Al khor: In a spectacular global ceremony, the 11th FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 was inaugurated on Monday evening in the State of Qatar and runs until Dec. 18.

According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony took place at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, in front of more than 60,000 spectators who filled the stadium's stands. It sent several messages, both sporting and political, emphasizing the importance of unity, peace, and the spirit of sporting competition.

The ceremony featured artistic and musical performances that told the story of the creativity, arts, and heritage of the Arabs across generations. The latest audio-visual technology was used in harmony that impressed tens of thousands of attendees and millions behind the screens.

The ceremony highlighted the unity that gathered the Arab peoples since ancient times, which still exists and is clearly embodied in the support for the Palestinian cause, despite periods of occupation and attempts throughout history to sow discord and enmity among the Arabs.

The ceremony, which lasted about 15 minutes, opened with a visual display depicting Jerusalem, with two doves of peace flying in the air, in reference to the freedom that Al Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinians are waiting for.

With expressive words, the narrator of the ceremony, Syrian artist Rashid Assaf, eloquently blended the endless state of the Palestinian cause with the enjoyment of the Arab Cup and Arab football.

The opening ceremony's performances, executed by Katara Studios, featured three-dimensional light shows that linked Arab unity throughout history, blending the past and present in an artistic style, with a special appearance by international star Jeremy Irons during the show.

A group of Arab singers participated in the opening ceremony, which was held at Al Bayt Stadium, built in the style of an Arabian tent. Its stands were filled with fans from 3 pm onwards, chanting and interacting with the two official songs of the tournament: "Makani" by Egyptian artist Mohamed Mounir, and "Zamani" by Qatari artist Hamad Al Khazina.

Makani carries a humanitarian message that focuses on belonging, identity, and the shared Arab spirit, with a musical blend of modern rhythms and traditional elements.

Zamani presents a celebratory character that tends towards enthusiasm and encouragement, reflecting the idea that the time has come for a new Arab to appear on the sports scene, with a musical arrangement that blends Gulf rhythms with a modern style.

The ceremony also featured an artistic segment that blended the national anthem, a symbol of pride and dignity, in various Arab countries, in a song that resonated with all those present in the stands from different Arab nationalities.

Qatar is hosting the FIFA Arab Cup for the second consecutive time with the participation of 16 teams, during the period from Dec. 1-18.