Fifa World Cup: Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Hamdan arrive in Doha to attend the opening ceremony

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, arrived in Doha to attend the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The UAE Vice-President is accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed and the Crown Prince was received by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir of Qatar.

Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hamdan attended the opening ceremony in the presence of Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, heads of states, and senior officials.

On behalf of the UAE’s leadership and its people, Sheikh Mohammed congratulated Qatar’s leadership and its people on the successful inauguration of the mega event. He said Qatar’s successful hosting of the tournament is an achievement for the Arab world in general and a valuable addition to the Gulf region’s sporting landscape.

Sheikh Mohammed’s visit follows the invitation extended by the Emir of Qatar and reflects the strong ties between the two nations and their peoples.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman and a delegation of ministers also arrived in Qatar on Sunday morning to attend the opening ceremony of the World Cup, Saudi state media reported.

Mohammed bin Salman was accompanied by the kingdom's energy, interior, foreign, commerce and investment ministers as well as senior officials including his national security adviser and head of the National Guard, the official Saudi Press Agency said.

Prince Mohammed also ordered all government ministries and agencies "to provide any additional support or facilities required by Qatar" to host the event, the sports ministry said in a statement, without providing details.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi also arrived in Qatar on Sunday to attend the opening ceremony.

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Fifa said the ceremony "will include tributes to the 32 competing teams, previous Fifa World Cup hosts and event volunteers."