Hi all!!

This thread will contain all kind of information related to the Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar!

Please feel free to comment, post articles, post pictures, post anything related to the Asian Games..

Let the party start!! (I mean the games! LOL)
:dj:

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/2018/orry5hy0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Great thread!!

is anyone going to go to the opening ceremony? Its going to cost 500 riyals just for a seat!! I heard there are no wastas!! no free tickets!

no free tickets !! I was hopping :D nevermind

so, its not gonna be easy to make this banner

Do you guys know if the previous Asian games were broadcast on international sports channels? I gotta see it on tv and I dont wanna miss it, no matter what!!

I'm pretty sure it'll be on international sport channels. 'Cause they'll broadcast the games in high-definition, and as far as I know there isn't a single arabic channel which supports HD (other than one of the ART channels maybe?)...

I remember the last games were in Pusan South Korea--and they were broadcasted everywhere

Al Jazeera Sport is gearing up for the Asian Games with a launch of two new free-to-air channels. In addition, “Al Jazeera Sport has a big surprise for its viewers today”, said Hedi Smirani, Official Spokesperson for Al Jazeera Sport. Al Jazeera Sport celebrates its 3rd anniversary today.

As a lead up to the Asian Games and throughout its duration, Al Jazeera Sport will have four free-to-air channels. The names of the channels will be as follows; al Jazeera Sport Asia I (with 24 hour coverage), Al Jazeera Sport, Al Jazeera Sport Asia II (Live-in-Arabic) and Al Jazeera Sport Asia III (Live-in-English).

When asked for details about the surprise, Smirani, in an interview with The Peninsula, responded: “I don’t want to spoil the surprise, it is very exciting and our viewers must tune in for the details.” He added, “We have been listening closely to our viewers. It will be a new look and it is unique and refreshing.” Smirani also said: “Our mission and values are the same, but we have seized this anniversary day to sharpen our look on the screen.”

When asked if their staffing needs have increased due to the Asia Games, Smirani responded: “Of course, these games are only second to the Olympics in size. There will be 39 sport disciplines and 45 countries represented.”

After the Asian Games, the number of free-to-air channels will revert back to two and the pay Al Jazeera Sport Plus channels will remain unchanged. Al Jazeera Sport Plus boasts a record of over 800,000 viewers at this time.

Al Jazeera Satellite Network will be celebrating their 10th anniversary today said Smirani. He added: “It is a tremendous time for all of us. We share in the 10th anniversary and at the same time we celebrate our third anniversary as a sports channel.” Smirani said Al Jazeera Sport will have some activities today to reward their staff for their hard work and contribution over the past three years.

Al-Jazeera announced that there'll be two channels especially for the Asian Games... :)

who said no free tickits q-tel is giving it workers free tickits really it was in th news

sunday 29th october the flame just reached jakarta / indonesia on its trip around asia here the link to the movie : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=77 and pic : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx mabrook

Olympic Village to open today!

http://img420.imageshack.us/img420/6599/olympyc9.png (http://imageshack.us)

Great news Halawala! Thanks :)

cool

Anyway, Asian Games Village is officially opened and is fully completed!

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7341/olympicvillageyu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/51/olympicvillage2fl0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/6311/olympicvillage3ms7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/1117/olympicvillage6ej6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2438/olympicvillage4rt0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/7970/olympicvillage5qv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Although these are some really crappy pics which show almost nothing :D, it looks GOOOD!

But the building in the second pic doesn't look completed to me.
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/51/olympicvillage2fl0.jpg

^^^ Omar, it is. The pic is low resolution since its taken from a PDF file. The glass is made to look that way, sort of like an unpolished look! :)

gooood now to open aspire tower

Ahhh. lol! Well, it needs a much higher res. pic to see that! :D
But I 'suppose' it looks cool... Doesn't it? :)

Yeah, it looks cool. I'll check Suzan's photos; she might have some

The HQ building in the village (I think its to be the MInistry of Health or something)

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/281/asianvillagehqkv2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Rafeek Manchayil's flickr

It's very nice!

I was wondering..
Does anyone know what are those small towers located in front of Aspire Tower?

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/9013/2640165681d6aae83c2bei2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Another shot:
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/7766/151145474401226391dbgq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice shot for the Stad!!
http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/8798/26401523395b8a0f7ecev6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

wow! The HQ building really looks nice! So do the 'small towers'...
But I have a question... Why the hell are these Pathfinders parked there (suzan's 2nd photo)? Where did the E280s and Landcruisers go?? :mad:

the small towers are for sightseing did you ever go up the ladder i did its not that long but you can see nice ad clear really its cool i use to swim in the swimming club in front of the stadeum near aspire 10 meters away from aspire tower but i dont swim their any way a quited long time ago.

wow! The HQ building really looks nice! So do the 'small towers'...
But I have a question... Why the hell are these Pathfinders parked there (suzan's 2nd photo)? Where did the E280s and Landcruisers go?? :mad:

the e280, i didnt see the for a long time

the e280, i didnt see the for a long time
Weird... I saw quite a number of them back during summer...

waoooooooo know i think doha is ready even for the olympics, great sports building

we are you know there is a thread for this olympics discussionyou know 2016

25 days to go people and by 12 am today 24 days good luck ;)

sat 4 nov / the flame just reached Bangkok,Thiland on its trip around asia hers the movie : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=83 pic : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx?pagenum=1&id=84

Guys... Check out Al-Jazeera Sport 2 channel. They have a live camera mounted at the corniche where Orry is standing...

^^ Its not working in my stupid dish? Anyway, tell us why and all the details ;)

It's just meant to just show the countdown for the Games. It's been like this for like 3 or 4 days...
I just wish they would have mounted the camera in the opposite direction so we can see the West Bay. Really... Too bad!

^^ aha. that's good? so, are we in the 20's yet?

where can I find this countdown?

In the middle of the Cornishe near the restaurant BALHAMBAR, you can see the giant mascot (Orry) and there is a countdown clock.

oh I thought this was an online countdown. whats the doha asian games website?

O yes... We are in the 20s...

@gulfexpress
www.doha-2006.com

You can see the countdown in the website also

thanks you guys

Mashad -> Esfahan, Iran - Wed 8 Nov

Flame visits cultural capital of Islamic World

Day 32 of the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay and the Doha 2006 Flame left the Holy City of Mashad, IR Iran, for the 2006 Cultural Capital of the Islamic world, the ancient Iranian city of Esfahan.

A bright and clear, sunny day greeted the Flame Plane as it touched down at Esfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport at 08:30 this morning, 8 November.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay ambassador, was welcomed by five girls and boys dressed in brightly coloured traditional outfits as he walked down the steps from the aircraft.

There on the tarmac to greet Sheikh Joaan were dignitaries from the province of Esfahan, Governor, Dr. Mourteza Saghaian Nejad; Mayor, Dr. Sayaid Morteza Saghaiannejari; together with the Secretary General of Physical Education, Mr. Behrouz Momtakhabi and representatives from the Iranian Olympic Committee; President Dr Reza Gharakhanlou and Secretary General Mr. Ali Kafashian.

Leaving the airport, the Torch Relay started it’s day with a reading from the Koran at Monar-e-Jonban, the Shaking Minarets.

First Torchbearer, the city Mayor, Mr. Bakhtiari, stood under the famous minarets which both shake in harmony if one is vibrated by someone inside. Once the shaking began, the Relay was off on its six hour, 40km route through the city.

Mr Bakhtiari ran across a small footpath then exchanged the Flame with Mr. Momtakhabi. The Relay continued on along the Atashgah Boulevard before crossing the 186m Marnan Bridge, built in 1636CE by the Armenian administrator, Khaje Sarfaraz.

After a loop up to Sofeh Park, taking in the beautiful Armenian Vank Church, the Torch Route hugged the banks of the Ziyande River:

Three more bridges were crossed, the Khagou Bridge, built during the Safavid Dynasty; the Sharestan Bridge, the oldest bridge in Esfahan and the Siospol Bridge, a unique construction with 33 spectacular arches.

Some of the alternative modes of transport used in the Esfahan leg of the Relay included grass skiers, a first for the 2006 Relay, kayaks on the Ziyande River – the kayaks escorting the Flame showing their commitment to the day by capsizing to show the Torch Relay logo emblazoned on their bottoms – and a horse and carriage along Charbagh Street.

As dusk fell on the city, the Flame arrived on horseback at the UNESCO World Heritage Site and second largest city square in the world, the Naghsh-I Jahan Square.

Overlooked by the breathtaking Shah and Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosques on the southern and eastern sides of the square, the Flame was handed to Ahmad Reza Kiani and Ali Malekpour who were joined by taekwondo world champion and Athens 2004 gold medallist, Hadi Saee.

Saee, Malekpour and Kiani walked along 76 metres of beautiful, hand-woven Persian carpet to the Torch Relay celebration site. Together they ignited the cauldron which initiated the performance of a traditional Iranian song sung in three languages; Arabic, English and Farsi, and a performance from a twirling dance troupe.

Tomorrow, the Flame travels to its last stop in IR Iran, the capital city Tehran, host to the 1974 Asian Games.

the video : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=87

Qatari's must be very excited about the games....wish I was there.

Athletes’ Village first guests
Sunday, 12 November, 2006

Athletes' Village staff arrive for work on opening day, ready to welcome IR Iran, the first delegationThe brand new Athletes’ Village became fully operational on Friday 10 November as its first guests arrived to take up their residency.

Officials from IR Iran, including its Chef de Mission Mr Sayed Nasrollah Sejadi, along with colleagues Mr Mohammed Azizi and Ms Atefeh Eslamian, were greeted by the Village Protocol and Welcome Committee before being allocated their accommodation.

Initial task of the IR Iran National Olympic Committee (NOC) members is to make sure all preparations regarding accommodation, transportation, health services, catering and training are in place before the arrival of the Iranian team.

A further 44 participating NOCs are on their way to take up residency at the Athletes’ Village and the IR Iran group was due to be joined on Saturday 11 November by NOC delegations from Thailand and Bahrain, while a two-man team from Kazakhstan is set to arrive today, 12 November.

Hosts Qatar will send a four-man delegation led by Chef de Mission Ahmad Al Mawlawi; they are scheduled to arrive in the Village tomorrow.

The Athletes’ Village comprises 32 residential buildings with a total of 811 apartments for athletes. A further 45 apartments are available for Chefs de Mission and officials as well as an NOC office for each participating country and region.

Each of the athlete’s apartments can house up to 13 people and consists of five bedrooms and four bathrooms, as well as a communal living room with television and telephone access.

Salalah -> Muscat, Oman - Sun 12 Nov
Smile please
Today, 12 November, a rest day for the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay, the Doha 2006 Flame was taken to Taqah Castle.

The castle, a prominent feature of the picturesque fishing village of Taqah in the Dhofar region of Oman, was the backdrop for a series of breathtaking photographs.

Famed for its pottery, silverwork and other artisan industries, Taqah Castle has a distinct style to its architecture. The castle's numerous shuttered windows are particularly unusual, with latticed wooden screens and keyhole-shaped arches.

Taqah Castle, which dates back over 100 years, was once the home to the grandmother of the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Outside the castle, a Qatari clad in warrior costume and holding the Doha 2006 Torch was carried shoulder high in a Sambuk, a small fishing vessel, which was carried into the grounds of the Fort followed by hordes of cheering youngsters.

The Torch Warrior disappeared into the depths of the edifice and moments later re-appeared in one of the turrets, holding aloft the Flame to the delight of the crowd.

Later in the afternoon, the Doha 2006 Flame left Salalah for Muscat, the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman, next stop on its 50,000km journey around Asia.

