Qatar considers tent solution to 2022 World Cup accommodation problem

Organisers of Qatar's 2022 World Cup are considering a proposal to house football fans in Bedouin-style desert camps amid growing concerns about a potential shortage of accommodation during the tournament.

Most of the 500,000 fans expected to descend on the tiny Gulf country will stay in hotels and apartments, but thousands could also camp under canvas in desert areas close to stadiums, a move organisers are holding up as a creative, and culturally authentic, way for Qatar to meet FIFA requirements.

"At the heart of this World Cup is a commitment to showcase the hospitality and friendship of the Middle East. As a result, we are actively researching the concept of supporters sleeping under the stars," said a spokesperson for Qatar's 2022 World Cup supreme committee.

FIFA's requirement was for 60,000 rooms to be available for the World Cup and the supreme committee spokesperson said Qatar was on track to deliver that.

However, a number of projects, including the building of hotels, have been delayed by tumbling oil prices.

As a result, desert camping, a popular winter activity for Qataris, who are known for assembling luxurious sites among the sand dunes, is being considered - an option which will also help to allay concerns about thin occupancy of hotels after the event.

Qatar is also looking at promoting private letting services and putting up spectators on cruise ships docked along the coast.