(ATR) Qatar's hospitality house is a unique chance for Cariocas to learn about a new culture, according to a National Olympic Committee official.
Bayt Qatar will open August 4 in the Botafogo neighborhood of Rio. Around the Rings was given an exclusive tour during the final days of preparation.The largest of the hospitality houses is in Casa Daros, a former museum that will become a school after the Games. The house will be open to the general public who can enter after making a small donation.
Donations will go to the non-governmental association Futuro Olimpico, a charity aimed at helping develop high performance athletes in at-risk areas of Rio.
"I think it is hard to visit Qatar now because it’s a long way away, but they can explore here everything about Qatar,"Secretary General Thani Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari toldATR. "They get to see everything about Qatar, and it is only five to 10 minutes from their homes. It is easy to see what the hospitality of Qatar can do for the people of Rio and to say this is your home. You are most welcome here."
QOC partners will have exhibits in Bayt Qatar. There also will be interactive rooms where the public can learn about the 38-member Olympic team, and view three-dimension videos of life in Qatar.
Visitors will receive tickets for two Qatari-inspired Brazilian dishes, created by Chef Alex Atala, which will be served in an outdoor souk. The souk, or marketplace, will feature cultural events throughout the Olympics, including fashion shows, craft-making and Olympic watch parties.
Qatari athletes will also have their own space, where they can feel at home while watching Olympic events when not competing.
"We chose this house to make it like the houses in Qatar, so we feel like we are home," Al-Kuwari said. "So also at the same time we need people from all over the world to explore what Qatar can give, the legacy for Rio through sport."
Click here to view photos of the Bayt Qatar house.
Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro
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