After touching down at Muscat’s Seeb International Airport, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, was greeted by Rashad bin Ahmed Al Hinai, the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; HE Eng. Habib Macki, Deputy Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee, and other dignitaries.

Tomorrow, day 37 of the Relay, the Flame will resume the Relay and pass well known local landmarks in Muscat such as Al Bastan Palace Hotel, The Corniche and several historic forts nestled in the rocky landscape which is such a feature of the countryside.

19 days to go and 3 days for ______________dead line______________ means just 3 more days for aspire zone ,aspire tower, road improvments, etc !!!!!!

...

1 day to dead line !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A day by the sea
Day 37 of the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay began with some very enjoyable sailing in the Gulf of Oman along the Baraljissah Coast. The Flame was carried in convoy with three wooden dhows, the traditional fishing and cargo boats of the Gulf region.

Constructed in one of Oman’s oldest ship building yards in the north eastern Omani town of Sur, dhows are a symbol of Oman’s seafaring tradition. This tradition was at its peak in the 1800s, when the boats were used to ship spices from Zanzibar off the African coast to Oman. Today the boats are still used for fishing – and for pleasure trips.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, proudly held the Doha 2006 Flame and led the flotilla of boats along the beautiful Muscat coastline, taking in sites such as the luxury Al Bustan Palace hotel, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resorts & Spa and the Sultan Qaboos Port.

Joining HE Sheikh Joaan for the ride were HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said; HH Sayyid Hareb bin Thuwaini Al Said; Rashad Al Hinai, the Ministry’s Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Habib bin Abdulnabi Macki, Deputy President of the Omani Olympic Committee and Sheikh Soud Hamed Alim Al-Rawahi, President of the Oman Athletics Association.

Traditional sea dancers from the area of Quriyat performed a ceremonial dance to the beat of a Rajha drum and the sound of the gurbah, an instrument similar to bagpipes. The saif, a traditional sword, was much in evidence during the dance routine.

As the convoy returned to shore, two huge water cannons sprayed a wall of water to welcome HE Sheikh Joaan and the Flame back to land.

With the voyage over, the Torch Relay began as the sun was setting. First was a celebration featuring traditional Omani dancing, then a rousing rendition from the Royal Oman Police Band, a motorcycle stunt show by the Royal Guard of Oman and an impressive display by camel and horse riders performing tricks. The large crowd which packed the 45,000-seater Qaboos Stadium was suitably, and noisily, appreciative.

Sayyid Al Mutassim bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, the Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, lit the cauldron in the stadium, home to the Omani National Football Team, to start the Flame on its 12km journey through the streets of this historic city.

The Relay began with the Flame doing a lap of the stadium carried in a horse and carriage, before handing on to the first Doha 2006 Torchbearer, athlete and Sydney 2000 Olympian, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Hooti.

Mohammed was joined along the route by 38 Omani athletes and representatives from the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, including female wheelchair athlete, Rahma Marhoon Al Hasni and national rally driver Hamad bin Said Al Wahaibi.

As each Torchbearer finished their leg, in a show of solidarity and friendship, they continued running behind the Flame is it journeyed through the city’s streets for one and a half hours. For the finish stretch to Muscat’s Seeb International Airport the Flame was carried by cyclist Yousef Khanfar Al Shukaili.

Tomorrow, 14 November, the Flame travels to Sohar in the Al Batinah Region of the Sultanate of Oman, reputed to be the birthplace of Sindbad the Sailor.

Sohar, Oman - Tue 14 Nov
All according to plan
Sohar in the Al Batinah Region of the Sultanate of Oman, 240km northwest of Muscat, was the venue for the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay for day 38, 14 November.

Sohar’s city, once the capital of Oman, is dominated by its castle, built between the 13th and 14th centuries by the Emirs of Hormuz. The castle saw considerable action during the active years of its life and features an escape tunnel which runs from inside the fort to the wilayat of Buraimi, 10km to the west. The tunnel was used as a route to obtain reinforcements and supplies during sieges – and probably to escape when things weren’t going to plan.

But for the Flame, everything planned for today went according to schedule.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, received a warm welcome on arrival in the picturesque grounds of the Castle. He was greeted by Rashad bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hinai, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Sports Affairs.

Following a performance from Taste of Oman, a cultural entertainment troupe which included traditional sword dancing in it’s entertaining repertoire, the 15th Asian Games Torch was lit from the Flame carried to Soha in its safety lantern. The Torch was handed to the Mayor of Sohar who in turn passed it a 15th Asian Games Torchbearer mounted on a spirited horse.

In a clatter of hooves the Torch exited the grounds of the Castle and was borne along the Corniche in a procession of 10 Torchbearers on horseback and camels.

Local children waving Omani flags turned out in force to cheer the Flame on its 3km route along the coastline of this fishing town.

Eighteen Torchbearers carried the Flame through the streets of the city to a fisherman’s monument, where the last runner, Bashir Al Heeshy Al Harassy, paused with his fellow Torchbearers for a golden photographic opportunity.

Transport from country to country for the Torch Relay has so far been by special aeroplane, but this time the Flame kept its feet firmly on the ground. It departed the Sultanate of Oman by land, crossing the border into the United Arab Emirates.

At the border crossing, 20 traditional dancers with swords were there to receive HE Sheikh Joaan and the Flame. An emotional farewell to Oman was made.

The Flame had received an affectionate welcome in each of the three Omani cities it visited, but next in line is a five day visit to the UAE, one more of the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Tomorrow, day 39 of the Relay, the Flame will journey through the streets of Hatta in the in the Hajar Mountains of the Emirates before visiting Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi before it leaves for Kuwait on 19 November.

_____________________deadline everybody_______________________

Hatta, Oman -> UAE - Wed 15 Nov
Raised to the Hatta heights
Day 39 of the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay, 15 November, began among the rocky landscape of the Hatta Mountains close to the Oman border.

HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Marktoum, son of the Ruler of Dubai, greeted HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, before the Relay and together they lit the 15th Asian Games Torch.

HE Sheikh Hamad paused for photographs with HE Sheikh Joaan before passing the Flame to Doha 2006 Torchbearer, Mohammed Said Al Khabbi, dressed in traditional dish dash and riding a camel. Al Khabbi started the Relay on its 3km route up to Hatta Heritage village followed by three other camels.

The Relay was escorted by 20 Dubai State Police troopers on horseback, each holding aloft the UAE flag.

Hatta Heritage Village is situated 105km southeast of Dubai, in the heart of the rugged Hatta Mountains and provides the visitor with a fascinating glimpse into the UAE’s past. The history of the village can be traced back almost 3,000 years.

Halfway along the route, outside the Ministry of the Interior, school children from Rashid and Hatta Schools wearing bright red and green t-shirts, the colours of the UAE flag, clapped and cheered as the Flame went past. Children in traditional dress carried a giant UAE flag above their shoulders; following the Flame as it went up the windy road to Hatta Cultural Village, the children sang the UAE national anthem at the top of their voices.

As the Flame approached the village, lit by the setting sun over the dramatic mountains, the Relay was greeted by traditional musicians playing bagpipes and drums

As the Flame reached the entrance of the heritage village children flanked the entrance and beat sticks on the ground in rhythm.

Then the Flame was handed over to five school children who, dressed in bright red and green outfits, walked with the Flame to the stage where they were greeted by dancers performing the Aalila dance.

The children handed the Torch to HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid who jointly held the Flame high in the air with HE Sheikh Joaan in a salute to a successful first Relay day in the Emirates.

Tomorrow the Flame travels to Sharjah for the second day of its adventures in the UAE.

The movie of the arrival of the flame to UAE , Hatta : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=94

The flame came to my university at 12:00 today, just duing my exam. I told the professor that Iwill take the exam at the other section because of the torch relay. I took 2 photos fromthe library of the flame passing by and thousands of people were in the courtyard awaiting the flame!

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4461/1611064ma0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/5066/1611062uz5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:)

cool but why didnt you post it before i mean early

^^ LooL! I told you I have exams after that; and I slept and I just woke up! Its only 6 hours old!

The movie of the arrival of the flame to UAE , Hatta : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=94

Nahh... No crappy streaming videos for me.
Watched it on Aljazeera Intl. :P :D

Halawala! and where are you? I can't see you :lol:

he is taking the pic lol i just reached 500 posts long way to omarmakki

I can see his reflection in the second pic :D
BTW, did you see Sheikh Jo3an there?

Nahh... No crappy streaming videos for me.
Watched it on Aljazeera Intl. :P :D

i know thats cool to but i saw the fireworks that happend in sharjah 1 hour ago and i saw the arrival in hatta it was good but still its good to see things online.

14 days to go people

well wat do you know

Official Supplier: Mowasalat

Thursday, 16 November, 2006

Utilising its distinctive Karwa brand, Mowasalat will provide the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 with an unparalleled transport service as it continues its commitment to developing sustainable and efficient transport systems in Doha, and obtaining better mobility for all citizens.

Mowasalat has considerable experience in providing high-quality transport services at a major sporting event and delivered a successful operation at the West Asian Games held in Doha in 2005. Athletes, fans, visitors and media were transported in clean, comfortable vehicles from Mowasalat’s mass transit business unit, while 150 limousines were also provided for VIP guests and delegates.

For Doha 2006, Mowasalat is dedicated to continuing to expand its transport expertise and will supply more than 700 buses, 150 limousines and 850 sedans. These vehicles are guaranteed to be constantly manned by more than 2,700 drivers throughout the build-up to the Games and during the event.

By providing complete transport solutions throughout the Games and beyond, Mowasalat is the biggest supplier to the 15th Asian Games and hopes to be the first-choice transport provider within the region by 2010.

^^
Which one should I ride today?? :D
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1169/24926490579857fbd71pj8.jpg

I can see his reflection in the second pic :D
BTW, did you see Sheikh Jo3an there?

Jo3an wasn't there--I think. Maybe he came later.

Well, I cant really take a photo of myself! LoL!

ow ow i know i know take the one thats white in color maybe the one next to that white one i am not shure

sharjah, UAE - Thu 16 Nov

A day to remember

In front of the impressive, yellow-stone City Hall buildings at Sharjah University Campus, Day 40 of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 Torch Relay, 16 November, began with a local dance troupe performing a traditional Al Ayala dance. The dance, normally performed at sea, involves the performers beating Khaizaran sticks on the ground in rhythm.

But before the first stick hit the ground, dozens of parachutists appeared in the sky, their parachute canopies in the colours of the UAE flag, with large national flags streaming behind them.

As the sky-divers landed to cheers from the crowd, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, lit the 15th Asian Games Flame from its safety lantern and handed it to Sheikh Issam Al Kasimi, representing Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamad Al Kassim, the Ruler of Sharjah.

With the Doha 2006 Torch safely alight, Sheikh Issam handed the Flame to the first Torchbearer, Obeid Al Gaseer.

Al Gaseer descended the imposing steps of the City Hall before passing the Torch to the second Torchbearer, Ibrahim Meer, at the university gates.

Along the university road, children lined the way dressed in bright red, green and black T-shirts and were joined by university students taking time from their studies. Weightlifters and karate athletes also presented a demonstration of their sports as the Torch Relay passed by.

From one seat of learning to another, the Flame traveled from Sharjah University to the American University of Sharjah where Torchbearer Yahia Al Ameeri exchanged the Flame with Iman Mourad.

Iman who left the grounds of the University and took the Flame along Al Muftan street where crowds were treated to a series of alternative transport modes for the Relay, including racing bikes, motor bikes and brightly coloured classic cars.

Ahmed Bin Khabm proudly held the Flame aloft in a silver Bentley and was greeted by hundreds of children as he arrived at the Cultural Palace, where the Relay broke for lunch and prayer.

