The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 has drawn tens of thousands of fans to the Aspire Zone Competition Complex, where a vibrant Fan Zone has been set up to celebrate the tournament. The Fan Zone, located at the heart of the competition venue, features a range of local businesses, artists, and community groups, showcasing the diversity and richness of Qatari culture.
As part of a community-focused initiative, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) has brought on board over 20 home-grown brands to participate in the Fan Zone, offering them free space at the venue. This has enabled local restaurants, such as Mama Rozie, to showcase their authentic Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine to fans.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Fan Zone Celebrates Local Culture
According to Hassan Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, the U-17 World Cup is more than just a football competition, providing a platform to celebrate the talents in the community. The Fan Zone has featured a range of cultural performances, including traditional dances and music, highlighting the diversity of Qatari culture.
Mama Rozie’s owner, Febrariska Armen, said the Indonesian community is passionate about football, and the organisers recognised this. The restaurant aims to introduce fans to Indonesian and Malaysian culture through food, and feels honoured to be part of the tournament.
Community Engagement and Inclusion
The Fan Zone has also been designed to be inclusive, with Qatar Foundation (QF) showcasing its students’ diverse talents through interactive workshops and cultural performances. QF Pre-University Education has provided a mobile sensory room, a quiet, controlled space equipped with assistive technology and specialised staff, ensuring that fans with sensory needs can fully enjoy the tournament experience.
Haia Alnaimi, Community Outreach Initiatives and Programs Manager, Special Schools and SEN Services at QF, said the Fan Zone is a perfect platform to celebrate diversity while building confidence amongst families that there are equal opportunities for everyone. The initiative demonstrates that community engagement means everyone, regardless of ability.
Fitness and Football Activities
The Fan Zone has also featured a number of local gyms providing fans with the opportunity to take part in fitness activities. Huriya Dance, part of the Qatar-based Honor Wholeness Institute, has been engaging with spectators through dance sessions, fitness challenges, and stage performances.
Nada Karhani, Manager of Huriya Dance, said football ignites passion in everyone, and it is through dance that this passion is celebrated. The dance sessions have been designed to channel the collective energy of the fans and create moments of pure joy.
The Fan Zone will continue to operate on match days only from 1:30pm until the final whistle, as the tournament advances to the next rounds. Entertainment will take place from 4pm-8pm. Upcoming highlights include film screenings in partnership with the Doha Film Festival, running between November 14-15.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect to see more exciting activities and performances at the Fan Zone. The Round of 32 will take place on November 14-15 at the Aspire Zone, with the competition set to intensify in the coming days.
