If you’re one of the lucky ones who scored tickets for the Qatar World Cup 2022, you’re probably wondering how on earth you’re going to get there. Whether you live in Abu Dhabi, or staying in the UAE capital during World Cup season, you’ll want to know the easiest ways to get to Qatar from Abu Dhabi.
With just over a month to go before FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off in nearby Doha, excitement cannot be contained here in Abu Dhabi.
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Taking place between November 20 to December 18 2022, football fans from all over the world will be donning their country’s kit and descending on the Middle East so, as with everything in life, it’s best to be prepared.
If you’re wondering how to get to Qatar from Abu Dhabi, and worried about the restrictions you might encounter along the way, don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Qatar from Abu Dhabi.
How do I travel to Qatar from Abu Dhabi?
The most convenient way to travel to Qatar from Abu Dhabi is by flying. While this option can be somewhat costly, it’s likely to be the best way to travel to Qatar from Abu Dhabi since driving rules have recently changed.
Anyone visiting by car must now park at Qatar’s Abu Samra land border crossing with Saudi Arabia on the Salwa Road, and then take a free shuttle bus into Doha, 90 kilometres away.
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Flights to Qatar from Abu Dhabi on November 9, when the first quarter finals are due to be played, are currently available with Qatar Airways from Dhs2,055. A return to Qatar from Abu Dhabi starts at Dhs2,055.
Flights to Qatar from Abu Dhabi on November 9, when the first quarter finals are due to be played, and returning on December 10, are currently available with Qatar Airways from Dhs2,055.
Are there shuttle flights to Qatar from Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Earlier this year, five airlines announced they would be running World Cup shuttle flights to Doha allowing fans to watch games before returning to another country in the GCC within 24 hours.
Airlines including Air Arabia, flydubai, Jazeera Airways, Kuwait Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Saudia will all be offering Qatar 2022 shuttle flights. These flights will be available from Kuwait City, Muscat in Oman, Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudia Arabia and Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE.
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For those who live in Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to travel to Dubai in order to pick up your shuttle flight to Qatar. The good news is that the AUH Express has launched a service between Abu Dhabi airport and Dubai for just Dhs35. The AUH Express will operate 24 hours a day.
How much does the shuttle flights to Qatar from Abu Dhabi cost?
For those wanting to travel to Qatar from Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to pay for a shuttle flight from Dubai. Prices for the World Cup shuttle flights start from US$258 in economy, and US$998 in business classes.
Only hand luggage is included in the price, with up to 7kg allowed in economy and up to 14kg in business.
How long are the shuttle flights to Qatar to Abu Dhabi?
If you live in Abu Dhabi, it’s likely that your journey from the UAE capital to Dubai will take at least an hour and a half in the car. The shuttle flights to Qatar from Dubai, however, take on average of 1hr 10mins.
Can I drive to Qatar to Abu Dhabi?
Those who are nervous fliers, priced out of flying into Doha, or simply love an adventure, can opt to take a road trip to Qatar to Abu Dhabi. The pilgrimage to the beautiful game takes a 588-kilometre desert route to Qatar to Abu Dhabi.
Do I need a Hayya card to travel to Qatar from Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Anyone heading to Doha for the World Cup must have a digital Hayya card that is valid between November 20 and December 18.
This is a preapproved entry permit into Qatar and can only be accessed once in possession of an official match ticket.
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The Hayya card is essential for stadium entry, and will also give you access to free bus services and the Doha Metro. Fans can register for the card on the Fifa website.
Do I need a PCR test or vaccination for entry?
All visitors travelling to Qatar from Abu Dhabi must provide either a negative PCR test result within 48 hours of the schedule departure time, or a rapid antigen test result within 24 hours.
All international travellers must fill out a pre-entry online registration form on a government website at least three days before arrival and download the Ehteraz app, which will record their health and personal information, including PCR test results.
All testing rules apply to all travellers, regardless of immunity status.
Anyone with a match ticket must be fully vaccinated to gain entry to stadiums and use public transport via the app.
