Qatar World Cup Reflection: Day 13-14
On the eve of the World Cup final, one would expect for things to quiet down and become serene in anticipation of the big game. Anything but ... The massive party that is Doha had us with yet another busy weekend schedule, which started by attending the FIFA Legends Cup tournament, showcasing stars from yesteryear. This is a fun event, which brought back some happy memories of great players, the likes of Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho- fan favorites to this day. So are others like Stoichkov, Kafu, Kaka, Higuita, Zambrano, Forlan, Kharja, Antar, Gomaa, and so many others. The tournament was played at the Khalifa Tennis Club with mini football fields, just enough, considering the stamina of these players. It was actually surprising to see a few of whose bodies have been totally transformed. Some like Wesley Sneijder still have skill but are now much bulkier. Almost all are slower. Made me wonder how tragically short the playing career of a football star really is. One minute you're on top of the world. The next you live in relative obscurity out of the limelight. I can only imagine how hard the adjustment must be. The funniest thing was seeing Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, himself in shorts and playing. Not much of a player, I have to say, but exudes the necessary positive vibes.
From that somewhat wacky fun, we went on to some culture and history, visiting the inside of Qatar's Dessert Rose National Museum to learn about Qatar's own story. This is timely considering tomorrow, the very day of the WC Final, happens to also be the day of Independence of Qatar. Big fireworks are expected. The museum, which we had visited from the outside a few days earlier and marveled at its architecture turned out to be no less impressive on the inside, using all kinds of technology to explain the history of the Qatari Peninsula and bring it back to life to the visitors. I particularly enjoyed two things. First, an exhibition on Arab Gulf Bedouins, which explained the role of men and women in this harsh nomadic life. It was quite surprising to note the strength and influence of these women on their men, families, and culture. Second, was an almost year-by-year explanation of the nation's struggles to become one, the difficulties and risks faced, and then the blistering speed of development. On the way out, Sheikha Moza and her daughter explained in a recording on a large screen how their focus on Qatar's development has always been on education, culture, tradition, and the arts to complement the overall economic wellbeing of their fellow citizens. It made me recall in the Bin Jassem museum in Msheireb another video that Sheikha Moza was also featured in, discussing the importance of preserving traditional architecture, while also introducing modernity. It was becoming more and more evident that Qatar had been blessed with the caring feminine touch. Our last major activity of the day- a concert and fashion show at Stadium 974 all but confirmed it.
It would be the last event to be held at the stadium before it got dismantled and shipped off to a country in need. Karim was excited and said it was for charity. I didn't know what to expect, but went along anyway. The event was impressive. Turns out, it had been conceived by Sheikha Mayassa, the sister of Emir Tamim, the ruler of Qatar. Upon taking our seats, I noticed what looked like a business card. Turns out every seat had them, and it read, "Foxyheels: A Saudi Startup brand that empowers women and femininity by designing high heels."
Once the fashion show started, it was hard to think if one was watching it in Doha or Milan in what turned out to be the largest fashion show ever organized in the region. Designers from over 100 brands were included. Then the music program started with a famous Lebanese singer by the name of Nancy Ajram who I had never seen perform before. She sang elegantly as the stadium sang along her well known songs. She was followed by a renowned Iraqi singer, Qadim Al Sahir, whose songs at times made it sound like he was reciting traditional Arabic poetry. Then the Western acts began with Dominican Osuna doing what have become World Cup classics, impressive French DJ Snake who brought on Cheb Khaled to sing regional hit Aisha, and American Post Malone who besides his hits brought a bunch of tattoos. It was interesting to note all the masses of Arab youths literally jumping around between eastern and western tunes with fascinating dexterity. From what I have been able to decipher, this is an amazing flobalized generation that could feel very much at home in either setting. The youth had already quite naturally shifted from familiar Arabic rhythm and dancing to jumping to equally familiar Western beats ... and it occurred in what seemed like a heartbeat. Most notable however was the overwhelming presence of elegant Qatari and Arab ladies. Judging by the relative numbers, I can safely conclude that women here much more prefer to attend this type of cultural event than a World Cup football match ... Pulling this type of fashion show in the middle of a rowdy World Cup shows, that they can get their way too!
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