Long queue in Doha stadium for a glimpse of the World Cup

DOHA: Long queues could be seen at a car park near Doha's main cricket stadium in Asian Town, where the World Cup trophy was set up in its final display. Thousands of migrant labourers who were a part of the labour force that built seven new stadiums and refurbished an eighth for the first World Cup in an Arab country, waited in long queues the see the trophy on display. The trophy, currently being held by France is now at the final stages of its display prior to the commencement of the match.

Most of these labourers were from South Asia who were not be able to afford the price of tickets to the World Cup. However, they queued up for a chance to have a 15-second selfie time near the Gold trophy. Those waiting in the queue were entertained by Indian drummers and a Bangladeshi pop group.

This is the first World Cup in an Arab country, and is scheduled to begin from November 21, 2022.

Azam Rashid, a carpenter who worked on two stadiums, said he was among the many workers who could not afford tickets but was intrigued by the cup.

"The tickets may be too expensive, but Qatar and the World Cup has given me an opportunity," he said.

"There are long lines, but it will be worth it to see the trophy," he said.

Qatari residents were able to get tickets for as little as $11. Some tickets costing 40 riyals ($11) have been reserved for Qatar's 2.8 million population, most of whom are foreign workers.

However, those standing in the queue told AFP that these low priced tickets were all sold out and they would not be able to afford the more expensive tickets. These were mostly male migrant workers who earned $275 a month, Qatar's minimum wage. A construction laborer, Ahmed Kareem, who had been in Qatar for a decade said that most of the migrants would only watch the matches on TV.

Tarir, an administrative worker said, "The World Cup is exciting but it is definitely too much for me".

Nasim, a more fortunate expat said he was able to obtain some $10 tickets. He said, "Everyone can afford the price I paid".