DOHA:In keeping with Qatar’s tradition of sport and legacy - the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and Organizing Committee for Expo 2023 Doha signed an agreement on Monday which sees the top football league of the country being named as Expo Stars League for 2023-2024 season.
The step reflects the process of building relationships with various entities in the country, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Expo 2023 Doha is set to make history as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa. It is scheduled to commence on October 2, 2023, and will run for an impressive 179 days of celebrations, concluding on March 28, 2024. The event aims to attract over 3 million visitors, offering attendees the opportunity to explore exquisitely landscaped gardens and experience cultures from around the world.
Speaking about the association of QSL with Expo Doha 2023, Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO of QSL, said, "Correlating Qatar Stars League with Expo 2023 Doha is a legacy. It is happening for the first time that an Expo event is correlated to our (football) league. And the importance of it is a win-win situation for both. Associating QSL with global events such as Expo 2023 Doha is definitely going to be a way to expand the brands for both stakeholders and we are very, very honoured to be part of this big brand and we look forward to future collaboration.”
On the continuation of celebration of sport with other events just like during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Ballan said, "As we have mentioned that the vision of 2030 is so much associated with sports. And definitely we have always been sport loving country and we've hosted the best World Cup ever.
"We have witnessed much success we gained after the 2022 World Cup and it is also for all of us investing with all stakeholders in the country and with all those willing to invest in sport to continue with it because we have, really enjoyed and celebrated the flagship competition in the world. And the investment by Expo 2023 Doha with Qatar Stars League is a partnership and the collaboration together will definitely show the world how much we care about sports in general and football specifically.”
Ballan also expressed thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Expo 2023 Doha, and Mohamed Ali Al Khouri, Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha and the entire work force for their distinguished co-operation with us.
"We wish them success in their great project that aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he added.
On his part, Al Khouri said, "In less than two months from today, the activities of Expo 2023 Doha will start. The partnership with QSL is another bright spot in the march of Expo 2023 Doha and a very important gain for our exhibition. It’s no secret to anyone the enormous popularity of sports in general, and football in particular, and its influence and positive impact on the people worldwide. The value of this cooperation also increases in view of the great development QSL has achieved compared to other leagues in the region.”
Visitors can use Hayya card to enter Qatar during Expo 2023 Doha
Mohammed Ali Al Khouri also revealed that visitors can use the Hayya card, which was in force during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, to enter Qatar to attend the activities of Expo 2023 Doha.
The details of entry procedures with a Hayya card will be announced later.
The Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha, stressed: "We await the participation of 80 countries and the entry of three million visitors to Doha during the exhibition activities, which will start on October 2, 2023 and will last 179 days until March 28, 2024.