The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the Ministry of Culture and Sports (MCS) and Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) today officially launched Qatar Fan Zone with a lively event at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd.

The opening ceremony, which was attended by numerous VIPs, including government officials, foreign diplomats and business leaders, featured a dazzling spectacle performed by 180 artists. Crowds then enjoyed a fierce game between Germany and Mexico, followed by a concert performed by Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi.

Set to run until the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ final on Sunday 15 July, the fan zone is giving residents and visitors a taste of the tournament atmosphere four years before the event is hosted right here in Qatar. It is also the highlight of the fifth Qatar Summer Festival (QSF), which runs until the end of August.

In addition to screening matches from Russia live, the fan zone features entertainment, a designated zone for children and families, and more than 40 food and beverage carts.

Qatar Fan Zone is free to attend and gives visitors a chance to sample the excitement of the month-long tournament in an atmosphere that emulates World Cup vibes. It is one of three fan zones being organised by the SC during the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, with others being held at Katara and Hamad International Airport.

Nasser Al Khater, the SC's Assistant Secretary General for Tournament Affairs, said: "It's been fantastic to see so many passionate fans here today enjoying everything Qatar Fan Zone has to offer. This attraction is giving people the chance to sample a World Cup atmosphere four years before we host the biggest show on earth. I encourage families to visit the fan zone – there is something for everyone and I'm sure it will continue to be a huge success throughout the World Cup."

Abdulrahman Musallam Al Dosari, Advisor to H.E. the Minister of Culture and Sports, said: "We are delighted that so many people of all ages have enjoyed attending Qatar Fan Zone over the Eid weekend. Working alongside the SC and QTA, we remain committed to enhancing the culture of sports in Qatar, as the country gets ever closer to hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup."

The fan zone's opening ceremony also marked the start of this year's QSF, which kicked off on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. Organised by QTA, the 11-week festival is a nationwide celebration of the country's diverse retail and hospitality offerings, complemented by a host of entertainment and sports activities.

Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA, commented: "We are very pleased to have launched Qatar Fan Zone in partnership with both the SC and MCS; it is truly an example of the cross-sector collaboration required for delivering impactful tourism products and events."

He added: "The World Cup's overlap with the annual Qatar Summer Festival this year gives us the perfect opportunity to build our joint capabilities ahead of Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2022."

Qatar Fan Zone is open daily from 2:00 PM until midnight until 28 June, and from 4:00 PM until midnight between 30 June and 15 July. Operating on match days only, it is powered by Vodafone Qatar, the official telecommunications partner, and supported by W Doha Hotel & Residences, the official hospitality partner.

For the latest news from Qatar Fan Zone follow the SC (@roadto2022) and Qatar Calendar (@QatarCalendar) on social media.