The fan zones of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 welcomed tens of thousands of fans in a festive atmosphere that brought visitors together in a vibrant space reflecting the unity and diversity of Arab culture. Located around the six stadiums hosting the tournament, these zones allow fans to enjoy rich cultural experiences, including folkloric and artistic performances, as well as cuisine from local restaurants representing the region’s diverse culinary traditions.

In a move aimed at strengthening the role of the local community, the tournament’s Local Organising Committee has given more than 77 local food businesses the opportunity to participate in the fan zones, providing them with free space to showcase their products to the public.

Arab Cup — beyond football

Hassan Rabia Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial Affairs at the Local Organising Committee, said:

The Arab Cup goes beyond football; it is a platform that celebrates the talent and culture of our region. The fan zones are the heartbeat of the tournament, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of the Arab world. We see this initiative as a unique opportunity to support local projects that play an important role in enhancing the fan experience.

For her part, Sahab Youssef from Anbara Kitchen emphasised that their participation in the tournament is an opportunity to showcase the diverse flavours of the Arab world.

She said:

The presence of a small project like ours at a major event such as the Arab Cup gives restaurants like ours a real opportunity to shine,

We are excited to introduce Levantine flavours to Arab audiences. Celebrations are not complete without good food, and we are here to celebrate as one family.

Mohammed Alaa El Din Ibrahim, manager of the Egyptian folk restaurant Dukani, also expressed his delight at participating, saying:

The event is wonderfully organised, and everyone is enjoying the happy atmosphere. I would like to thank Qatar and the tournament organisers for hosting the Arab Cup, which celebrates our culture and brings us together. We are proud to contribute to this experience and give fans the opportunity to taste the flavours of our region.

The festive atmosphere

The fan zone experience was not limited to food alone. The tournament also brought together dozens of artists from different Arab countries, who added to the festive atmosphere with musical performances, folk dances, and traditional arts reflecting the identity of each participating nation. The group stage alone featured 103 artistic performances involving more than 686 artists from across the Arab world.

Jordanian artist Al-Walid Al-Attiya, leader of the Al-Salam Artistic Troupe, said:

I would like to thank Qatar for hosting tournaments such as the Arab Cup, which give the world an opportunity to see the beauty of our region and its people. It is wonderful to see fans gathering and celebrating before the matches, which is what makes this tournament unforgettable.

Featured image supplied via author

By Alaa Shamali

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