FOOTBALL’S ARABIAN DELIGHT
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 set for kick off at Al Bayt Stadium
One of the greatest sporting spectacles on the planet, the FIFA World Cup, kicks off at the magnificent Al Bayt Stadium in Doha today (Sunday) evening.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is historic in many ways. For one of the smallest nations to be hosting the world’s most watched sporting event is no mean achievement. It is also for the first time the football extravaganza is being held on Arab soil, a moment of immense pride for all in the region and an extraordinary symbol of unity and brotherhood.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has notched up many firsts since winning the bid in December 2010. Traditionally held in the summer, this time the World Cup is taking place in winter. It is perhaps the only host nation to create all the modern, best-inclass infrastructure from the stadiums to hotels to roads to the metro from scratch.
Under the visionary leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has made possible everything that is needed for the event to be in place well before time. All stops have been pulled to make the thousands of visiting football fans from all over the world feel at home.
The World Cup is not just about football. Beyond the sport, Qatar is using the event to showcase to the world the unique Qatari and Arab culture, history, language, music, art and cuisine. It will also introduce to fans from far and wide the stellar economic development in the country, its peace-loving and friendly people, its tourist spots, et al. When football fans go home to their respective countries, Qatar would have made sure they carry wonderful memories of not only the football that was played but also of the country, and the Arab world.
Ever since Qatar won the hosting rights for the World Cup, vested interests have mounted a vicious campaign on baseless issues. The country has however stood its ground, resilient and carrying on with the job of ensuring the event is a resounding success.
Sport is not only about winning and losing. It is about bringing nations from around the world together and fostering peace. That is the message that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is seeking to deliver to the world.