament.
The hotel is home to a variety of dining options, with Chinese restaurant Chi’Zen and Spanish themed The Cellar sure to be popular choices for team staff.
The hotel has 400 rooms, 12 suits, jacuzzi, gym and outdoor pool.
England – Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar
This hotel by Tivoli sits next to the souq in Al Wakrah, around a 25-minute journey from the centre of Doha.
Manager Gareth Southgate and the English FA took the decision to base the squad further out of Doha, to focus on the challenge ahead.
This boutique hotel has all the Arabic flair you would expect with stunning sea views and an all-day Mediterranean style restaurant - Jarnen.
Iran – AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton
With direct access to the Mall of Qatar, this hotel is the perfect spot for players who may want to pick up souvenirs during their stay in Doha.
It also has an outdoor pool and gym to keep the squad in top condition for the difficult games ahead.
USA – Marsa Malaz Kempinski
The American national team will be based in the heart of The Pearl - Qatar, a man-made island home to a long list of luxury hotels.
The Kempinski hotel the likes of US and Chelsea star Christian Pulisic will call home for the World Cup has a number of high end restaurants, including Spanish eatery El Faro, Toro Toro and a sports bar.
Wales – Delta Hotels City Center Doha
The Dragons will be staying at one of the new hotels in Doha that is due to open this month.
Located in the heart of West Bay, close to the cruise ships where many supporters will be staying, the 32-storey hotel is likely to be a popular venue for fans with a number of food and beverage outlets.
Argentina – Qatar University Hostel 1
One of the tournament favourites, Argentina, will be staying in more modest surroundings when compared to their tournament rivals.
The Qatar University campus in Education City may not offer all the tourist trappings of West Bay and The Pearl, but a quieter base could be just the preparation Lionel Messi and co may need to secure their third FIFA World Cup.
Poland – Ezdan Palace Hotel
Robert Lewandowski and his teammates will be staying at this Andalusian themed luxury hotel in Al Duhail South.
A huge leisure pool or hotel spa will be the perfect spot to unwind and prepare for games as the Poles aim to qualify from the group stage for the first time since 1982.
Saudi Arabia – Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort
Another team looking for quieter surroundings is Qatar’s neighbours Saudi Arabia.
Staying 45 minutes outside of Doha at the Murwab Resort, players will enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the 58 private villas within the hotel grounds.
Mexico – Simaisma, a Murwab Resort
The tournament’s second ‘El Tri’, Mexico has also chosen a Murwab Resort as a World Cup base camp.
Slightly closer to Doha at around 25 minutes, the Mexican players will also enjoy the luxury solace of the resort’s 52 villas, complete with private terrace and pool.
Group D
France – Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
The holders may be beset with their traditional struggles of controversy and discontent in the build up to the tournament, but France can put all that aside once settled into an oasis of calm at Al Messila by Marriott Bonvoy.
A huge spa across 14,000 square metres will be the perfect spot to rejuvenate, while a walk through the hotel’s indigenous scented gardens could provide the perfect recovery tonic between games.
Tunisia – Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach
Close to Doha Mall and the DECC metro station, this 278 room hotel will be home to the Tunisian national side during the tournament.
The hotel has a big gym, spa with a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and outdoor pool.
Australia – New Aspire Academy Athlete Accommodation
Like Argentina and Senegal, Australia have decided to stay in purpose built accommodation for athletes rather than the glitzy hotels of central Doha.
The more modest surrounding of the Aspire Zone will be the base for Australia for the tournament, but it could be a brief stay as the Socceroos have been drawn in one of the more difficult groups.
Denmark – Retaj Salwa Resort & Spa
The Retaj Salwa Resort lies on the gateway to Qatar on the Salwa Road and is a 30 minute drive into central Doha.
The hotel has 168 rooms and villas, as well as a choice of four restaurants for guests, including seafood eatery Fishkoza.
Spain – Qatar University Hostel 2
Like Argentina, the Spain football team will be staying at Qatar University in Education City.
Japan – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha
The Japan team will be staying at one of Doha’s oldest and most well established hotels.
It offers plenty of places to recharge and unwind with more than 20 restaurant and bars making it a likely hotspot for fans.
Costa Rica – dusitD2 Salwa Doha
Just 20 minutes from Doha city centre, the five start D2 Salwa will be home to Costa Rica during the World Cup.
The hotel has plenty of eateries, including the popular Lemon Garden.
Germany – Zulal Wellness Resort
Like England, Germany has preferred to stay out of town away from the madding crowds.
Zulal opened in November 2021 and is Qatar’s largest wellness resort.
