We did it, let’s get down to work Friday, 03 December 2010 05:35

IT was an evening like no other. We saw a dream turn into reality. As an eagerly awaiting world heard FIFA President Sepp Blatter announce Qatar as host for the 2022 World Cup, many of us, for a while, found it difficult to believe. It took time to sink in.

Qatar winning the bid proves one thing: It doesn’t matter if you are a small country if you can dream big and believe in it. Success then is sure to come. More so if that dream is not just for yourself but for an entire region.

Qatar has proved that a country has clear vision and people work together to realize it, we can achieve what seemingly looks impossible.

This is how Qatar started its journey to World Cup glory.

Qatar has set a good example for its young generation that nothing is impossible if you have a dream and a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This victory is not just for Qatar but for the entire Middle East, which we believe can bring much needed peace and cooperation.

The Peninsula salutes the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar 2022 Bid Committee Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani and the entire Bid Committee for their efforts.

The committee’s efforts have won stage one, they now need redouble efforts in order to make this international endeavour a success.

The entire country, both citizens and residents, are all behind you. We are in this together.

The activities for the 2022 World Cup preparation must start now. We have to show the world what Qatar and in essence the entire Middle East region, is capable of. And that we can keep our commitments.

As we have always said previously in this column, football is for all. Not just for big countries but also for small ones. Not just for nations with temperate climates but also for those who live in hot climates.

We are proud to say that Qatar can deliver a World Cup 2022 that will truly be memorable.

THE PENINSULA