After its break the Flame continued its journey along the picturesque Corniche. Asma Al Sardan walked along the route escorted by HE Sheikh Joaan who rode a motorbike alongside the Torchbearer.

Workers in the dockyards stopped to watch the Flame taken by three horses to a large wooden dhow, the traditional boat of the Gulf. Children dressed in their brightly coloured, taob national dress clapped and cheered as the dhow sailed away on a short journey.

Disembarked from the dhow the Relay wound through the narrow streets of Sharjah's Heritage Village, passing by the old souq and the walls and gates of the old city.

On leaving the old town, girls dressed in white released white doves into the air above the central souq. Outside the impressive, white-stoned Al Nour Mosque the Flame boarded yet another mode of transport, this time a long, white tram which carried elders of Sharjah.

Next it was back to the water as Flame majestically cruised the Al Qasba Canal, making its way towards the celebration site for the evening’s performances.

Upon entering the site the path was lit by towering, projected images of the Doha 2006 Torch Relay logo. A giant screen loomed over the water, showing live images of the Relay as the Flame made its way to the site. Crowds of performers gathered at the celebration site, singing with arms entwined, swaying rhythmically.

Just as the sun was setting, the Flame reached the Sharjah Lake and as it arrived, HE Sheikh Joaan, continuing his role as escort of the Flame, held aloft the Torch with Hamed Bin Abdulla Al-Thani.

The Flame was transported across the lake aboard a dhow and a yacht before docking at the celebration site.

Adnan Al Tiliani, UAE's retired footballer famously remembered for his 1990 World Cup performance, carried the Flame to the stage where he ignited the cauldron, triggering a spectacular fireworks display.

A remarkable celebration followed, cumulating with six, fire-twirling acrobats jumping through skipping ropes of fire amidst exploding, sparkling pyrotechnics. Their performance climaxed with a second eruption of fireworks that once again lit up the night sky.

To close the evening HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, presented a commemorative Doha 2006 Torch to HE Abdulla Bin Salem Al Qasmi, the Head of the Sharjah Emiri Diwan.

After a remarkable day and all that excitement, the Relay and the Flame take a well-deserved rest before making their way to Dubai for Saturday and Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Jo3an wasn't there--I think. Maybe he came later.

Well, I cant really take a photo of myself! LoL!
Darn! I wanted know whether he takes his white SLR everywhere with him or not! :D

ow ow i know i know take the one thats white in color maybe the one next to that white one i am not shure

loool! I bet each driver will stand in front of this line-up for at least 15 min. trying to look for his car!:lol:

hmm, I have some news for u guys :D I was there in the ceremony in alqasba canal :) I saw Sheikh Jo3an there and we went to say hi :)

btw, hw was there staring from the university till the end of the day u can see him in this picture
http://img483.imageshack.us/img483/3306/20061117041908hc6.jpg

the ceremony was fantastic, when u there its really different.

dont forget the fire works yesterday in sharjah it was nice

the movie of the arrival in sharjah interesting : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=95

photo album of the flame arrival in sharjah : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx?id=95&mid=1005

Doha’s jewel in media crown

The Main Press Centre (MPC) is the jewel in the media crown for the 15th
Asian Games Doha 2006. It will be home and headquarters to more than 2,200 journalists over the next month.

Officially opened on the 15th of November, the MPC is an Olympic-standard media facility that will function like a small city, offering workspace, transport, catering and an enormous stream of constantly updated information across a space that extends for several thousands of square metres.

“The media is essential to a successful Asian Games and this magnificent facility has been designed to address all of their reporting needs,” said Ahmed Al Khulaifi, Deputy Director General, Corporate Support, from the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC). “Based on everything, from news conference rooms to the calibre of service from dedicated staff, I am proud to welcome the international press to Doha”.

The facility is part of the Main Media Centre, which is divided into two sections – the MPC and the International Broadcast Centre (IBC). The MPC is a temporary structure next to the existing Qatar International Exhibition Centre, which houses the IBC.

Officially the IBC opens on 24th November. “From there we will distribute coverage of the 39 sports through Asia and Europe, parts of the Americas and the USA," said Patrick Furlong, DAGOC Director of Broadcasting and Media Services.

The MPC will be home and headquarters to over 5,000 journalists, broadcasters, technicians, volunteers and officials. “What we are opening today is what we call the jewel in the crown. It is where the media can come to do their work. Each venue will have a media sub-centre, almost a mini-MPC. At each one there will be work rooms, press conference facilities and space in the tribune where the media can work,” said Reg Gratton, the Media Services Manager with DAGOC.

But the MPC has every conceivable service a journalist requires to work at peak efficiency. The MPC will act as the transportation hub, with a bus services to all the venues departing every 20 minutes. “The MPC is really well placed for access to venues. Almost all of them are within 10km,” said Gratton.

Over 90 metres in length, the vast structure works a little like a shopping mall. Essentials like postal services, a technology store, a bank, newsagents, a travel agency and hair dresser are accessed on either side of the main lobby.

The lobby also separates the press room from the restaurant. The design is very functional. Work and rest areas are distinctly separate, but within easy reach of any part of the MPC.

Four hunrdred work spaces and 200 phones are for the use of journalists while 40 plasma screens will carry live feeds from each sport venue, so journalists can watch the competitive action from their press office desks.

A particularly vital press room service is INFO2006, only available at dedicated terminals. It offers a constant stream of comprehensive results and schedules, news items from the Asian Games News Service (AGNS) at each competition venue, athletes’ biographies, a real-time medals table, Games records, historical results and other information across all sports.

“INFO2006 has a major role, which is why I can see many small newspapers using it. It will contain reviews, previews and running results which will be almost instantaneous. The most important thing though, for newspapers across the region, is that it has flash quotes in English.”

This means that reporters will be able to read an athlete’s reaction to victory just minutes after an event is run. Essentially it will be possible to do detailed reporting from the MPC, which means that small newspapers with just one reporter at the Games can cover more of the action. It will also have access to the internet.

“There will be 290 PCs with free internet access. It is something we learned from the West Asian Games and from Athens [2004 Olympic Games] in particular. There were none in the workroom at Athens and it was a big problem. Also the WiFi could be of great benefit,” said Gratton.

All in all, it will mean wider coverage for Doha 2006. The facilities provided to journalists by the MPC, along with the IBC, will mean that the 15th Asian Games will probably achieve the greatest global recognition of any Asian Games. As well as its sporting success, Asia can demonstrate its growing cultural impact across the globe, to match its rising economic importance.

Official Supplier: Nestlé PURE LIFE

The Nestlé Waters Group holds the Number 1 position in the bottled water market, leader notably in the Middle East, Europe and North America. Nestlé PURE LIFE is one of the fastest growing bottled water brands in the world. It is the top selling product in some of the biggest countries in the Middle East. The thirst-buster is the most popular bottled water in Pakistan, Lebanon and Uzbekistan.

With a successful background in providing brand water to major worldwide sporting events such as Wimbledon, the French Open Tennis Championships, the Tour de France and the New York Marathon, Nestlé has joined forces with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to supply the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 with Nestlé PURE LIFE water.

All athletes, supporters, organisers, staff, media and volunteers will benefit from the official supply of Nestlé PURE LIFE for the first time at an Asian Games. Ten million bottles are expected to be consumed before and during Doha 2006 – or the equivalent of one litre every second.

Water is essential for mental and physical performance and Nestlé PURE LIFE meets consumer needs for safe and healthy water with a great taste. PURE LIFE is guaranteed by a specific production process carried out under very strict hygienic conditions, which ensures the bottle is pure and safe right up to the point of bottling. The product is usually bottled in the country or region where it is sold.

At Doha 2006, 140 hot and cold water dispensers will also be housed in competition-linked venues, while a dedicated ‘water patrol’ will ensure a constant supply of Nestlé PURE LIFE is always available inside the stadiums.

The brand was launched in Pakistan in 1998 and after almost eight years is available in 21 countries. Nestle has cleverly pitched PURE LIFE into each market so depending where you are in the Middle East or Asia, PURE LIFE can be still, sparkling, plain or flavoured – but you can be sure it will always provide inexpensive and tasty refreshment.

PURE LIFE is manufactured by the Nestlé Waters Group, part of the world famous Nestlé range. The globally renowned company is now the biggest food and beverage company in the world.

It began as a small enterprise under the guise of Henri Nestlé in the 1860s. Nestlé, who was a pharmacist, developed a food for babies who were unable to breastfeed.

Nowadays, Nestlé is better known for its hugely popular coffee brand Nescafé, among other things which regularly appear on your shopping list. Other bottled water ranges include Perrier, Buxton and Aquarel.

Anyone know what the song they are playing in the videos is called??

power of the games ??? maybe its especally made for the video somwhere in the clip thay say dawhatna means the name doha. i am a torchbearer for your information they sent me a letter and told me you will meet us in 29th november 2006 8:45am.

Watched the whole thing yesterday on Alsharjah channel... It was a replay though...
I absolutely loved the part when they took the guy with the flame for a "ride" in a Bentley Continental GTC! :D:D:D

lol

13 days to go

Official Supplier: Q-Post

Q-Post is Qatar’s national postal service and will provide a full range of postal and courier services to the 15th Asian Games.
It has built two new post offices inside the Athletes’ Village and the Main Media Centre, which have a blend of sports themes and Qatari culture to provide a fun environment for athletes and the press.
Along with a complete range of postal services, Q-Post is selling Asian Games coin and stamp issues to commemorate the Games in Doha.
Since 2004, Q-Post has also offered customers the opportunity to purchase their own personal stamps which are likely to prove popular as a memento of working, competing at, or visiting the Games.
The stamps have been showcased at major sports and conference events around the world in the run up to Doha 2006. They will be on sale at the Athletes’ Village and Main Media Centre Post Offices, and at Q-Post Head Office on the Corniche during the Games.

Q-Post will have multilingual staff capable of speaking Arabic, Chinese, Tagalog, Hindi, English, Malay and Indonesian at its Games post offices.

In advance of the build-up to the 15th Asian Games, Q-Post joined forces with the Korean Post Office at the 14th Asian Games Busan 2002 to create a range of commemorative stamps with the theme: ‘See you in Doha 2006’.

Stamps featuring Games mascot Orry the oryx were first launched in December 2004 and as part of a collectable set of stamps and coins will provide memories of the Asian Games coming to Doha 2006.

Corporate Hospitality

At the heart of any great sporting event lies world-class hospitality. The 15th Asian Games will be an opportunity for Qatar to extend its heartfelt welcome and world-class Arabian hospitality to all guests. The Sponsor Hospitality Village, located at the Sport City welcomes corporations from Qatar and beyond to enhance their Games experience with the finest Qatari hospitality in the luxurious Asia Suite.

The Asia Suite can host up to 250 people daily during the 15th Asian Games and provides a complete corporate hospitality solution. This five-star environment offers guests the opportunity to meet and network with some of Qatars business leaders and to be taken on a culinary journey with menus featuring delicacies from across the continent.

As the only Official Hospitality destination for Doha 2006, the Asia Suite promises to add a new dimension of class and comfort to the overall Games experience.

Superstars for Opening Ceremony

Friday, 17 November, 2006

Superstars for a super ceremony, With a metaphorical fanfare of trumpets, Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) announced the names of the first of a galaxy of headline superstars who will be performing at the eagerly awaited Opening Ceremony for the 15th Asian Games on 1 December

As expected, the list of headliners spans Asia, the Middle East and the west too, bringing contrasting styles and a wide appeal across all spectrums of taste.

Until now the names of the performers have been a closely guarded secret, but we are now privileged to release the names of the first four to the public.

