The wait is finally over! The moment the entire world has been waiting for with bated breath for 12 years has finally arrived, and it indeed arrived in a spectacular and dazzling fashion at the Bedouin tent-like Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on the evening of Sunday, November 20, 2022, as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicked off with a spellbinding opening ceremony.
In attendance to witness the unraveling of history, the beginning of the first-ever FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the entire Middle East and the Arab world, were the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and several presidents, heads of state, and other leaders from across the globe.
In his opening address, the Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, said the event gathered people of all nationalities and beliefs.
"From Qatar, from the Arab world, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022. How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together all at once," HH the Amir said.
The major highlight of the night was the surprise package arranged in honour of the Father Amir His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
An historical video of HH the Father Amir during his football playing days was shown to the admiration of the revered and respected leader. His Highness later autographed one of the jerseys of his football team back in the day as a heritage symbol and presented it as a gift to HH the Amir. As a gift, all attendees received a replica autographed jersey of HH the Father Amir's former team.
The ceremony began with a video that took viewers on a heritage journey of Qatar 2022, with a focus on the environment and sustainability, culminating with an incredible view and then the entrance into the Al Bayt Stadium.
Then came a spectacular Qatari traditional musical performance which took the audience down the memory lane about Qatari culture and hospitality before the grand entrance of the American icon and Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman.
Freeman, together with FIFA World Cup Ambassador Ghanim Al Muftah, pricked the conscience of the world with their dialogue-like conversation on the importance of mutual respect, peace, and harmony.
"We were raised to believe that we were scattered on this earth as nations and tribes so that we could learn from each other and find beauty in our differences," noted Al Muftah, whose story has served to amaze and inspire people by being a prominent and exceptional example for the youth and disabled people across the world.
"How can so many countries, languages, and cultures come together if only one way is accepted?" Freeman asked, before both agreed that "we can all live together under one big roof — the world" with tolerance and respect.
Immediately after was the Ardha Dance and then a FIFA theme song performance, which was followed by a tribute to all 32 participating countries with a runway-like jersey show.
The world then witnessed the unveiling of La'eeb, the official mascot for this year's FIFA World Cup, whose appearance was accompanied by dazzling fireworks across the 60,000-capacity stadium.
South Korea's megastar Jungkook of BTS and Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi took the ceremony to its climax with their stunning performance of "Dreamers," the official track of the FIFA World Cup 2022, as the opening event of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 came to an end before the first match of the tournament between Qatar and Ecuador kicked off.
To the entire world and all those in attendance, it was a promise delivered in spectacular fashion. While hosting the World Cup is often a once in a life-time opportunity, given the global interest in hosting the Mondial, the world can give Qatar a thumbs up for delivering on its promises.
Let the game begin!