Doha, 20 September 2022 - Thousands of football fans enjoyed a cultural and entertainment extravaganza during the Lusail Super Cup, which was staged at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final venue, Lusail Stadium.
In collaboration with various artists, community groups and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage and Qatar Rail, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) delivered a range of activities for 77,575 fans before and after the match between Al Hilal and Zamalek.
Among these activities was a live graffiti wall, multiple face-painting stations and a number of cultural performances from Saudi and Egyptian artists, in addition to Qatar’s diverse community groups from Brazil, Tunisia, Cuba and others.
Khaled Al Suwaidi, Stakeholder Relations Director, SC, said: “We are overjoyed once again by the enthusiasm of our valued communities and stakeholders for their unwavering support during the Lusail Super Cup. Their contribution created a festive atmosphere that made the night even more memorable.”
He added: “With the World Cup right around the corner, our priority is to continue engaging with people in Qatar. It also gives us great pleasure to have visiting artists for the first time joining the local talent. We look forward to celebrating all cultures with the visiting fans by inviting more than 600 artistic groups from around the world to take part in activations during the tournament.”
The Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage delivered a series of activations that added a local flavour by giving fans the opportunity to experience Qatari culture. Visitors to their tent were delighted by a selection of cultural games, a traditional ‘Ardha’ performance and the chance to apply henna art.
Aisha Al Mahmoud, Director, Public Relations & Communications Department, Ministry of Culture, Arts & Heritage, said: “With just weeks to go until Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup, we are proud to have participated in the Lusail Super Cup at the elegant Lusail Stadium. We look forward to seeing the venue come to life on our biggest cultural event of the year, which is Qatar National Day on 18 December. We have been working diligently with the SC to deliver a unique cultural experience for football fans during the tournament.”
More than 270 performers took part in the event, with more than 35 activations at 22 different spots near the stadium.
Saudi folklore group Al Jebailat delighted fans with lively ‘Samri’, ‘Bahri’ and ‘Yanbaawi’ performances.
Group member, Nasser Al Omairi, said: “It makes me proud that Qatar is leading the sports scene in the Arab region with its incredible venues and the highest level of organisation. Creating a platform that enables artists to participate allows everyone to share their talents with confidence and love, all in celebration of Qatar. The Lusail Super Cup was a truly special experience. We received a warm reception and great interaction from the audiences during the music performances.”
Ahmad Saeed, member of Egyptian break dance group The Monster Crew, said he was honored to represent his country.
“Looking at the venue tonight, its grandness and the people here, it truly makes me believe that we can accomplish anything. It makes me really proud to be Arab and part of Qatar’s journey to the World Cup. There’s no doubt that Qatar will put on an unforgettable spectacle that will showcase our region in a positive light,” said Saeed.
The 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium will host ten matches during Qatar 2022, starting with the Group C clash between Argentina and Saudi Arabia on 22 November.
