Doha: Qatar kicked off the first-ever FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab region with a spectacular opening ceremony sending out a message of global unity at the Al Bayt Stadium.
“From Qatar, from an Arab country, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022. We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity,” Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said in his speech at the opening ceremony.
Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani waving to the crowds at the World Cup opening.
H H the Amir said: “Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day that you have been eagerly waiting for. Starting from this evening, and for a period of twenty-eight days, we will follow, and with us the whole world, God willing, the great football festival, in this spacious ambience for human and civilized communication.”
“People of different races, nationalities, faiths and orientations will gather here in Qatar, and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments.
How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time,” H H the Amir added.
The Amir said: “I wish all the participating teams a magnificent football performance, high sportsmanship, and a time full of joy, excitement and delight for you all. And let there be days that are inspiring with goodness and hope. Welcome and good luck to all.”
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani delivering remarks at the opening of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor yesterday.
The opening ceremony was attended by Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Personal Representative of H H the Amir H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, H E Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, a number of Their Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses leaders of sisterly and friendly nations, head of delegations participating at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and Their Excellencies Sheikhs and Ministers.
The show lasted for 30 minutes with international and local actors, singers and dancers, including Hollywood star Morgan Freeman, K-pop sensation Jungkook of South Korean superband BTS and Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi amusing 67,372 spectators.
A gesture when H H the Amir handed a jersey to H H the Father Amir to autograph it as a symbol of legacy was also applauded by spectators.
The Bedouin-tent inspired venue opened its doors and sent out a call for the entire world to come as billions of people watched the spectacular ceremony all across the globe.
Amir, Father Amir, Saudi Crown Prince and PM HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, FIFA President H E Gianni Infantino, and other regional and Arab leaders at the opening.
It was a gathering for all mankind, an invitation to come together as one, bridging all differences with humanity, respect and inclusion. The concept of the ceremony was embodied in a unique idea of encompassing an idea of bridging distances.
The seven-act narration was guided by a strong visual concept, a musical project and world class talents, interlacing Qatari tradition with worldwide rhythms and national football chants, alternating between original scores and revised all-time favourites.
The concept of the ceremony was embodied in a unique, bespoke set design. The main elements were two suspended bridges of light, representing the encounter.
Programmed to change height throughout the show and symbolise the differences in perspective and background, a 5m by 5m double sided flying LED screen was the missing piece to connect the scenography, representing how all distances may be filled through dialogue and inclusion. The stunning ceremony culminated with a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the sky above the stadium, 44km (27 miles) north of Qatar’s capital, Doha.
