The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has announced the launch of its Host a Fan initiative, enabling households across the country to volunteer to host visiting supporters during upcoming sporting events. An expression of the Arab world’s famed hospitality, the first-of-a-kind programme will link supporters traveling to Qatar for major tournaments with locals and residents.

“The Host a Fan initiative is part of the SC’s strategy to provide fans visiting Qatar with a variety of culturally-rich accommodation options. This unique approach will not only allow fans to stay in one place throughout the tournament but will also enable them to experience Qatar’s culture through the eyes of a local,”

said Khalid Al-Jumaily, Project Manager of the initiative at the SC.

Al-Jumaily stressed that participation will be limited only to hosts and fans who are fully vaccinated, in line with Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health’s regulations to limit the spread of COVID-19, and the initiative is completely free of charge.

Visiting fans will not be required to pay for their accommodation, nor will hosts be paid for hosting a fan. Hosts, however, will be able to choose where fans will stay, and how long their visit will be. Most importantly, hosts will act as cultural guides, showing their guests Qatar’s most significant cultural destinations, and introducing them to local customs and traditions.

• Those interested in learning more about the specific requirements of the initiative can visit www.hostafan.qa.
• Registration for hosts will be open from 25 September to 12 October 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Host a Fan initiative?

Supported by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the ‘Host a Fan’ initiative aims to link international football supporters traveling to the country during major tournaments with willing Qatari residents to host them and introduce Qatar’s and the Arab world’s famed hospitality and culture. This applies only to fans expected to arrive in Qatar from 30 November until 18 December 2021.

2. How does one apply to become a host?

Hosts interested in being part of this initiative can register online via www.hostafan.qa. Registration period for hosts is open from 25 September – 12 October.

3. When can fans start applying?

Fans visiting Qatar from 30 November – 18 December can register their interest in being part of this initiative by signing up on www.hostafan.qa from 2 October – 1 November.

4. If a host wishes to provide a fan with accommodation at one of their properties, how many fans can a host accommodate at one time?

One room can host a maximum of 2 guests, provided that they are related. Otherwise, one room should host one guest. Married couples and friends of the same gender can be accommodated in the same room. Hosts will have the option to determine how many guests they’re willing to have during the sign-up process.

Hosts will receive a site visit from the Host a Fan team prior to arrival of their guests to ensure that there is adequate space for accommodation.

5. Can hosts who live in rented properties be a part of this initiative?

Yes, hosts who are renting their accommodation can host fans as the initiative is free of charge. Official documentation proving the host is part of Host a Fan initiative shall be provided upon host request.

6. What COVID-19 measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of fans and host?

Fans travelling to Qatar will need to adhere to the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) COVID-19 guidelines. To ensure the safety of hosts and fans, only those who are fully vaccinated can be a part of this initiative.

7. Is a host responsible for transporting to and from match venues?

No, fans will be responsible for their own transportation.

8. What authority will be responsible for conflict resolution, should any rise during the hosting period?

Qatari law will be implemented as per normal procedures to adjudicate on any matter /conflict through the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities.

9. Will hosts receive any payments for accommodating fans?

No, the Host a Fan initiative is voluntary and free of charge.

10. Will fans be expected to pay rent?

No, the Host a Fan initiative is voluntary and free of charge.

11. Will the Host a Fan registration exempt me from applying for visas?

The Host a Fan team’s responsibility is only to provide fans with sustainable accommodation options and is not responsible for obtaining visas on behalf of traveling fans. Fans traveling to Qatar must have register for the Fan ID system via the official portal to be able to enter the country during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021.

12. As a fan, can I sign up for the Host a Fan initiative before 30 November?

No, the Host a Fan initiative applies to the period from 30 November – 18 December. Visitors wishing to travel before or stay in Qatar after these dates are responsible to find their own accommodation for the extra days.

13. What is the maximum duration of hosting required?

It depends on the duration capacity specified by the host. One of the matching and pairing criteria between hosts and fans will be based the fan’s duration of stay and the Host’s duration capacity.

14. As a fan, can I extend my stay with the same host?

Yes, if both host and fan show the same interest.

15. As a fan, can I stay for some extra days in Qatar after the event is over?

If the fan has valid visa and wishes to stay more days in Qatar after 18 December, the fan will be fully responsible for his accommodation and transportation with no liability on the host or on the Host a Fan initiative team.

Source & cover image credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC)

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Binu Cherian

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