Dazzling opening expected

Doha: Tickets were sold out for the glittering opening ceremony that will kick off Friday night of the fifteenth edition of the Asian Games at the iconic Khalifa Stadium in Doha.

The mega spectacular event which sources said is going to involve hundreds of global artists and performers is wrapped in mystery as organisers hope to surprise the 50,000 visitors who will flock to the stadium tonight.

Among the main performers who have been so far announced are Hong Kong's superstar Jackie Chang, Indian pop and Bollywood sensation Sunidhi Chauhan, Lebanese artist Magida Al Roumi and tenor José Carreras.

"More than 10,000 participants will have contributed their expertise and creative skills to realise Qatar's dream of making the Doha 2006 ceremonies unforgettable events that will be cherished by Qataris and admired by Asia and the world for generations to come," said Ahmad Abdullah Al Khulaifi, Deputy Director General, Corporate Support, Doha Asian Games Organising Committee.

The Opening Ceremony organised by Australian company David Atkins Enterprise will be watched by a global TV audience of more than 1.5 billion and an audience at the stadium comprising VIPs, heads of Governments, diplomats and visitors from across the globe.

"We are eagerly waiting what will be the culmination of several years of planning for the biggest ceremony Asia has ever known," said Al Khulaifi.

Doha has hosted several international and national events including the first GCC football tournament, but none more high profile than the ceremonies and athletics of the 15th Asian Games.

In the meantime Doha wore its best festive look, with colourful banners welcoming visitors across the city and covering entire buildings.

On the sidelines of the Games, the biggest sport event after the Olympic Games, organisers are holding a three-week special carnival on the Corniche, the promenade along the waterfront.

The festival will feature a blend of music, dance, arts and culture showcasing the Asian Games culture as well Qatar's history, social life and folklore.

During the Games, a 10 metre-tall giant screen will telecast live sporting action from the events with English commentary from Al Jazeera TV in one of the central city's areas.

The main stage at the Sheraton Park will play host to an array of musical presentations from Malaysia, Syria, Indonesia, Thailand and Bahrain.