JoBspace24

 

Desert fest kicks off

The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicked off with a colourful opening ceremony with various performances against the backdrop of flashing lights illuminating the Al Bayt Stadium. The official mascot of the Qatar World Cup, La’eeb, also made an appearance as it soared through the skies. Photo: Reuters

Qatar's ruler opened the World Cup on Sunday with a call for people of all races and orientations to put aside their differences before the hosts put on a visual feast for fans.

"People of all races, nationalities, beliefs and orientations will gather here in Qatar and around screens across the continents to share in the exciting moments," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani said in a speech in a tent-shaped stadium. "How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together at the same time."

Sheikh Tamim arrived at the stadium flanked by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to a roaring crowd, and took their seats alongside other Arab leaders.

A show then unfolded on the pitch, featuring three camels, American actor Morgan Freeman and a performance of a new tournament song called Dreamers featuring singer Jungkook of K-pop boy band BTS, alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince and the presidents of Egypt, Turkey and Algeria, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General, were among leaders at the stadium ahead of the first match between the hosts and Ecuador. Inside Al Bayt Stadium many seats were still vacant with gridlock on the expressway leading to the arena. Cheers went up as Qatar's team appeared for their opening match.

The Gulf state's Deputy Prime Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah, in remarks on state media, said Qatar was reaping benefits of years of "hard work and sound planning".

Throngs of fans were already arriving in Qatar, but the main rush will be later this week.

Outside the city's edges, hundreds of workers gathered in a sports arena in an industrial zone. They can watch matches there, priced out of the stadiums many toiled to build along with other infrastructure for the event.

"Of course I didn't buy a ticket. They're expensive and I should use that money for other things - like sending it back home to my family," Ghanaian national Kasim, a security guard who has worked in Qatar for four years, told Reuters.

Workers were putting final touches to Doha's landscape, including draping a purple tarpaulin over an unfinished building near the stadium where the final will be held.