November 19, 2022 General view of fans at a stage during the opening of the FIFA fan festival REUTERS/Marko Djurica
The FIFA Fan Festival got underway with fireworks, drone display and grand musical performances yesterday.
Thousands of football fans from all over the world witnessed the start of the month-long celebration of fun and entertainment off the pitch at Al Bidda Park yesterday.
The crowd went wild as grandiose and multi-coloured firework show lit the sky. The public tried to catch the perfect moment on their phones.
The street celebrations get everyone’s heart pumping where global music acts and local artists take centre stage. The festival will run until December 18, the day of the final World Cup match.
Maluma and Myriam Fares serenaded the thousands of fans. The two artists along with Nicki Minaj have also sung “Tukoh Taka,” the first-ever official FIFA Fan Festival anthem. It was released on November 18.
November 19, 2022 General view of fans during the opening of the FIFA fan festival REUTERS/Molly Darlington
Fares — a Lebanese singer, actress and entertainer — in a long Instagram post compared how football and music are alike. “How beautiful is the resemblance between football and music. Both a passionate form of expression that unites people beyond languages and borders. My vision, from the very first day, has been to unite the Arab world through my art, and introduce it to the entire world. I delve deep into the arts and instruments of our ancient cultures and civilizations, and present them in a modern, young spirit.”
She said yesterday’s show featured 50 dancers, 50 musicians, and 30 technicians, along with the latest technologies and the most beautiful musical instruments born here, in the East. “I dedicate it to the Arab world which is hosting the World Cup for the first time in history. Let us open our eyes and dream!”
The FIFA Fan Festival in Al Bidda Park can accommodate over 40,000 people at a time. It is expected that more people will come today with the kick-off of the World Cup. Fans can watch the matches live on mega screens.
Within the zone, fans can enjoy so much more: match screenings and endless entertainment, food offers with unique global culinary experiences, and fun football activities in a family-friendly environment.
The greatest football party in the world will see a star-studded music lineup during the month-long global tournament. Among the artists who will perform live on stage are Diplo, Kizz Daniel, Nora Fatehi, Trinidad Cardona, Calvin Harris, and DJ Aseel.
Only Hayya card holders may be able to enter the zone. It will be open today from 4pm to 2am; tomorrow, November 21 to 29, 11am to 2am; and from November 30 to December 18, back to 4pm to 2am.
