Doha: Emir Opens Arab Games at Spectacular Ceremony

Pics: Sunil Crasto

Doha, Dec 11 (Gulf Times): Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani opened the Arab Games Doha 2011  at a spectacular ceremony that not only encapsulated the Arab world’s glorious past and touched upon its current turmoil, but also resonated with a call for a future based on knowledge, peace, unity and dignity.

The 40,000 crowd at the magnificently-lit Khalifa Stadium was transported to a magical world by the wizardry of David Atkins Enterprises (DAE), with about 700 performers selected from all over the Gulf involved in a gripping 90-minute extravaganza that ended with a dazzling fireworks display.

Spectators gasped in awe at various elements in the show, especially when the Khalifa Stadium turf was instantly transformed into a moonlit desert a few minutes into the show with the help of modern video projection technology never used before at a sporting event.

They watched in amazement as members of two medieval Arab tribes pitched their tents on the sand, engaged in poetry competitions and even fought battles before reconciling their differences and embarking on the road to peace and prosperity.

The central character of the ceremony was “Dignity” who confronts the “monster” of ignorance and discord before eventually destroying it with the “torch of knowledge”, thus driving home the message that eventually knowledge and wisdom will overcome all conflict. The fact that “Dignity”, the possessor of knowledge, was a woman in itself was of special consequence, especially for the Middle East where their roles are often defined by men and restricted by age-old customs that have become largely irrelevant in modern times.

In another act of symbolism, a young girl, rather than a well-known athlete, lit the Games cauldron, signifying the fact that the children are the future and that they need to be provided with all they need to equip them for the future.
“Go ahead child, light the flame of your bright future,” “Dignity” tells the child before handing over the torch to her.

Well-known Arab singers Ehab Taufiq and Asala Nasri enthralled the audience at the ceremony before the participating teams took part in the traditional athletes’ march past.

All the 21 nations took part in the parade, with Jordan trooping in first and hosts Qatar, led by volleyball star Mubarak Eid, rounding off the formalities.
Enthusiasm was writ large on the athletes’ faces as they were welcomed by the cheering crowd. Qatar obviously were cheered the loudest, but Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, where recent revolutions toppled unpopular leaders, were not too far behind. Even teams from nations hardly known for their sporting prowess, such as Somalia, Djibouti, Mauritania and the Comoros, were also present in significant numbers.

“The show had a simple theme but it was elegantly done and we enjoyed it thoroughly,” said Jordanian national Hassan Ali visiting Qatar specifically for the Games.

“The Arab Games are proof that the future is bright. It shows that if we can unite in sports we can also unite in other areas to ensure a better future for ourselves and for future generations.”

Christina, an American national of Lebanese origin, also expressed similar views. “We have Qatar to thank for the magnificent show. No other country could have done it better. It truly speaks volumes about the vision of Qatar’s leaders, especially the Emir, Sheikh Hamad.”

The competitions begin in right earnest today and will continue until December 23, with African and Arab sporting powerhouse Egypt the clear favourites to top the medal tally.

In the absence of Syria, the Tunisians would probably end up in second place, although Qatar, being the hosts, would be no pushovers.

Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir’s Personal Representative Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Emir’s Special Adviser Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani also attended the opening ceremony.

It was also attended by Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, and a number of sheikhs and ministers.

A number of Arab presidents, the Arab League Secretary General Dr Nabil al-Arabi, GCC Secretary General Abdul-Latif el Zayani, the distinguished guests of the country along with the heads of the diplomatic corps accredited to Qatar also attended the event.