DAGOC announced on Friday 17 November that Hong Kong, China’s pop superstar Jacky Cheung; Indian pop and Bollywood sensation Sunidhi Chauhan; Lebanese artist Magida El Roumi and tenor José Carreras will be among the star spangled galaxy of performers at the Opening Ceremony to be held at Khalifa Stadium 1 December, starting at 18:00.

“We are so excited to announce the leading performers who will play a major role in heralding the start of the 15th Asian Games in Doha,” said Ahmed Abdulla Al Khulaifi, Deputy Director General, DAGOC. “We recognised the need to bring on board inspiring Asian as well as international artists in order to encapsulate the wide range of athletes and backgrounds represented throughout the Games.

“We are eagerly awaiting what will be the culmination of several years of planning for the biggest ceremony Asia has ever known. More than 8,000 artists from the Middle East, Asia and around the world will have contributed their creative skills to realise Qatar’s dream of making the Doha 2006 ceremonies unforgettable for generations to come.”

From furthest east comes Jackie Cheung, Hong Kong, China’s pop superstar and the man who was best selling Chinese singer in the world for two years running, as well as being voted one of the world’s most outstanding young persons. Cheung’s fame is as a singer, but he has also performed to critical acclaim in musicals and films. Jackie Cheung will be performing a song specially written for the Opening Ceremony

Travelling west we come to India, the home of the next superstar, Sunidhi Chauhan. Sunidhi will perform Reach Out, a song written by internationally renowned Australian composers Paul Begaud and Vanessa Corish. The song is a salute to the athletes from 45 countries and regions participating in the 15-day Games.

Sunidhi Chauhan might be just 19 years-of-age-old, but she has been performing since the age of four and is perhaps one of India’s best known young singers and performers. She will be coming to Doha from a 12-stop tour across the US.

Now to the Middle East; Lebanese artist Magida El Roumi is next on our voyage west. Magida is an ambassador for United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, and has been a symbol and an idol for global audiences for more than three decades, reflecting in her life and songs an image of a nation and its people.

Magida El Roumi will perform a duet with our fourth headliner, and the man from the western extreme of Eurasia, Spanish performer José Carreras.

José Carreras is one of the world’s greatest tenors and has performed with the most renowned conductors all over the world. Famously, he performed at the 1990 World Cup in Rome.

Doha 2006’s Opening Ceremony is the first time El Roumi and Carreras will perform together. Their Light the Way duet will herald the arrival of the 15th Asian Games Torch at Khalifa Stadium after its 50,000km, 15 country and region Relay.

DAGOC commissioned Australian company David Atkins Enterprise (DAE) to conceive, create and produce the Opening and Closing’ Ceremonies for the Games. DAE’s portfolio includes the Sydney 2000 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games Handover Ceremony.

But DAE, DAGOC and everybody concerned confidently believe that those previous triumphs will be put into the shade by the spectacular awaiting the global audience of billions watching on television, and the tens of thousands of spectators and thousands of athletes and officials present in the 50,000-seater Khalifa stadium on 1 December.

power of the games ??? maybe its especally made for the video somwhere in the clip thay say dawhatna means the name doha. i am a torchbearer for your information they sent me a letter and told me you will meet us in 29th november 2006 8:45am.

Wauw congrats! That's a big honor :banana:
I wish I could be in Doha to see the whole thing, but I am kinda stuck here in Denmark, and I am going out of my mind :bash:
I hope at least they will show a bit of it on one of channels here, but I doubt it :ohno:

thanks dosent aljazeera sports show in denmark? , btw heres 2 videos for the torch relay :http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/news/PlayVideo.aspx?mm_id=29&type=eng http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/news/PlayVideo.aspx?mm_id=19&type=eng

Volunteers : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/news/PlayVideo.aspx?mm_id=13&type=eng

would it be possible to watch parts of the games or opening online?

did you know there are 3000 torch bearers around asia and 1000 (including me) are in Qatar !!!

Spirit of the games anyone : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/news/PlayVideo.aspx?mm_id=18&type=eng

crazy orry : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/news/PlayVideo.aspx?mm_id=28&type=eng
http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/news/PlayVideo.aspx?mm_id=25&type=eng
http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/news/PlayVideo.aspx?mm_id=27&type=eng

Dubai, UAE - Sat 18 Nov

Dubai travels for the Flame


Twelve countries visited, another three to go – including the United Arab Emirates – before the much-travelled Torch Relay of the 15th Asian Games reaches Qatar on Saturday 25 November.

Today, 18 November and Day 42 of the 50,000km marathon, the 15th Asian Games Torch continued on its travels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Today’s proceedings began in front of the impressive Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, one of the world’s most remarkable hotels and thought to be the only seven-star hotel on Planet Earth.

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the 320m–high hotel dominates the Dubai coastline and, not surprisingly, offers an unforgettable sight at night.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, lit the day’s torch from the safety lantern carrying the Asian Games Flame and handed it to HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the chairman of Dubai Sports Council.

Flanked by his two brothers, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HE Sheikh Hamdan mounted his horse and galloped away, the three men exchanging the Flame between them while riding striking, white horses.

Boy Scouts lined the route waving the UAE flag, while bagpipers from the Dubai Police Band played traditional music as they proceeded along the Route.

Outside the Madinat Hotel, the Al Maktoum brothers exchanged the Flame with their sister, Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the captain of the UAE women’s karate team.

The Flame journeyed along Al Wasl Road, where it was transported in a classic, black,1956 Mercedes 180S, before being taken aboard another classic vehicle, this time a bright red 1972 Pontiac Trans-Am from the Emirates’ Motor Sports Association.

Along Al Safa Road, the Relay pace picked up as The Torch was driven by Ahmed Bin Sougat, Emirates’ rally champion and Yahya Bin Heli, Arab desert rally champion. Both sped along in modern-day rally cars.

Sheikh Zayed Road was the next part of the Route. The Flame was carried by international FIFA referee, Mike Riley of England. He passed an army of construction workers who are busy working on the Burj Dubai building; once completed, to be the world’s tallest.

As the flame continued along Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Saud Bin Abdulrahman, the Secretary-General of the Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC), exchanged the Torch with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum. He is the UAE’s first ever Olympic gold medalist, having won the double trap shooting in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The Torch then continued to Dubai Creek, where, on arrival at the Dubai Creek Club Marina, the crowds were entertained by young girls from Al Mezeher School who performed a traditional song, and danced dressed in brightly coloured national costumes.

From there the Flame was transported on a bright blue Class1 powerboat belonging to Mohamad Al Mary from Victory Team UAE Dubai. After crossing Dubai Creek, the powerboat stopped alongside Dubai’s Heritage Village where the Flame passed to Khalfan Hareb, the chief of the Emir’s Diwan and the last Torchbearer.

Khalfan Hareb carried the Flame to the celebration site, Sheikh Saeed House, and handed it to the first Torchbearer of the day, HE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who ascended the steps to the stage and he lit the Cauldron with the help of HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

As the Cauldron burst into flames, a fantastic firework display erupted into the night sky.

Tomorrow (Sunday), the Flame travels to Abu Dhabi, the final stop in the UAE, before heading for Kuwait on Monday.

Cool pic of the torch in dubai : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx?id=97

video of dubai : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx

Official Supplier: Technogym

With more than 20 years’ experience supplying professional sports and events, including three Olympic Games, Technogym has become the authoritative voice on analysing fitness and wellbeing in managerial, technical and training sectors.

Professional sports stars such as Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, the Americas Cup team and players from Liverpool FC are just a few examples of those who have successfully used Technogym’s equipment over the years.

By focusing on three main product lines – training at the gym, at home and rehabilitation – Technogym has delivered its equipment to worldwide sports clubs, hotels, beauty spas, rehabilitation centres and private homes.

After its previous experiences at Olympic Games, Technogym will bring a unique knowledge to the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 and athletes, delegates, coaches, trainers and medical staff from 45 countries and regions will be able to experience the company’s brand.

During Doha 2006, Technogym’s package of services will allow athletes to access a complete training system, including precise biometric trajectories, kinesis – for any specific sports training – and easy-to-use and reliable equipment.

As the Asian Games is the second largest sporting event behind the Olympic Games, Technogym is delighted to be a partner at such a huge event and looks forward to reinforcing its presence in the Middle East and Asia.

Technogym will be showcasing some of its products during the Games on Market Street, in front of Khalifa Stadium, and will unveil the latest fitness products designed for the home and office, including Kinesis Personal – a synthesis of Technogym’s experience in the world of physical movement and the exclusive design of architect Antonio Citterio, an icon in a new line of home products.

www.technogym.com

All smiles as Athletes' Village opens

Three years ago it may have seemed a dream yet now the breathtaking Athletes’ Village for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 has officially been opened.

It marks an incredible and rapid transformation that has turned an area of sand in March 2004 into a state-of-the-art accommodation for more than 10,500 participating athletes.

A poly clinic, dining hall, swimming pool and tennis courts are all features of a site that has impressed all who have seen it. There is also a retail centre, local cultural village and athletes’ entertainment area.

“No words can really express my joy,” Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, Director General of Doha Asian Games Organising Committee, told Qatar Tribune. “You just can’t explain the thrills I’m getting while standing in the middle of this dream project."

“Brick over brick was laid and wall over wall erected. Everything was done as planned and the Athletes’ Village has come up as an architecture wonder, more beautiful than I dreamt of.”

Sharing the same enthusiasm, Ahmed A. Al Khulaifi, Mayor of the Athletes Village said: “As a team we understand the enormous responsibility Qatar has to show hospitality to all those arriving. We are honoured to be the host and prepared to meet the challenge. It is the optimum setting for athletes and together we will make history.”

Hamad Al Tamimi, Director of Athletes Village said:“Through dedication and hard work we have made a fully functional Athletes’ Village.

“People can learn about Qatar and its people, arts, crafts and pastimes. They can feel relaxed and refreshed and enjoy the community spirit.”

Mr Al Khulaifi and Mr Al Tamimi cut the ribbon to signal the grand opening on Wednesday 15 November.

Teams from the competing 45 countries and regions have begun arriving at the Athletes’ Village ahead of the Games Opening Ceremony on 1 December.

The complex will be converted into a Medical City when the Games are over.

Games volunteers show true spirit

For Mustafa Fatthi it is time to give something back, to repay Qatar for six years of hospitality. The 40 year-old Sudanese, a tall man who towers over most, has decided like so many others – 16,000 of them, in fact – to volunteer and help the 15th Asian Games run smoothly.

The trading company salesman who came to Doha with his wife and young son will now give up his time for free to help spread a message of peace and unity at the Games.

Mustafa has driven his enormous white pick-up truck to the outskirts of Doha. The sand sits still in the midday heat.

The Uniform and Accreditation Centre (UAC) is located near the Al Gharrafa stadium, one of the venues for the football tournament. Today, Mustafa will get volunteer training and his uniform.

“It is important that you give something to Qatar,” he beams as he strolls into the brand new building. “I will learn new skills too, like dealing with people. It will look good on my CV – many of my friends are getting involved for the same reasons.

“Volunteers also get some tickets to the events. I am looking forward to taking my wife and son to the football or the basketball, we love sport in Qatar and the Games will give Doha a huge boost,” he says as his long legs help him follow the signs to the training wing.

“I will be working each day in the morning, but will be free each evening to help.” Mustafa will distribute team sheets, statistics and other material to journalists at the media centre. He will pick up some useful computer skills while volunteering.

He has already got his initial accreditation so does not have to queue at the front desk. This is a blessing because there are a lot of people waiting, all about to get involved in Doha 2006. Not all of them are volunteers, some are paid staff and others have been recruited from other areas in town but many are just ‘regular Joes’ (or Joannes) like Mustafa.

Volunteers are not required to work every day during the Games but when they are on shift they will usually work six to eight hour shifts.

