His Highness The Amir inaugurates the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, inaugurated the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City.

In his opening speech, HH The Amir welcomed the world to the State of Qatar noting, “for a period of twenty-eight days, we will follow, and with us the whole world, the great football festival in this spacious ambience for human and civilised communication.”

HH The Amir urged people to put their differences aside and cherish their diversity and what brings them closer together, emphasising that the State of Qatar has “worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity.”

HH The Amir wished all the participating teams good luck and “a magnificent football performance and high sportsmanship.”

The ceremony were attended by HH The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Personal Representative of HH the Amir, HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, and a number of Their Excellencies sheikhs and ministers.

The ceremony was also attended by a number of Their Majesties and Highnesses leaders of sisterly and friendly countries, Their Excellencies heads of governments and fans.

The event included several artistic segments that narrate and celebrate the deeply rooted culture of the Arab region and the State of Qatar in particular. The ceremony also included expressive shows that reflected the Qatari and Arab generosity, in a symbolic sign of the State of Qatar welcoming all fans from all over the world.