Updated on Aug. 8 with more info from Bein Sports
Qatar’s 38-strong Olympic squad is now in Rio and ready to compete in the Games, which officially kick off tomorrow, Aug. 5.
The first Qatari athletes to compete will be the country’s swimmers, table tennis players, boxers and beach volleyball team, who all have opening matches on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s hospitality venue in Rio, Bayt Qatar, held its opening reception last night.
شاهد أبرز اللحظات من حفل افتتاح #بيت_قطر!
!Watch the highlights from #BaytQatar‘s Opening Reception pic.twitter.com/0AVaDTDNDy— Qatar Olympic Team (@qatar_olympic) August 4, 2016
For those who aren’t lucky enough to be able to watch the games in person, however, here’s our lowdown on how to watch them here in Qatar instead:
Ooredoo
For those who want to watch the games at home, Ooredoo TV and Mozaic TV’s Abu Dhabi sports packages include channels that will stream the Olympics. The package costs QR39 per month.
The opening ceremony will be carried on Abu Dhabi Sports 1, 3 and 4HD beginning at 1:45am on Saturday, Aug. 6.
Ooredoo TV and Mozaic TV also have a basic package that includes Al Kass, MBC Pro and Dubai TV, all of which will have selected coverage of the games.
Given the six-hour time difference between Qatar and Rio, Ooredoo recommends users take advantage of its “catch-up” service.
This also allows people to rewind programs up to 48 hours, making it easier to catch your favorite competitions.
More information is available on Ooredoo’s website here.
Vodafone
Meanwhile, Vodafone users can stream the games they want online via the network’s 4G data and SIM plans.
These can be bought for prices ranging from QR50 (which gives 5GB) to QR400 (for unlimited data).
Additionally, Vodafone has a partnership with OSN, the UAE-based TV entertainment company, which will be streaming the Olympics on its channels.
Users can add the OSN package to their 4G data and SIM plans by paying QR37 per month for 8GB data to use the app, or QR100 per month for unlimited use.
For more information, visit Vodafone’s website.
BeIN
BeIN will be broadcasting the Olympics in English and Arabic, with three English-language programs dedicated solely to the games.
Its subscription packages start at QR37/month and can be bought at any of its sales kiosks in Villaggio, City Center, Lagoona, Landmark and Al Khor malls.
Those who wish to subscribe can also reach the beIN call center via 133 (for those living in Qatar) or +974-44-222-000 (for those living in MENA). They can also go here to subscribe to beIN’s DTH or OTT service (CONNECT). CONNECT subscriptions are also available here.
Restaurants
Meanwhile, a few businesses in Qatar have confirmed they will be hosting screenings of the Olympic games. So far, they are:
- The Ritz Carlton Hotel: The Admiral Club at Ritz Carlton will be open from 5pm till 1am every day.
- Intercontinental Doha: Screenings will take place at the Belgian Cafe and Paloma.
- The Hilton Doha will be screening the Games in two places – in Trader Vic’s, and also in its bar, Zawaya.
If you know of any other places that will be showing the games, please let us know!
Thoughts?