Rachel Dobson runs the training centre. The Western Australian is bright and very friendly as are all of her team. Bearing in mind they do their presentation several times a day their enthusiasm is impressive, they make you feel like you are the first person they have seen that day, and they have seen many, many people since they started in September. Their positive attitude rubs off on the volunteers.


Commitment

I’m Qatari, it’s my duty, I want to represent my country
First of all Mustafa joins a lecture, housed in a small but well-equipped conference hall with raked seating which would not look out of place at any major university. There are about 20 people who sit attentively through an impressive video presentation welcoming them and giving the group an outline of their possible duties. After it is finished there is a quick briefing. This will go on throughout the day, every day, up until the end of November. As this group departs it is not long before another files in behind.

There are two main things to remember. Never say “I don’t know”, try as hard as you can to help the person requesting information, and “a smile is part of your uniform”. The DVD presentation concludes with a heart-warming multicultural mosaic of different people smiling. It convinces you just how important a smile can be.

The new recruits are themselves grinning as they make their way to a room which feels a bit like a pre-school nursery because it is so colourful. There are lots of eye-catching posters on the walls and little areas with information about the Games on flow charts and touch-screen monitors.

It is an eclectic mix that has gathered. A man originally from India, a South African women and many of regional origins. Each area of the room represents one of the ’five C’s’. An enthusiastic and enterprising woman called Sawsan talks us through them. The five C’s encourage a volunteer to be: competent, customer focussed, cheerful, culturally aware and committed. The volunteers have a bit of fun talking in their own languages and finally sign a book pledging their commitment to the Games.

One of the messages in the book says “Good luck to all the volunteers!” there is a light-hearted moment when one of the members of staff asks the collective what they think of the uniform. The Indian man, looking smart in a shirt and tie, mumbles: “they are very bright”.

He is right, the uniforms are bright. If you haven’t seen them yet (when you do you won’t miss them!) here is what to expect. The trouser and T-shirt combination are a fantastic array of yellow, blue, red and orange, and there is a zip-up jacket to round things off. The ensemble is eye-catching, and the uniforms stand out in a crowd for good reason. Volunteers at the Games need to be visibly accessible so spectators know who to ask for assistance. They are as much a part of the job as cheery disposition and turning up on time.

Spirit of the Games

After receiving the briefing on the five C’s the group are on their way to collect their uniforms. Mona Hamed doesn’t seem like a natural volunteer. You would have thought a 30 year-old women, who is hardly a sports fanatic, would be reluctant to give up a fortnight of her time in December. But you would be wrong.

“I come today to get my uniform and training for my job at the bowling venue,” she says. “I am from Egypt and I came to live here four years ago. I am interested in volleyball, I played at school and want to watch.”

All the volunteers get free tickets to events. Football is very popular. Later, Mona will line up for her volleyball tickets, which she gets. Before that, Mona hurries off to get her uniform. She peels away to the right to get her gear, and is pointed in the right direction by Enas Mujahed.

Enas is a paid member of staff who is originally from Palestine. She is smiley and very helpful. She says on any given day at least 200 people will come through to collect their uniforms. Sometimes it is many more.

Men outnumber women, but there is a constant stream of female volunteers. Women can choose from the colourful uniform or, if they prefer something more understated, there is a black abaya with red trim and an attractive ħijāb (or head scarf) in the colours of the Games.

Gentlemen get kitted out away to the left. The uniforms are on the pegs waiting to be tried on as you round the partition. It is like a multi-coloured high street retailer with changing booths on each side. At the far end are dark blue suits which are for volunteers who will deal with VIPs and dignitaries during the Games. There is a pin with the logo of the Games on it which helpers will wear on their lapels.

Saeed is a 67 year-old Qatari who’s very proud to be given his blue blazer. He will assist dignitaries in December. He is one of those old folks that you find everywhere who loves telling you how old he is, wearing it like a badge of honour, but he cuts a sprightly figure as he eyes up his suit in the full length mirror.

“My wife keeps me young!” he smiles. When asked why he’s getting involved he looks a little confused from the question and says. “I’m Qatari, it’s my duty, I want to represent my country.”

The buzz in the fitting room is electric, everyone is excited and enthusiastic without exception. There are a lot of jokes and a lot of laughs. Many of the countries and regions of the Games are represented on the ‘shop floor’.

Volunteers from Palestine, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and many other places are helping to make things go without a hitch. The true spirit of the Games is found here. Soon the whole world will see it when the Games begin, but for now it is shimmering like the Doha 2006 Flame between a selection of florescent T-shirts and a cardboard box full of red baseball caps.

I guess this thread is your qatar son :lol:

thats wat i was thinking althou its yours does anyone read this i am just mostly posting for the guests.

:okay: Why should it be mine? nop
But what I mean is that you are the only one contributing!!

Why should it be mine? nop
But what I mean is that you are the only one contributing!!:okay:

Don't worry qatar son...
We do read it. Good job there! ;)

Keep the updates coming qatar son, we need our daily dose! :tongue2:

By the way I got a question. On the games site, it says that Sheikh Joaan is "completing his three-year officer training at the Military Academy in Brittany, France and will graduate in July 2007." Do you know exactly what school this is, and is it kind of a tradition for the Emir's family to go and study there? Tell me if you ever know! : )

I dont know sorry

Official Supplier - TFCN The Look Company

In the run up to the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, Qatar’s capital city has been transformed with huge outdoor displays promoting the Games and even wrapping entire skyscrapers in pictures of athletes in action.

It’s all thanks to TFCN The Look Company, which is the Official Supplier of Look Project Management for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

TFCN The Look Company spearheads the Look Programme, through a range of integrated Look solutions that captivate, excite and interact with spectators and participants.

Examples of its unique Doha 2006 city Look and venue transformations include building wraps 25 stories high, sculptures, giant panoramic billboards, large-scale building projections, banner boulevards and even stadiums dressed in colour and light.

TFCN The Look Company manages, designs, produces and implements world class Look programmes. It takes on and delivers the full range of Look opportunities and challenges.

The Asian Games is the second largest sporting event in the world, after the Olympic Games itself.

Developing the city and stadium Look program for an international event like this requires a large array of talents, including Brand & Look Strategy, Project Management, Design & Engineering, CAD & Site Surveying, Lighting & Projection, Logistics & Procurement, Print & Hardware Manufacturing, as well as the Installation and Decommissioning.

TCFN The Look Company even organised expert climbers to measure buildings, so each banner or wrap could be tailored to meet the exact dimensions of each installation. The same riggers then help install the vast displays.

It’s all part of the extraordinary efforts to make Doha 2006 the Games of your Life.

Abu Dhabi, UAE - Sun 19 Nov

Big day in Abu Dhabi


The Torch Relay of the 15th Asian Games continued its four-day march across the United Arab Emirates today, 19 November, day 43 of the journey.

Today the 15th Asian Games Flame arrived from Dubai in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, with its towering skyscrapers and more than its fair share of top-rated hotels.

Outside the 200-year-old Al Maqta Fort, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, lit the Flame. He handed it to the first Torchbearer, Mohammed Khalifa Al Kubaisi, a tenpin bowler and the UAE’s most successful athlete. He competed in the past three Asian Games - 1994, 1998 and 2002 - and is set to appear in his fourth next month in Qatar.

Dressed in traditional clothes, Mr Al Kubaisi led three camels across the Al Maqta Bridge spanning the sparkling waters of the Gulf, to Abu Dhabi Island.

Along As Salam Road, Marzooq Ibrahim carried the Flame on a black Harley-Davidson motorbike. Escorted by another 24 Harleys, they rode in formation, with the last rider holding a large UAE flag.

The Flame journeyed past the huge white Al Nayhan Mosque, which is under construction and, once completed, is believed will be one of the largest mosques in the world. There the Flame was transferred into its safety lantern for a 10-minute drive to the Corniche. On the Corniche the 15th Asian Games Torch was borne by five UAE Paralympic athletes.

On its way along the Corniche, the Flame went past scores of school children taking part in varied sporting displays including gymnastics, judo and karate.

At the end of the Corniche, the Flame did a U-turn to travel back along the coastal road. Once more, Mohammed Khalifa Al Kubaisi, the four Asian Games’ veteran, had another session of Torch-carrying duties. This time around, however, he was wearing the colourful uniform of the Doha Asian Games’ Torchbearer.

His second stint over, Mr Al Kubaisi handed the Flame to the Minister of Education, Dr Haneef Hassan. Dr Hassan then continued the Flame’s progress along the coastal road, with several representatives from the UAE’s Government and members of the Emiri’s Diwan taking turns to carry the Torch.

Huge crowds gathered in front of the stunning, pink stone Emirates Palace Hotel, where the Flame was transported up the long driveway in a gleaming, white, Bentley motor car. As they entered the main gates, the Chief of the Emiri’s Diwan, Mohammad Hilal Al Kaabi, passed the Flame to Hussain Al Jasmi, the renowned UAE singer.

From a hotel to a palace, the Flame was this time transported in the white Bentley to the Qasr Al Hosn Palace, where it was carried through huge doors, which closed firmly behind it.

Qasr Al Hosn Palace, built in 1761, is the oldest historic building in Abu Dhabi and used to be the official residence of the rulers of Abu Dhabi. The Flame was temporarily housed in the palace for safekeeping before proceeding to the recently-completed Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

As night fell, the Flame arrived at the 40,000-seat stadium in the hand of eight-year-old HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nayhan who rode in on horseback. He was escorted by 45 white horses whose riders each carried a flag of the 45 nations taking part in the 15th Asian Games starting on 1 December.

At the entrance to the players’ tunnel, the young Sheikh handed the Flame to his older brother, HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nayhan, aged 10.

The brothers paused for a moment before joining their two torches; then proceeded up the steps to the stage where HH Sheikh Hazza handed the flame to HH Sheikh Mansour, President of the Al Jazira Football Club of the UAE.

HH Sheikh Mansour lit the Cauldron before the evening’s celebrations kicked off. These included an exciting firework display and singing by Hussain Al Jasmi, who also performed a duet with Ahlam, a well known UAE female singer.

Tomorrow, Monday 20 November, the Flame travels to Kuwait, where it will spend the next two days before traveling to Bahrain and then to Qatar on 25 November.

Doha and the start of the Games comes ever nearer.

the flame in abudabi the video http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=98

pictures of the flame in abu.... ah you know http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx

Around the world


The Challenge

Sixty seven year-old Tony Bullimore is attempting to sail round the world in under 71 days, 14 hours, 33 minutes and 33 seconds to beat the time set by 28 year-old Ellen MacArthur in 2004.

To be eligible for the record, Tony has to sail his boat, Doha 2006, a 102ft catamaran, single handed, over 21,600 miles.

Doha 2006 will start from close to Hobart, Tasmania, and will first cross the world's stormiest sea, the Southern Ocean, towards Cape Horn at the tip of South America. The distance from the start to Cape Horn is shorter the further south you sail, but Tony will have to be careful of icebergs if he pushes too far south.

Sailing close to Antarctica or not, Tony will still have to endure extreme cold and some of the world's biggest waves. Rolling unobstructed around the planet, waves in the Southern Ocean can reach over 40m high in big storms.

While sailing his boat as fast as possible, Tony Bullimore will have to constantly be on the look-out for maintenance problems in the sails and rigging, as well as in the complex systems that allow him to sail a craft of this size on his own.

Sleep will sometimes be hard to come-by; particularly when conditions are rough and the boat is gyrating under the effect of wind and sea. Water will often get below decks too, making for a wet sleeping bag and bunk. On average, Tony will sleep for only four hours a day, taken in short naps of perhaps not much more than ten minutes at a time.

Food is another problem. To save weight the boat will carry freeze-dried food which is reconstituted by adding boiling water. The result might be nutritious, but it has little taste.

