Tribune News Network
Doha
The organisers of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 officially inaugurated the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park and on the Doha Corniche last evening, in the presence of a large crowd, and a number of football legends, includingSpanish Iker Casillas, the Brazilian duo Roberto Carlos and Cafu, as well as the French trio Yuri Djorkaeff, David Trezeguet and Marcel Desailly.
The Fan Fests will continue throughout the tournament until the final match.
At the ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed all fans, inviting them to enjoy the exceptional football tournament that kicks off today and the activities in Al Bidda Park and on the Doha Corniche.
Announcing the opening of the festival’s activities, Infantino said, "We are proud of the fans from all over the world, because thanks to them, the world now gathers here in Qatar. Welcome to you in Qatar!”
Representatives of the FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) participated in the opening ceremony.
Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary general of the SC, said: "We welcome all fans to Qatar,” adding that Qatar is making history and that the fans are part of this history, wishing them the best time in Qatar.
Lebanese singer Myriam Fares and Colombian superstar Maluma performed two concerts to open the live entertainment programme. The duo also performed "Tukoh Taka”, the official anthem of the Fan Fest, which was co-recorded by Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares.
The musical performance marks the starting point of a wide range of artistic performances over the next four weeks, which will be interspersed with the best international and local musical creations. Thanks to the FIFA Sound initiative, visitors to the festival will enjoy performances by international artistes led by Diplo, Kiz Daniel, Nora Fatehi, Trinidad Cardona and Calvin Harris.
The festival will be open to fans from 4pm until one after midnight on Sunday, the opening day of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the fans will have a date with 29 days of football, music culture and entertainment.
The Fan Fest is the perfect place to watch the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches in an enthusiastic atmosphere, where the fun is not limited to football excitement, but also includes a variey ofentertainment programmes.
The activities on the Corniche include large screens to display matches, in addition to music festivals, cultural activities and many interesting street shows from around the world.
The most prominent tourist attractions during the tournament include the 974 Beach Club, which is located near the 974 stadium, and will present musical performances, a variety of activities and outlets to sell products.