Approximately an hour and a quarter before the initial match between Qatar and Ecuador, which kicked off the first World Cup in an Arab country, the opening ceremony of the event, which lasted 30 minutes, was held at the spectacular Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor. , just over an hour from the center of the Qatari capital.
With the presence and the narration of the American actor Morgan Freeman, the act became a tribute to the fan, with songs from all the fans and some giant shirts representing the teams present in this World Cup, in addition to the flags of the participating countries.
The biggest cheers went to the leaders of the Middle East and Africa who watched the ceremony from their luxury suites in the Al Bayt Stadium, modeled after a Bedouin tent.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received loud applause in a short speech delivered in Arabic. “We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful events,” he said. “We have made every effort and invested for the good of all humanity.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Ie7Utvv_Q
He was sitting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. “How beautiful it is that people put aside what divides to celebrate their diversity and what unites them at the same time,” said Sheikh Tamim. His words were translated into English on a video screen inside the stadium.
“I wish all the participating teams a magnificent football performance, great sportsmanship and a moment full of joy, excitement and delight for all of you,” he continued. “And may there be inspiring days of kindness and hope.” Then he said, “I welcome you all and good luck,” in the only words of his spoken in English.
Qatar, home to 3 million people, most of them immigrant workers, has spent more than $200 billion preparing for the World Cup. Seven new stadiums were built, including the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium north of Doha.
The opening ceremony was aimed at introducing Qatar to the world through its culture with the theme of “bridging the gap”. Creative director Ahmad Al Baker wanted it to signify “a gathering of all humanity, an invitation to come together as one, bridging all differences with humanity, respect and inclusion”.
“Finally, we have reached the day of the inauguration, the day you have been eagerly waiting for,” said Sheikh Tamim. “We will continue, and with us the whole world, God willing, the great football festival in this spacious area for human and civilized communication. “People of different races, nationalities, religions and orientations will come together here in Qatar and around TV screens on every continent to share the same exciting moments.”
Sheikh Tamim was accompanied by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, two leaders who had boycotted Qatar for years.
The leaders of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, the other two nations involved in the boycott, were not present.
Nor were top Western leaders in attendance. Qatar is under intense scrutiny for its treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ people. Gay and lesbian sex is criminalized in Qatar.
Among those who attended the opening match were UN Secretary General António Guterres, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Senegalese President Macky Sall, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. .
Associated Press/OnCuba.