Doha 2006 won't be carrying tanks full of water for the whole trip. Every day a desalination unit will be run in order to create just enough water for that day's usage. While the engine is running to power the water-maker, it is also used to charge the batteries.

Electric power is very important to Doha 2006 despite the fact that she is a sailing boat. Powerful satellite communication equipment allows Tony to send emails, still pictures and even video footage back to shore. So, not only do the boat's batteries have to be charged, Tony also has to find time to write, shoot , film and edit as well as sail the boat.

After the rigours of the Southern Ocean, Tony Bullimore will head north to warmer climes, sailing up the Atlantic towards the equator.

Temperatures will increase, exchanging one discomfort for another. Hot and airless, the boat will heat up like an oven. Tony will be drained by the heat and with the difficulty of sailing the boat in light winds.

But it won't last long, soon it will be back to the Southern Ocean, and the cold and wet; sailing as fast as possible towards the finish line off Hobart, just where the record attempt started.

sub of ^^^^^^

The Man

Born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England in 1939, Tony Bullimore didn't come to sailing until he was a teenager, but took to it immediately.

After years of pleasure-sailing and racing, in 1982 Tony came into the spotlight with some highly successful multihull sailing.

With sponsorship from the computer company Apricot, Tony built and campaigned in some of the most advanced racing vessels of their time. Pioneering in many ways with the design of the boats and their equipment, Tony quickly built up a reputation for being a tough customer. He climbed masts in howling gales and once climbed 300m sheer cliffs when a boat was washed into their base during a race.

Tony has more than 300,000 ocean racing miles under his belt. His many racing successes include the Round Britain & Ireland Race, singlehanded and two-man Transatlantic races, the Quebec/St Malo race, Plymouth/Vilamoura Race, Round Europe Race, Round the Island Races and the 2005 Oryx Quest round the world race.

In 1985 Tony was voted Yachtsman of the Year with Nigel Irens, the designer of his current catamaran Doha 2006, after they won a succession of races with Bullimore's 60ft trimaran Apricot.

In 1997 Tony secured world fame for tenaciously surviving five days in the freezing conditions of the Southern Ocean inside his capsized yacht during the Vendee Globe solo round the world race after the keel broke and fell off.

And in 2005, he finished a highly creditable 2nd overall in the Oryx Quest round the world race that started and finished in Doha.

The Boat

Tony Bullimore's Doha 2006 catamaran, a twin-hulled boat he will be using for the round-the-world record attempt was first built in early 1984 by Canadair, an aircraft and defence manufacturer. With its ground-breaking, aircraft-standard composite construction and hi-tech carbon wing mast, Doha 2006 has a pedigree for breaking records.

Her construction was a world first. The hi-tech boat, designed by Englishman Nigel Irens, was the first large carbon fibre-constructed yacht, with the hull mouldings cured in an autoclave oven.

She began life as an 80-footer (24.24m) under the name of Formula TAG and won the Monaco/New York race in 1985.

During the return transatlantic race from Quebec to St Malo, Formula TAG set a 24-hour world sailing record of 518 miles - a 21.6 knot benchmark that stood for nine years.

In 1996, after languishing on a dockside for some time, the 80ft hulls were extended to 92ft (27.87m) when Robin Knox-Johnston and Peter Blake sailed her under the name ENZA New Zealand to a record (fully-crewed) round-the-world time of 74 days, 22 hours, 17 minutes.

Four years later, sailing as Royal and SunAlliance, skippered by Tracey Edwards and sailed by an all-girl crew, the catamaran was ahead of that record until her dismasting deep in the Southern Ocean.

Tony Bullimore took over the catamaran in 2000 and commissioned Westland Aerospace to add a further 10ft (3.0m) to her bows for Le Race, an event for fully-crewed maxi-catamarans in 2001. The modification was designed to improve the boat's speed and reduce the possibility of her pitch-poling turning stern over bows when surfing at high speed through the Southern Ocean.

The British yachtsman also increased her rig with a 109ft (33m) carbon fibre wing mast which is 40 percent lighter than her original alloy mast.

Renamed Daedalus in 2005, Tony Bullimore and his crew sailed the catamaran to 2nd place in the Oryx Quest non-stop round-the-world race which started from Doha.

Now named Doha 2006, the boat has been modified still further for single-handed sailing in readiness for Tony's solo record attempt starting from Hobart, Tasmania in October 2006.

Tons of weight, including the engines, have been removed, though some equipment likely to make the boat easier for one man to sail has been added. Roller furling headsails have been fitted to reduce the amount of times Tony will have to pull sails up the mast.

But nothing can save Tony from the hardest task of all. The mainsail weighs 0.7 tons and has to be winched up the mast by hand. Even shaking out an area-reducing reef once strong winds have passed will take more than 20 minutes, and tying in and shaking out reefs will be a regular task if performance is to be maintained.

Doha 2006 is fitted with state-of-the-art sailing instruments and satellite communications so Tony can make the best possible use of the weather that drives his record attempt.

Satellite phone conversations will take up much of the lone skipper's time. He will talk to his weather router Lee Bruce at least once a day. Bruce will be sitting in front of his bank of computers in the US from where he will advise Tony on the best course to sail.

Sometimes the best course will be to avoid the strongest winds; at others it will be to avoid patches of calm. Bruce will discuss strategy with Tony depending on the condition of boat and man, on the wind and on the waves, to decide what will be best for the boat and the best to keep on schedule for the record.

11 days to goooooooooooooooooo !!!

cool
qatar son, are you going to the opening?

The asian Games Torch will arrive in Kuwait tomorrow on 2:00pm, you can see it on Kuwait sports and youth channel KTV3, the torch will go through the Gulf Street in Kuwait City ;)

i took some photos of the preparations to welcome the torch :cheer:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/7amani/DSC00161.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/7amani/DSC00167-1.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/7amani/DSC00181-1.jpg

Qatari Flag and Kuwait towers :)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/7amani/DSC00176-1.jpg

Thanks for the photos Crazy. I was there at Abu Dhabi yesterday during the cermemony with Sh. Joaan. It was fun!! I will try to post pics later.

Thanks for the photos crazy...
I've never been to Kuwait before, but as far as I know, Gulf st. is the best place to spot exotics! :D

yup, that and love street ;p LOOOOOOOOOOL
halawala knows what im talking about ;p

yea... share3 el 7ob.
Of course I've heard about it! :D

yea... share3 el 7ob.
Of course I've heard about it! :D

SHARA3 EL 7OB is another street, but Gulf Street is where all the waterfront restuarants/parliament/kuwait towers are...

I know they are different streets...
share3 el 7ob is love st. which crazy was talking about. I know it's not the same as Gulf st :D

Flower petals greet Torch in Kuwait

YESTERDAY, the 44th day, the Flame Plane carrying the delegation of the Torch Relay of the 15th Asian Games, Doha, 2006 touched down at the Kuwait International Airport early in the afternoon.
Kuwait is the penultimate stop in this 50,000km-long journey across 15 countries and regions, before the Torch’s much-anticipated return to Doha on November 25.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, who has been accompanying the torch since the beginning of its epic journey, was met at the airport by a delegation which included among others, HH Sheikh Talal Fahad al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and Husain al-Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Presidents of various sporting Kuwaiti federations were also on hand to greet their Qatari guest.

Schoolchildren showered Sheikh Joaan with flower petals while he was being escorted to the VIP lounge. Once in the lounge, and after greetings were exchanged, Sheikh Talal and Sheikh Joaan discussed the details of the next day’s Torch Relay through the city.
While the two Sheikhs were in discussion, the 15th Asian Games Flame was taken for safekeeping to Yom Al Bahar, a seaside resort along Kuwait City’s Gulf Road.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s ambassador in Kuwait was hosting an official dinner yesterday night to celebrate the arrival of the Flame in the country, with Sheikh Joaan as the guest of honour.

3abdulah rwaished ran with the torch a bit ;p LOOOL

3abdulah rwaished ran with the torch a bit ;p LOOOL

What about Nawal?? Aham shay.

LOOL, no ahlaam was there ;P

anyway nice pic of the asian games torch in kuwait

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/7amani/torch.jpg

^^ That is a nice pic!

Has anyone heard that some organizations will stop working the two-weeks of the Asian Games?
I can't wait to know! and hope we can get that time off to watch the games!!

Any idea on which television networks will be broadcasting this event?

Any idea on which television networks will be broadcasting this event?

I think this was discussed in the beggining of this thread?

Any idea on which television networks will be broadcasting this event?

aPJAzeera's all channels.
al kass tv
small segments inall major news channels.

Official Supplier: WOQOD

WOQOD provides all of Qatar’s energy needs. This includes gasoline and diesel, aviation fuel, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), bunker fuels for ships and bitumen for roads. WOQOD’s ambition is to deliver its products and services using the very latest in design and technology and to achieve excellent service to its many customers.

Key services that WOQOD will bring to Doha 2006 are the uninterrupted supply of all fuels needed for the Games. These services include:

• The LPG for the two Flames at Khalifa Stadium
• Diesel for the fleet of buses dedicated to the Asian Games
• Gasoline for the fleet of courtesy cars and mini buses used for the Games.

WOQOD aims to provide assurance that the Games will have all the fuels when needed and to provide back-up response should there be any requirement. An example of this it that WOQOD has installed dedicated diesel tanks at all Games venues to power emergency standby generators should the mains electricity fail.

Maximisation of awareness of WOQOD’s partnership with the Games is achieved mainly through the branding as ‘Official Fuels Supplier’ that has been applied to more than 130 WOQOD road tankers that serve the Qatari market. It also has similar branding at its service stations and will have selected features through print media during the Games.

The Asian Games offers WOQOD the opportunity to be associated with a high-profile major sporting event across more than 40 Asian and Middle East countries. This will give WOQOD very good brand exposure. There will also be some Asian Games activities based at its service stations

Because WOQOD is a new energy company, and while it does have market penetration in Qatar, its ambition is for international expansion within two years. The Asian Games broadcast coverage will help to expose the WOQOD brand to markets that in the medium term it wishes to invest in.

WOQOD’s advertising will be basically limited to advertisements in leading newspapers and magazines only. It also believes that its strategy of installing the Asian Games logo on WOQOD fuel tankers is an effective advertising medium since its tankers are very visible on the roads of Qatar.

Kuwait city, Kuwait - Tue 21 Nov

Sporting Kuwait enjoys the fun
Kuwait Towers, the impressive sentinels of Kuwait City, acted as an impressive backdrop to proceedings today, 21 November, the start of the 45th day of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 Torch Relay.

Home to the Olympic Council of Asia, the city provided a warm welcome to the Flame, only five days before its return on Saturday to Qatar, host city of the 15th Asian Games.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, arrived on a stage on which a transparent tent was erected; there he transferred the Flame from its safety lantern and lit the first Asian Games Torch held by HE Sheikh Talal Al Sabah, President of the Kuwait National Olympic Committee (KNOC). HE Sheikh Talal walked down the red carpet then onto the road amid cheers and a tickertape explosion, highlighting the excitement the Relay had produced.

HE Sheikh Joaan then mounted a motorbike and joined the Relay. Led by 16 mounted cadets from the Kuwait Police Training Academy, the Flame was passed to Meshari Al Anjari, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who set the Flame on its way from the Towers.

Qatar’s Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Abdul Aziz Bin Saad Al Fehaid, passed the Flame to the Korean Ambassador before some of Kuwait’s top football stars took their turns. One of them, Jasem Yaqoub, handed the Torch to Nabeel Shuail, a popular singer in Kuwait, who headed off towards Dasman Palace as the Relay made its way toward the seafront.

