President and First Lady depart to Qatar to watch World Cup semifinals

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed departing to the State of Qatar to watch the semifinal matches of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022. | Photo: President’s Office

Malé, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed departed to the State of Qatar on Monday attend the semifinal matches of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022.

President’s Office had stated that this was an official visit to Qatar at the invitation of the Qatari Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

This visit is symbolic of the Maldives’ close and stable bilateral relations with Qatar according to President’s Office.

The President and First Lady are scheduled to conclude their visit and return to Malé on Thursday, December 15, 2022.

Following public criticism, President’s Office had previously said that the President will pay for the match tickets himself. However, meals and accommodation will be arranged by Qatar.

However, it is learned that the state will cover all the expenses of the President’s security team and others accompanying him.