Belgium – Hilton Salwa Beach Resort
Belgium will be hoping to emerge from another difficult group and make one of the stronger European challenges for the trophy.
A 3.5km private beach at the Hilton Salwa will offer the perfect spot for downtime for players between matches.
Canada – Century Marina Hotel Lusail
Canada could prove to be another surprise hit during the World Cup after an impressive qualifying campaign and will be staying in Qatar’s newest city - Lusail.
The Century Marina is in the heart of the city, a short walk from the National Museum.
Morocco – Wyndham Doha West Bay
With four swimming pools and a location close to central Doha, the second Wyndham hotel in the city will host Morocco.
The hotel has easy access to The Gate Mall and is a little further away from the beach than the city’s other Wyndham hotel.
Croatia – Hilton Doha
Croatia are one of 24 teams staying within close proximity of each other in West Bay.
As the runners up in Russia 2018, this could be a last hurrah for some of Croatia’s vaunted stars such as Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic.
The hotel is also home to a Trader Vic’s and Shots sports bar so sure to be popular with World Cup fans.
Brazil – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa
The boys from Brazil are hot favourites to win the 2022 World Cup and for good reason.
The Westin Doha will be their home, probably until the tournament’s latter stages and well into December.
Players can relax and unwind at the hotels stunning outdoor pool or Heavenly Spa.
Cameroon – Banyan Tree Doha at La Cigale Mushaireb
Team staff and hotel guests who choose to eat at the Thai restaurant Saffron will be treated to spectacular views.
Players can also unwind at the hotel’s Banyan Tree Spa, catch a film at the nearby Vox cinema or visit the Quest indoor theme park.
Serbia – Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha
This is another new hotel built just in time for the start of the World Cup and the imminent arrival of Serbia.
The Rixos sits on the site of Doha’s first five star hotel and is an all-inclusive destination for guests.
Switzerland – Le Royal Méridien Doha
This hotel is in Lusail and recently opened its doors in June and is connected to another new venue, the glittering Place Vendome mall that opened in April.
The 377-room hotel is the first from the European-born brand in Qatar and is inspired by the 1960s glamour of the French Riviera.
The hotel is inspired by the country’s pearl diving history, with chandeliers representing mother of pearl shells, and coral reef art on the walls of the lobby.
Portugal – Al Samriya Autograph Collection Hotel
The Qatar World Cup is likely to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s last chance for glory, and he is surrounded by stars in the national team who will be staying at the Al Samriya Autograph Collection Hotel.
This is another new hotel due to open this month with 60 rooms, 27 villas, and is close to the FBQ Museum.
South Korea – Le Méridien City Centre, Doha
Home to the South Korea Football team the Le Méridien City Center is close to the Delta Hotel where the Welsh will be staying.
Once open, the hotel will have 353 rooms, and six restaurants and bars, including Mediterranean restaurant KAZA.
Ghana – DoubleTree by Hilton Doha, Al Sadd
The African stars will be staying close to the home of Qatar’s best football team - Al Sadd.
Players staying there can visit the Nashville-inspired bar Broadway Brasserie, pan-Asian spot Indo-Chin and casual bar StrEAT Culture.
Uruguay – Pullman Doha West Bay
The Pullman Doha is yet another new hotel built specially for the World Cup.
It will be home to the Uruguay national team, a side that traditionally punches well above its weight at World Cups.
Also located in West Bay, the 47-storey hotel has 375 hotel rooms, 93 apartments, and a 24-hour gym and a spa.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 258hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km
Price: from Dh362,500
On sale: now
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Haemoglobin disorders explained
Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.
Haemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen and a lack of it triggers anemia, leaving patients very weak, short of breath and pale.
The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.
The condition mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Saudi Arabia recorded 45,892 cases of carriers between 2004 and 2014.
A World Health Organisation study estimated that globally there are at least 950,000 'new carrier couples' every year and annually there are 1.33 million at-risk pregnancies.
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,600hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.4seconds
0-200kph in 5.8 seconds
0-300kph in 12.1 seconds
Top speed: 440kph
Price: Dh13,200,000
Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,500hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.3 seconds
0-200kph in 5.5 seconds
0-300kph in 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 350kph
Price: Dh13,600,000
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Alnamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMicrofinance%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFamily%20offices%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?
Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.
They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.
“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.
He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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SPECS
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Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
Four-day collections of TOH
Day Indian Rs (Dh)
Thursday 500.75 million (25.23m)
Friday 280.25m (14.12m)
Saturday 220.75m (11.21m)
Sunday 170.25m (8.58m)
Total 1.19bn (59.15m)
(Figures in millions, approximate)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
The five pillars of Islam
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
SPECS
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
