Arab Games: Doha All Set for Spectacular Opening Ceremony

Doha, December 08 (QNA) - Doha is all set to showcase a spectacular Arab Games 2011 opening ceremony at the Khalifa International Stadium here Friday under the patronage and presence of the HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Addressing a press conference held at the main media centre of the Games here Thursday, Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC) Chairman HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, "The contingents of all participating teams have arrived, all preparations are complete and Doha is poised to host a memorable Games with many new additions like the mini sports village that will house all athletes as well participants with special needs." The AGOC Deputy Chairman Ahmad Al Mawlawi, Executive Director Khalid Al Mohannadi and AGOC Director of Broadcasting and Media official Spokesperson Abduallah Al Mulla were also present at the conference. Sheikh Saoud expressed his happiness for the allocation by the organising committee of attractive prizes for winners of the first three positions for the respective events, at the directives of HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani who is also Qatar Olympic Committee President. With the arrival of the Yemen's contingent, the number of participating teams is up to 21 and the total number of participants, including athletes and administrators, crossed 5,400 for the Arab world's showpiece sports event, HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said. Arab Games Organising Committee (AGOC) Chairman further said that the grand opening ceremony will feature new technology as well as all athletes, including those with special needs, for the first time. The opening ceremony will begin at 7pm and he urged all spectators to arrive well in advance to enjoy the two hour and ten minutes programme. (QNA)