FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003
Abu Dhabi: Where hospitality reigns
(FIFA.com) 27 Nov 2003

THE DAY REPLAYED - Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, experienced an evening it will never forget on Thursday 27 November 2003 as the 49,000 fans in the Zayed City Sports stadium witnessed one of the greatest spectacles in the history of the FIFA World Youth Championship. And rather than the Opening Game - a lively affair dominated by a very impressive Slovakia side - most of the thrills came from a enthralling opening ceremony

The FIFA World Youth Championship, being staged in Asia for the fifth time (and for the fourteenth time overall since its creation in 1977), could not have kicked off in more flamboyant style. As the sun set over the minarets and skyscrapers of the Emirate capital, an impressive crowd made its way into the Zayed City Sports stadium.

Dressed all in white in their traditional djellabas and keffiehs - all in black in the areas reserved for women - the fans were packed into the Zayed by the time the opening ceremony began at 7pm. A massive round of applause signalled the start as a message flashed up on the giant screen from UAE President Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the man whose portrait adorns the walls of the capital.

Then, all of a sudden, the lights went out and pairs of horses and riders came racing down the athletics track carrying giant flags from each of the 24 qualified nations. Those of Panama, Uzbekistan and Slovakia had never before unfurled at a FIFA competition, and were thus paid a fabulous tribute.

The sight of the horses had the crowd on their feet; this is, after all, a country where only equine sports can compete with the beautiful game in the hearts of the people. Hundreds of dancers then took centre stage, swaying to the rhythm of the traditional music blaring from the loudspeakers, as the air filled with laser beams and incense smoke. After the musicians and dancers it was the turn of camels to grace the sand-coloured arena – another star turn with locals appreciative of the precious worth of the “ships of the desert” to their nomadic ancestors.

The recorded message from the FIFA President was another highlight: Joseph S. Blatter had made the effort to thank his hosts for their legendary hospitality, and that attention to detail earned him an ovation. Then, lest we

forget this was a celebration dedicated to the world’s favourite sport, on came the kids, each with a ball at their feet to dazzle the onlookers with their dribbling and juggling skills. And finally, as the children exited, up went the first fireworks into the night sky marking the start of a superb display and the climax of an unforgettable ceremony.

Then, hardly before the crowd in the Zayed City Sports had time to finish applauding the brilliant show they had just witnessed, the arena was ready to welcome the first protagonists in this FIFA World Youth Championship. Slovakia and the United Arab Emirates made their way into the limelight and the tournament could begin. May it be marvellous, inch’ allah, and may the magnificent Arab hospitality receive just reward.