Enormous inflatable Kuwaiti flags adorned the sky as the Flame and its entourage moved majestically along the vast Corniche, drenched in bright afternoon sun.

General Naser Al Saleh, Chairman of the Kuwait Handball Federation, handed the Flame to Husain Al Musallam, Director General of the Kuwait-based Olympic Council of Asia.

In all, 114 Torchbearers, including almost 100 athletes, carried the Flame through city streets lined with Qatari flags and Torch Relay banners, displaying the country’s true commitment to the 15th Asian Games and to sport in general.

At the end of the two-hour Relay, the Flame was met by a group of 20 traditional singers wearing gold and black vests over white thobes. Seven percussionists played music as the singers held hands and provided the Flame with a real Kuwaiti welcome as it entered the Sharq Market area for the grand finale.

The Flame moved along the wooden pier stretching out from the city to the water, decorated with bright orange Doha 2006 Torch Relay banners. HE Sheikh Joaan was joined on stage by brothers HE Sheikh Hamed Al Sabah (President of the Olympic Council of Asia) and HE Sheikh Talal Al Sabah, president of KNOC.

On its way through the city, the Flame also passed Parliament House and then by the ever-popular Sharq shopping mall which includes a fish market, cinemas and restaurants.

In front of an audience of the assembled Torchbearers and spectators, the three Sheikhs welcomed the final Torchbearers on stage, shooting champions Salah Al Mutairi and Abdullah Tarqui al Rasheedi. Together, they ignited the Cauldron overlooking the Al Sharq Market Marina which enjoys a view of the city across the waters of Kuwait.

The day concluded with a traditional Kuwaiti cultural troupe singing a symbolic tribute to the union of the GCC countries, and Games mascot Orry the oryx entertaining the crowds. The Flame leaves Kuwait tomorrow for Bahrain, the final country of this long journey, before returning home to Qatar on 25 November.

pic in kuwait : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx?id=100

video in kuwait : http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=100

9 days to go

Guys!!!
The torch is coming to Qatar Foundation!! WOOHOOOO!
I will get to see it!!!!!
Next Wednesday!!!! :):)

you will see it i will live it i am a torch bearer !! yay me

thats wat they sent me in e-mail

Date: 19 November 2006
Torchbearer ID 6083

Rashid Al Muslimani

PO Box 18922

Salwa Road

Doha

Dear Mr Al Muslimani,

15th Asian Games Doha 2006 Torch Relay

Congratulations once again on your selection as a Torchbearer for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 Torch Relay. You have the honour of being one of over 1000 Torchbearers to carry the Flame in Qatar as part of its remarkable journey covering more than 50,000 kilometres to 15 countries and regions over more than 50 days, culminating with the lighting of the Games Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on 1 December 2006.

This pack contains vital information regarding your participation in the Torch Relay, so it is essential that you read it thoroughly. We direct you to the Questions and Answers Sheet within this pack, which will answer the majority of questions not addressed in this letter. Following are four very important points we would like to bring to your attention:

Meeting Place - Collection Point
Time and Date: 04:45pm on 29 November, 2006.
Place: Bennigans Restaurant
Khalifa St Doha
The Torch Relay crew will meet you at the above collection point at the time specified above. Here you will receive your Torchbearer Uniform, Torch and be given a briefing on the days proceedings. It is essential that you meet at the time indicated above, so that you do not miss out on being a Torchbearer.
For Collection points outside of Doha on Days 49-52, we will provide return trip bus transport from Doha (for Torchbearers only). If you would like to take up this offer please call the Command Centre on 448 1905 to confirm by 7.30pm November 24
Following your briefing at the Collection Point, you will then board a Torchbearer Shuttle Bus which will deliver you to your designated starting point. This is the point where you receive the Flame and begin your Torch Relay segment. After you complete your segment, you will board a different Torchbearer Shuttle Bus that will return you to the Collection Point. Your entire Torch Relay experience will take approximately 2-3 hours.
Please note that due to the different buses used, you will not be able to take any personal possessions with you - you cannot participate with them. Leave them at the Collection point or with a friend.

Where will I be carrying the Torch?

You will have the honour of carrying the Flame on 29 November, 2006 which is Day 53 of the Torch Relay. Starting in Doha North you will carry the Flame along Al Istiqlal St from Al Istiqlal St (at Al Markhiya St Roundabout) and finish at Al Sham St. on Al Istiqlal St. This segment will commence at approximately 06:10pm and will cover a distance of 300m. Your runner number is 220.0.
Due to the complex logistical arrangements, no negotiation will be entered into regarding the transfer of your Torchbearer position. We envisage that you will arrange your schedule around this, and join the team in bringing the flame to Doha.
What should I wear?

Provided Uniform: The Torchbearer Uniform consists of;
1) a long sleeve shirt, long pants and socks; or
2) a short sleeve shirt, short pants and socks.
A head scarf will also be available if required. The choice is dependent on what you indicated to us in your Torchbearer Information Form and cannot now be altered.
You must wear the full uniform while participating as a Torchbearer, with your own running shoes. Remember, as a Torchbearer, you are not allowed to wear any other uniform with any visible commercial signage or logos.
Torch Purchase
Purchasing the Torch: If you have already purchased the torch enclosed you will find your receipt. Your Torch will be issued to you at your Collection Point on the day of your participation. Please bring your receipt with you to the Collection Point as proof of payment.
If you would like to pre-purchase your Torch, please complete the enclosed Torch Purchase Form, following the instructions carefully. If our records are not accurate, and you have prepaid for you Torch and not received a receipt, please review your credit card statements to confirm payment. Call the Torch Relay Command Centre on +974 448 1905 immediately to discuss.
It is not essential for Torchbearers to purchase their Torch, as DAGOC will issue you with a Torch on the day, which must be returned at the completion of your participation.

All Torchbearers should be prepared for anything, especially to have fun. This will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we hope you will enjoy it. If you have any questions, please contact the Torch Relay Command Centre on telephone: +974 448 3387 or via email: torchrelay@dagoc2006.org.

Yours sincerely

Ms. Di Henry
Program Manager Torch Relay

You will carry the flame??!!!
AWESOME!!!

We definitely don't wanna miss that. You MUST get us some pics! :)

pic of wat

thats 29th november 4:45pm

I understand from the email that you'll be holding the torch... Right?

pic of wat

LooL! Pics of you carrying the torch!!

hehe Cool!
we will meet qatar son!! :)

Guys... When will the torch reach Qatar? And... Will I be able to see it on TV?? :D

^^ 25th, check alkass ch or aljazeera i think they will broadcast it.

I don't have alkass ch.!! Is it on Nilesat or Arabsat??

Is it the regular Jazeera sports channel or the one you have to pay for?

If AlJazeera broadcasts it... I'm pretty sure it'll be on one of the free-to-air channels.

I don't have alkass ch.!! Is it on Nilesat or Arabsat??

I just checked it out, its on nilesat 102 and hotbird 2.

it should be on aljazeera one which is free to air, u can see alkass on nilsat

frq 12053 (V), Sr 27500.

Thanks salman... I'll get alkass now. :)

^^ sure man :)

I understand from the email that you'll be holding the torch... Right?

yep

hehe Cool!
we will meet qatar son!! :)

if they will put me on tv or the video in the web site i will be a short boy at the age of 12 the shortest probably.

LooL! Pics of you carrying the torch!!

how will i take a pic while i am carrying the flame ???

Kuwait city -> Manama, Bahrain - Wed 22 Nov

Final stopover before homecoming
The Flame Plane carrying the delegation of the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay, headed by HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, touched down at Bahrain International Airport in Manama, the capital city, early this afternoon, Wednesday 22 November.

Among those meeting the 15th Asian Games Flame were HE Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of His Majesty King Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and President of the Bahrain Equestrian Federation; Sheikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Sport; Mohammed Abul, Vice Secretary of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Sheikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani, the Qatari Ambassador to Bahrain.

In addition to the assembled dignitaries, a large contingent of schoolchildren, wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the portraits of the King of Bahrain and HE Sheikh Joaan, was also part of the welcoming party.

In the evening, HE Sheikh Joaan and members of his entourage attended a reception at Bahrain’s International Formula One Circuit, the only Grand Prix racing track in the Middle East, hosted by the Royal House of Bahrain.

Guests at the reception included The Princess Royal, HRH Princess Anne, the only daughter of Britain’s HM Queen Elizabeth, making the occasion a unique meeting of three Royal Families.

The first phase of the two-day Torch Relay starts tomorrow, Thursday 23 November at 10:30, from the 16th century Fort Arad. Built in Arab style, the Fort, close to the airport, has undergone extensive restoration work in recent times.

More than 40 Torchbearers will take part, carrying the Flame over the 13km route which ends at Bahrain Tennis Club, where the post-Relay celebrations will take place. The second leg takes place on Friday.

The Flame’s return to Doha draws nearer and nearer.

pic http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx?id=101

Official partner: Beanpole

Top Korean clothes company Beanpole is proud to be one of the official partners of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

Beanpole is the leading casual brand in Korea and has plans to become a competitive global brand and surpass other world-renowned fashion brands in the international market.

The company prides itself on its lifestyle fashion branding. These brands include classic and formal wear for men and ladies, golf and jeans wear, and accessories for kids and adults.

Beanpole entered the Chinese market in 2005 in its bid to become globally renowned. It opened its first store in China’s commercial centre of Shanghai and produced superb sales figures.

It is planning to further develop into East Asia, the United States, Europe and Japan and confirm its position as Korea’s leading global brand.

At the Games, Beanpole will make 470,000 uniforms for 27,000 people playing 10 different roles. Perimeter advertising in the stadiums will publicise the brand to the whole of Asia.

Beanpole regards its partnership with the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 as a good opportunity to publicise its sports efforts while involving itself in a number of events. It hopes that its clothing will help bring confidence to all of Asia in the near future.

www.beanpole.com

qatar son! tell ur dad to take a pic of you !! very easy! :)

The Flame comes home

Following its 50,000km, 50 day, 14 country and region tour of Asia, the 15th Asian Games Flame comes home to Qatar on Saturday 25 November. Thousands will be there to greet the Torch Relay as it reaches home soil.

So far the Flame, on the longest-ever Asian Games Torch Relay, has passed through the hands of 3,000 Doha 2006 Torchbearers, but a further 1,000 hands will hold the Doha 2006 Torch as it covers 565km on home soil.

At a press conference today, 23 November, details of the Torch Relay in Qatar were announced.

A traditional Dhow, Al Shaqab, will bring the Flame by sea from Manama, capital city of Bahrain, arriving at Qatar’s Al Shamal port at 14:30.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, will bring the Torch ashore and, after being given a traditional welcome by a Qatari woman, will be showered with flower petals thrown by the 5,000 schoolchildren who will line the route to the celebration stage.

Abdulla Aziz Nohanned, Qatar’s renowned radio presenter, will welcome HE Sheikh Joaan to the stage and, as the cauldron is lit, thousands of balloons will be released into the air.

A performance of the Ardha traditional dance by over 100 men flourishing their ceremonial swords and a speech by the Secretary General of the Qatari National Olympic Committee, HE Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, will conclude the festivities for the Relay to start once more.

At 15:15 the Torch will tour Al Shamal port to starting its 13km rote which will take in Umm Tais Nature National Park before returning to Al Shamal port where the evening’s celebrations will commence at 18:00.

Over the next five days the Torch Relay will tour Qatar before the pinnacle of its travels, the arrival at Khalifa Stadium to light the 15th Asian Games Cauldron to signify the beginning of the Games.

It is reported that Nasser Al Attiya, Qatar’s multi-talented competitor – champion skeet shooter and recent World Championship rally driver – will carry the Torch to Khalifa Stadium on 1 December.

