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

Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Emir of Qatar, received the UAE Vice President

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Photo: Qatar News Agency

By Web Desk

Published: Sun 20 Nov 2022, 7:01 PM

Last updated: Mon 21 Nov 2022, 12:11 AM

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.

Photo: Qatar News Agency
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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.

Photo: Dubai Media Office

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.

Photo: Dubai Media Office

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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The World Cup kicks off with host nation Qatar facing Ecuador on Sunday as the month-long football showpiece finally gets under way after a 12-year build-up.

Foreign government officials, VIPs and celebrities will be in the crowd as the first World Cup staged in the Arab world opens at the Bedouin tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside of Doha.

Opening ceremony

South Korean K-pop star Jung Kook will headline the 30-minute opening ceremony, which organisers said Sunday would reflect themes of "humanity, respect and inclusion".

Qatari singers Fahad Al-Kubaisi and Dana will also perform at the opening ceremony.

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

Web Desk

Published: Sun 20 Nov 2022, 7:01 PM

Last updated: Mon 21 Nov 2022, 12:11 AM

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