<p>Qatar on Wednesday announced that the number of government workers attending offices would be slashed and school hours reduced in a bid to ease congestion before and during the World Cup.</p>.<p>With more than one million visitors expected during the November 20 to December 18 tournament, the government is anxious to keep traffic off the streets around the eight stadiums.</p>.<p>Authorities are most worried about the first two weeks of the event when the peak number of foreign fans will be following the 32 participating nations.</p>.<p>An official spokesperson said after a cabinet meeting that only 20 percent of government staff would be expected in offices from November 1 until December 19, and staff would only work four hours a day.</p>.<p>From November 1 to November 17, school hours will be reduced, opening only from 7:00 am to midday, and students will then be on holiday from November 18 until December 22.</p>.<p>The main Corniche highway along Doha's seafront will be closed to all cars from November 1.</p>.<p>A key fan zone is being built alongside the route.</p>
<p>Qatar on Wednesday announced that the number of government workers attending offices would be slashed and school hours reduced in a bid to ease congestion before and during the World Cup.</p>.<p>With more than one million visitors expected during the November 20 to December 18 tournament, the government is anxious to keep traffic off the streets around the eight stadiums.</p>.<p>Authorities are most worried about the first two weeks of the event when the peak number of foreign fans will be following the 32 participating nations.</p>.<p>An official spokesperson said after a cabinet meeting that only 20 percent of government staff would be expected in offices from November 1 until December 19, and staff would only work four hours a day.</p>.<p>From November 1 to November 17, school hours will be reduced, opening only from 7:00 am to midday, and students will then be on holiday from November 18 until December 22.</p>.<p>The main Corniche highway along Doha's seafront will be closed to all cars from November 1.</p>.<p>A key fan zone is being built alongside the route.</p>