Amir welcomes ‘everyone to everyone’s Doha’

Doha, Qatar: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani welcomed, in the name of every Qatari, everyone to "everyone's Doha" as he inaugurated the 24th Gulf Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium Tuesday.

His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, His Highness the Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani and other dignitaries were also present at the opening ceremony.

The inauguration was also attended by Marzouq bin Ali al-Ghanim, Speaker of the National Assembly of Kuwait, Their Excellencies Sheikhs, ministers, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to the State and heads of the Gulf Olympic committees and federations.

After a dazzling entertainment programme, the packed crowd was treated to a documentary film about the history of the Gulf Cup since its inception in 1970. It was followed by a traditional song and sword dance by hundreds of performers, with both Qatar and Iraq fans joining in from the stands.

The flags of the eight participating teams were brought into the centre of the pitch with fireworks illuminating the stadium.

His Highness the Amir and other dignitaries attended the opening match between Qatar and Iraq, which Iraq won 2-1.