Yes, we know it’s supposed to all be about the football but Qatar has been very creative in staging events and activations to bring the Beautiful Game to life in innovative ways. We take a look at just a few of the examples that have caught our eye as well as some big-name concerts coming this month.

Field Of Dreams

Or rather Tree Of Dreams. The CONMEBOL – Tree of Dreams, created by the South American Football Confederation in collaboration with Msheireb Properties, documents the history and achievements of football in the Latin continent.
Open from 9am to 12am throughout the tournament, the Tree of Dreams at Sikkat Al-Wadi, Msheireb Downtown, features three experiences: Player Gallery, Player Experience, and Best Tournaments. It reflects the roots of South American football, from the Maracanã to the potrero pitches of the barrios and encapsulates a distinct South American spirit in football found nowhere else. Explore a tree inspired by the roots of soccer in the South American region, from the Maracanã stadium to the popular neighbourhood playgrounds, the tree provides life to the barrios that surround it, connecting South American football’s past, present and future.

Silly Season

He’s dressed in red and white, he’s hidden in the crowd, and he’s calling on football fans to find him. It might seem crazy but Heinz is becoming the most searched-for name of the season thanks to unlikely hero, Thomas Heinz, who’s attending the most sought-after matches and mingling with fans while wearing a jersey with his name on it.
In a stunt reminiscent of the classic ‘Where’s Waldo?’ series, the German fan is transforming Doha into a giant treasure hunt for visitors with the promise of exclusive merchandise along with a grand prize worth QR10,000 to those who manage to spot him. Thomas was approached by Heinz Arabia to attend football’s biggest event on behalf of the brand as a human billboard, getting the name out there in a fun way and even managing to highjack the footie conversation.
To find out more on his whereabouts, search his hashtag #FindHeinz and follow his account @thomas.heinz22 on Instagram for a chance to win a grand cash prize.

Jumpers For Goalposts

Well, not quite. Qatar Tourism has come up with a great live destination art experience featuring goalpost-shaped installations that frame some of the country’s most picturesque views.
The initiative sees a collaboration between acclaimed local and international artists, with designs representing the countries of Qatar, England, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil.
Visitors can shoot their snaps and share their #PostsofQatar to prove they were really here.
The goalpost installations can be found at Lusail City Marina, West Bay Beach, Inland Sea, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, MIA Park, Place Vendôme, Aspire Zone, Souq Waqif and Flag Plaza.

FOOTBALL GOES FASHION

The world’s biggest fashion show is coming to Qatar featuring work from more than 150 designers from six continents and 50 countries.

Qatar Creates and CR Runway will present Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway which will take place between the semifinal and final matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, on December 16. Highlighting the intersection of fashion, culture, music and sports, this historymaking global showcase will be staged in front of 25,000 spectators at the Ras Abu Aboud 974 Stadium.

The catwalk will present tomorrow’s design talents – including 21 Qatarbased brands and more from the MENA region – who will share the stage with the most acclaimed and internationally recognised icons in fashion. The event will also feature showstopping performances by international superstars including DJ Snake, Kadim Al Sahir, Khaled, Nancy Ajram, Ozuna, Zakes Bantwini and more.

Comprising four uniquely designed and highly choreographed runway presentations, the show will feature an opening act with national ambassadors representing the 32 countries in the World Cup, all sporting customised jerseys. Immediately following, two local Qatari brands – Aliya Al Obaidly and Harlienz – have collaborated to put on a special performance entitled Where the Sand Touches the Sea inspired by Qatar’s traditional practices of pearl diving. The Fashion World Tour, will be a grand celebration showcasing exceptional works from designers from six continents. And the finale, One Night in Qatar, will be an extravaganza of haute couture and eveningwear created exclusively by international designers and brands for the event.

Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway will raise funds in support of Education Above All, a not-for-profit organisation chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani that provides educational opportunities to underserved children and youth and empowers women to become active members of their communities. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the cause.

Qatar Fashion United by CR Runway was conceived by HE Sheikha Mayassa, curated by the French editor and visionary stylist Carine Roitfeld and directed by CR Runway CEO Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld.

FOR INFORMATION AND TICKET VISIT WWW.QACREATES.COM.

THE BIG NAMES

Daydream Festival

Running throughout the tournament, Daydream Festival by Alchemy Project has a host of huge acts performing this month

December. Headliners are:
December 1 – Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
December 2 – Ferry Corsten
December 6 – Alok
December 10 – Timmy Trumpet
December 14 – John Newman
December 18 – Tiesto

Look out for a host of other big names in the world of electro-dance music in the lineups.

World Stage

The Entertainer himself will be taking to the stage at Doha Golf Club on December 8. Yes, it’s the man, the myth, Robbie Williams who’ll be performing a host of favourites spanning his 25-year career as well as some of the limited new material featured on his most recent album XXV, released in September.

Trust us, if you have a chance to go see him, it’s really worth it. Whether you’re a fan or not, he truly is a consummate showman.

Qatar Tourism (QT) has partnered with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) to produce a special edition of the Qatar Calendar (www. qatarcalendar.com), for details and ticketing on more than 30 major events happening during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.