Cup of joy overflows

Massive street parties broke out across the country yesterday evening after FIFA made the announcement awarding Qatar the hosting rights of 2022 World Cup.

It was a carnival-like atmosphere on the scenic Corniche where traffic on the 8km stretch came to a standstill after 7pm as thousands of vehicles headed there for the traditional victory procession.

The partygoers spilled onto either side of the road blaring horns and hooting vuvuzelas, with some even dumping their cars and deciding to walk in the middle of the road.

Thousands had earlier watched the ceremony beamed live from Zurich, Switzerland, on a giant screen installed at the open-air Souq Waqif where supporters of Qatar’s bid started pouring in as early as 3pm.

As the crowd swelled by 6pm, so did the intensity, and when 45 minutes later FIFA’s president Sepp Blatter showed the world the card with the name of Qatar on it, people erupted with joy.

“I can’t, I can’t…I don’t know what to say. Nice, fine, beautiful, happy,” said Qatari youngster Waleed Abdulrahman al-Baloshi, tears flowing.

There were flags not just from Qatar but Tunis, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt.

“This is the best thing that’s happened to Qatar. I support the fact the World Cup will be held so near,” said a Bahraini, who came all the way to Souq Waqif to watch the ceremony live.

Excitement at the Souq was palpable with vuvuzelas blaring incessantly, Qatari flags fluttering, and children with Qatari flags painted on their faces running about delirious with joy.

“I feel absolutely thrilled. It feels like Eid. It is Eid,” said Qatari Ibrahim Abdullah Shukri, who with his wife and two young sons was dressed up in Qatari colours.

Another Qatari, Mohamed Saleh al-Abadi said the fact that Qatar beat the likes of the US, Japan and South Korea, itself is an achievement.

“Very recently we were called a third world country. This changes it all. It’s a proud moment not just for Qatar, but the entire Middle East,” said al-Abadi.

The joy was so contagious, it quickly spread to everyone in crowd, which truly reflected the diversity Doha has come to be known for.

Hugs were exchanged by everyone with anyone.

Some flew in just for the occasion.

“Because it was an extended weekend in the UAE, where we live, we decided to come here and explore the country, especially when a lot was expected to happen for it,” Brazilian Andre Amaral and his Argentinean partner Dolores Picot said.

“We are big fans of Qatar’s efforts to promote football. They just hosted Brazil and Argentina in Doha,” the South Americans said.

All were also particularly insistent in having their picture taken next to the Qatar’s bid billboard attached to the giant screen which yesterday read: “Let’s Make History. Today”

History was indeed made in the peninsula last night.

Photocaption I: HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani raises the World Cup trophy as he stands with HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad and members of the Qatar 2022 bid committee and FIFA president Joseph Blatter after Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 World Cup at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich yesterday

Photocaption II: People cheering at Souq Waqif