“Enough with prejudices: Qatar will host a great World Cup”

Sunday evening at Al Khor if a transcendental moment will be written on the history of the Arab world when Qatar and Ecuador open the world Cup. the ceremony of opening and the opening will conclude a long and sometimes arduous 12-year journey since we were awarded the right to host the world’s largest event in our region for the first time.

This World Cup is probably the most written and commented, even from before a ball has been kicked. It is deeply unfortunate that much of that commentary veered towards embracing misinformation, rejecting nuance, and depth to often based on prejudices and stereotypes rooted in the Middle East and the Arab world.

This does not mean that we exclude constructive criticism.. We get involved directly and consider every word. We’ve made this tournament a beacon of progress.contributing to internationally recognized labor reforms in our country.

Our vision for this tournament was that it should serve as a platform for uniting East and West, acknowledging our differences and celebrating our common humanity through the passion that ultimately unites us: football.

In the current global climate, we must cherish these rare opportunities to be together. The beauty of the World Cup is that it attracts people from every corner of the earth, from all walks of life, and leaves a legacy of friendship and understanding that breaks down misunderstandings, prejudices and stereotypes.

This is very important for the 450 million inhabitants of our region, who live and breathe football. Our peoples are linked by history, language, culture and religions. Different countries keep their own subtleties. What is indisputable is that, from Algeria to Qatar, football is our common passion. Since 1930, we have seen history created on every continent during the World Cup. And this time it’s up to us to make the history of our land.

Despite those who believe Qatar and the Arab world are unfit or unworthy to host, the facts suggest people disagree: 97 percent of tickets are sold. The UK is in the top five markets for such sales.

We are excited to welcome people back and share the culture of hospitality that we love as Qataris and Arabs. We are proud of who we are and the values ​​we stand for. We are a nation that has always defended openness, dialogue between peoples and the union of peoples. These values ​​are the essence of the World Cup.

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