On Saturday, the Qatari capital, Doha, witnessed the official opening of the FIFA Fan Festival in Al Bidda Park and on the Doha Corniche, in the presence of a large crowd, along with some football stars.
According to the Anatolian correspondent, among the most famous players who attended the opening: Spaniard Iker Casillas, Brazilian duo Roberto Carlos and Cafu, French trio Yuri Djorkaeff, David Trezeguet, and Marcel Desailly.
Fan festivities are held in conjunction with the World Cup tournaments, as they continue until the final match.
In his speech during the ceremony, Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), announced the opening of the FIFA Fan Festival, and welcomed all the world’s fans to Qatar.
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Infantino called on the fans to “enjoy the atmosphere of the exceptional tournament that kicks off on Sunday, and the atmosphere of the events that kicked off on Saturday.”
He said, “We are proud of all the fans from all over the world, as the world gathers thanks to them now here in Qatar.”
Representatives of the International Federation of Football Associations and representatives of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of Qatar participated in the inauguration.
Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said: “Qatar is making history, and the fans are part of this history, and we wish them to spend the best times in it.”
Following the speeches, Lebanese singer Myriam Fares and Colombian superstar Maluma performed two concerts to open the live entertainment programme, which included a world exclusive duo performing the official Fan Fest song “Tukoh Taka” (co-recorded by Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares).
It is scheduled that the artistic performances will continue throughout the period of the World Cup, as international performances will be presented under the “FIFA Sound” initiative.
The Fan Fest is the perfect place to watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches in an enthusiastic atmosphere.
The festival will feature activities for sponsoring institutions and exhibitions dedicated to football, with an official store for licensed FIFA World Cup products.
The main events in the Corniche area include large screens showing matches, cultural activities and many interesting street shows from around the world.
These entertainment shows are considered one of the most important events that Qatar will witness during the World Cup, as it will be distinguished by its distinctive carnival atmosphere.
The most prominent tourist attractions during the tournament include the “974 Beach Club”, which is located near the “974 Stadium”, and will offer a variety of activities, targeting about 10,000 visitors per day.
Meanwhile, the “Lusail Trail” near the “Lusail Stadium”, which will host the final of the tournament, will host distinguished street art shows, to an estimated audience of 50,000 people per day.
Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup between November 20 and December 18.
The tournament begins with the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al-Bayt Stadium, in the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world.