Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy
The FIFA World Cup 2022™ will see fans arrive in Qatar from all around the world to celebrate the beautiful game. Over the years, supporters of Brazil have been known to provide plenty of colour and passion to football’s showpiece event.
Ready to support the five-time FIFA World Cup™ winners later this year are members of Qatar’s Brazilian community, including licensed tour guide Ludmila Cruz. In her six years living in Qatar, Cruz has become well placed to speak about the many unique features that visitors can discover in the Gulf country.
She believes the many sights and activities that are available in Qatar will give World Cup fans many opportunities to enjoy an all-round experience during their visit.
Can you describe your role as a licensed tour guide here in Qatar?
My role is to provide visitors with the best possible experience while visiting the country. I try to understand exactly what they plan on visiting and how much time they have available in order to organise a tour that best fits their needs. This has allowed me to consistently meet people from all around the world. However, as I am Brazilian, that naturally brings in more clients from Brazil.
How would you describe the lifestyle here in Qatar?
I think the lifestyle is excellent. It’s a very safe country with unique architecture that mixes traditional and modern styles. Moreover, it provides a lot of quality schools for children, which is very reassuring for families. There is also a variety of cultural and sporting events that take place here throughout the year, so there is always something interesting to do or attend.
What do you most enjoy doing here in Qatar?
I enjoy attending the various events that Doha has to offer throughout the year. This includes concerts, exhibitions, sporting events and food fairs. They all add to the vibrancy of the city and the country. It’s a lot of fun to be part of it.
From your experience as a tour guide, what are the ‘must-see’ places to visit in Qatar?
For me, there are three places that stand out as ‘must-see’. One of them is the famous Souq Waqif market. It offers so many interesting shops and restaurants, as well as some very unique boutique hotels. Another place worth visiting is Katara Cultural Village, with its many fine restaurants, art galleries, amphitheater and public beach. The Pearl is also worth visiting. The promenade in Porto Arabia offers many fine dining options, while Qanat Quartier is reminiscent of the canals seen in Venice, Italy.
Have you attended any football events in Qatar?
I have been fortunate to attend many different football events. This included the 2019 World Beach Games in Katara, the FIFA Club World Cup and several Amir Cup finals. I attended a friendly match between Spanish giants Barcelona and Saudi club Al Ahli, and more recently, the international friendly between Croatia and Bulgaria at Education City Stadium. Last month, I was at the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off between Peru and Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
What advice would you give fans about Qatar and the region?
My advice would be to bring all the excitement and energy that you have to support your country during the World Cup. However, it is also important to show respect to Qatar’s culture and traditions, as they may be different to the traditions that you are used to in your country. This will help everyone enjoy their time and experience in Qatar.
I assume many family and friends in Brazil have been in touch about staying at your house during the World Cup?
I have had lots of people contact me about possibly staying with us during the World Cup. This has included both family and friends. There is a lot of interest from home about coming here and following Brazil in the World Cup.
Are you looking forward to taking in the atmosphere at Lusail Stadium and Stadium 974 when Brazil play their World Cup group matches?
Of course! I have already bought tickets to follow Brazil and I am especially excited to see the newly-built Lusail Stadium and the atmosphere it has to offer. I have already been there for an event with Cafu and Tim Cahill, but I can’t wait to see it packed full of people.
Do you think Brazil can win a record sixth World Cup title at Qatar 2022?
Yes, I believe they can. The expectations for me and my fellow Brazilians are to win it all. It would be amazing to see my home country win in a country that I now call home. That would be something very special.