COOL!
On Wednesday I will get to see the torch!!! At work ;)

cool

Manama, Bahrain - Thu 23 Nov

One more day before coming home

Blue skies and mild weather conditions saw the start of the first leg of the two-day 15th Asian Games Torch Relay in Manama, the capital of Bahrain today, Thursday 23 November. As he has done from the beginning of this 55,000km epic journey six weeks ago, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, started the morning’s proceedings.

In the shadow of Fort Arad, a 15th century castle, not far from Bahrain International Airport, and assisted by HE Sheikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Sport, HE Sheikh Joaan lit the Torch from the safety lantern before handing it to Abdulla Al Mathawa, the first Doha 2006 Torchbearer of the day.

Before the Torch was lit, more than 100 children welcomed the arrival of the Lantern containing the 15th Asian Games Flame from inside the extensively renovated Fort Arad. At the same time, a military band played the Torch Relay’s theme song, ‘Side by Side’, which has been well received throughout the 14 countries and regions it has been heard.

The Torch Relay’s 13km route included the Sheikh Hamad Causeway, the National Museum and the majestic Grand Mosque. Officially opened in the summer of 1988, this architectural gem of a building, one of Bahrain’s much-loved landmarks, is capable of accommodating 7,000 worshippers.

On reaching Hidaya School, the Minister of Education, Dr Majid Al Naini, taking his turn at carrying the Flame, strode into the school as hundreds of schoolchildren watched.

At the National Museum, roughly the half-way stage, the Torch was taken inside for safekeeping during the lunch stop.

The last four of 40 Torchbearers involved in today’s Route - Hassan Ahmed, Akeer Abdul Amir, Ali Hassan Jawad and Mansoor Mohammed Jawad - were Bahraini cyclists who will be competing in the Asian Games. They pedalled the final metres and the Torch Relay ended at the Bahrain Tennis Club.

Tomorrow, Friday, marks the final day of the Torch Relay’s progress in Bahrain – and indeed in the wider world. It will cover 52km, involving 160 Torchbearers. It takes to the streets at 08:00.

The Torch will return to Qatar by sea on Saturday afternoon, ready for a tumultuous homecoming at the port of Al Shamal port at 14:00.

7 days to go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out the names of all Tourch Bearers in Qatar:
http://www.doha-2006.com/upload_iis/files/torchrelay/Torchbearers_Slotted_Website.xls

Tourch Bearers Main Page:
http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchbearers.aspx

:)

Also check the tourch path in Google Earth:

http://www.doha-2006.com/swf/Torchrelay/Web_Maps.kmz

i dont need to see torch bearer list i already found myself if you want to look my name is rashid almuslimani or maybe written muslimani.

i dont need to see torch bearer list i already found myself if you want to look my name is rashid almuslimani or maybe written muslimani.
You don't need to see it but maybe other want to

and good luck in bearing the tourch... :)

how did you manage to be a torch bearer qatar son?

i signed up on the internet ;)

Movie http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx?id=102

Official Partner: GE

GE is a wide-ranging company consisting of six core businesses – Infrastructure, Industrial, Commercial Finance, Consumer Finance, Healthcare and NBC Universal. With a long and successful history, it is the only company listed in the Dow Jones Industrial Index today that was also included in the original index in 1896.

At the 15th Asian Games, GE will supply the power behind the event.

GE will facilitate cabling, generation and transmission of power to meet the entire energy needs of the pavilions at Doha 2006, will provide temporary power generation and temperature control systems and will meet the entire energy needs of the 14 multi-purpose stadiums around the city and provide emergency back-up generators to the main power supply network.

The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) could hardly have chosen a better company to partner for power needs at a major sporting event. The roster of events covered by GE is unrivalled.

Its previous experience includes the Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Athens 2004 Olympics Games and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The company will also supply power to the next two Olympics; the 2008 Beijing Summer Games and Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, meaning its support will span four successive Olympiads.

GE has also provided products and services to many more major events, including the National Football League Super Bowl in the United States, Football World Cup Finals, Formula 1 and NASCAR motor racing and several major music concerts. GE has wide interests across the Arab world and it serves as a perfect fit for it to support Doha 2006 to complement the company’s portfolio of international events of great stature.

For GE, the 15th Asian Games is all about providing value to the community it serves. The company wishes to ensure that Doha 2006 is a world-class sporting event, which upholds the good name of Qatar.

To further ensure this aim is met, GE has embarked on a concerted communications campaign to encourage customers across its businesses to become part of the unparalleled sporting enthusiasm which will be offered by Doha 2006.

1 day for the flame to come to its home land Qatar 7 day to the games and 4 days for me to carry the flame !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

people did you know that when they light the flame while there testing it did you know hoe they do it they acctully purchesed an eagle not a falcon to carry the flame and start the fire on the tower really i aint joking

wouldnt that make it go up in flames??? or is this some kind of jihadist eagle??? lol

no its trained and its not afraid of any flames really

Guys... Right now there is a live Basketball game broadcasted on Al-Jazeera Sports Asia 3. This channel is supposed to broadcast the games only. Plus, the court where they were playing had Doha 2006 ads all over the place...
What going on?!!

from what I read, there are more that one sport that will be played befor the games start, so that might be it.

wat channel never herd of asia 3 ?

There are three channels for the Asian Games... JSC Asia 1 which was JSC Sport 1 before, JSC Asia 2 and 3 which were previously JSC Mubasher and Children...

Hello, this is h3lls3int from the venezuelan forum. Congratulations to all you people of Qatar for the great organization of the Asian Games.

I would want to make a question. I really want to watch the opening ceremony, but i really don't have any arabic channel on my services. The only asian channels that i have are ART International (arab radio television) & CCTV-5 (China central television, but the international version too, anyway they often transmit things related to the 2008 olympics). Does somebody knows if this channels will broadcast the ceremony?

If not, i would like to know what channels have confirmed the broadcasting (the Al Jazeera chanel is just one or they have other divisions like sport?). Thanks for any help you could give me.

Hello hellsaint :)

I'm sorry, I really dunno about other channels... But Aljazeera currently has 3 channels for the Asian games, the third one broadcasts in English.

I think the only way is to get aljazeera channels, if u can get nilesat, that will be great.

It can't be just on Aljazeera... There must be some other Asian channels broadcasting it!

Was just watching Alkass (thanks to Salman :)). They were interviewing a guy who works in the broadcasting center for the games... He said that 64 channels will broadcast the games... 64!!

^^ the games,b ut what about the opening ?

and You're Welcome :D

Hi guys it's me again :rock: , i founded this page:

http://wwitv.com/

You can watch a lot of channels online, even Al Jazeera (but it only appears one, looks like is only for news).

If we manage to know what are the channels that will broadcast the games (& the opening too) we can find them there. SBS from Australia will broadcast it, but i didn't find any way to watch the transmition online.

^^ That's only the arabic news channel. They won't broadcast the games...

Anyway, I found a list for some of the confirmed broadcasters...

CCTV-5
Doordarshan
Eurosport
NHK
RTM
TVBS
ESPN
NBN-4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Asian_Games#Broadcasting

Eurosport!! :banana: :banana:

Eurosport wat does it have to do with asia

the flame is comeing today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Official Partner: Pocari Sweat

POCARI SWEAT products are sold in more than 20 countries throughout Asia, such as Japan, Korea, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong, China, as well as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Approximately 2 billion cans (330ml-sized) are consumed every year throughout Asia and this sales figure maintains POCARI SWEAT’s position as the leading brand in the sports drink category in this region.

The Asian Games, the largest sports event in Asia, provides POCARI SWEAT with the best opportunity to promote the brand to athletes and the public. The long-term partnership with the Asian Games since Bangkok in 1998 has already proved the value of this event and so ensured the growth of POCARI SWEAT.

As well as sports events such as the Asian Games and Honolulu Marathons, POCARI SWEAT has been cooperating with the International Congress of Sports Science. POCARI SWEAT is served as a sports drink, but at the same time works as a health-conscious beverage for hydration. The research on POCARI SWEAT’s effectiveness in alleviating long-distance travel syndrome was presented in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and many sports doctors have recognised POCARI SWEAT's hydration effectiveness.

POCARI SWEAT will be served at all training fields and stadiums during the Games period to athletes and referees. In addition, POCARI BASE CAMP (PBC) is located at the Athletes’ Village to communicate with and provide necessary information to athletes. POCARI SWEAT staff from more than 10 countries will act as consultants on hydration during exercise for each National Olympic Committee.

We believe that the Asian Games in Doha will give us the opportunities to expand our brand recognition over the GCC countries, where the brand awareness is not as high as in the Far East area. POCARI SWEAT is sold with the Games’ composite logo in the GCC countries and it is the only consumer canned product carrying this logo in this market.

POCARI SWEAT is excited to be the Official Partner of 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 and is expecting the success of this event so that we achieve our goals of sponsorship.

Eurosport!! :banana: :banana:
lol! I bet you're so happy Bert... ;) I really never expected a European channel to broadcast the Asian games! :D

@qatar son
Pocari Sweat has already been for sale in Qatar for quite some time... I remember buying it and particularly remember that it did taste like SHIT!!

Guys... You DEFINITELY need to check out JSC Asia 3 Channel!! Right now!

people the flame is coming on its way now LIVE go to alkaas channel NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Al-Jazeera Asia 1 are also showing it...
Thanks for informing as Qatar son :)

your welcom

i was going to go se it with my mom and my father but wat can i say i wish i could have gone

double your welcome

Don't you just looove the torch! I can see a white Corvette C6 Convertible waiting at the shore for the torch! :D

all the royal family is ther and herhighness to with her four girls !!!

the sheik is here the flame of hospitality came to its homeland !!!!

the flame is here the flame is here ....i cant stop

the sheik is running with the flame now !!

and every body is behind him running of course

flame of hospitality is lit

big ballons carrying the pic of the shieke are releasesd

and of course orry came to celebrate the event of the torch reaching its home land Qatar

^^ Yes, it live on AlJAZEERA and ALKASS, over 10,000 people were at Rowais Port right now just saw the flame of hospitality--including his highness the amir, hh shieka mozah, and their sons and daughters. Its a proud moment and exciting moment for us.

and finaly todays torch realy started

halawala its acctully over 15000 people

do you think there will be fire works today not doha any where in the contry ?

Maybe in Doha and in AL Khor.

I didnt expect this many people to come up there! Ruwais is acually 35 kilometers from Bahrain and over 150 kilometers from Doha. So, its pretty far.

i know but dont forget that schools went there including alqada i saw my cosin wich is with alqada school of leadership.

WoW to meny karwa buses in there since they are responsible for transporting people during the asian games it an offical supporter.

Yeah... There are too many Karwa buses... And a SHITLOAD of Land Cruisers!! :D

lol yeah most of them

Sunday’s Torch Relay plans

After its tumultuous welcome back to home soil at Al Shamal on 25 November, the Flame takes to the roads in the northwest of Qatar the following day.

To catch the start of the day’s Doha 2006 Relay, early risers will have to be up with the sun on 26 November to be at Al Zubara Castle before 05:52 when the day begins.

First Doha 2006 Torchbearers will carry the 15th Asian Games Flame on horseback from the castle to Al Ghuwairiya where it should arrive at 06:55.

From Al Ghuwairiya the Flames will be taken on bicycles to Al Jumaliyah where it will stop for a well deserved breakfast at the Youth Centre.

Well refreshed, it’s back on the road again at 10:40 aboard camels for a circuit of the Al Shahaniya camel racing track. One hour later, the Relay visits the Al Shahaniya wildlife park for a photo opportunity with the Arabian Oryx and a flight of Falcons. We expect that Orry the oryx, the 15th Asian Games mascot, will be pleased to be visiting his brothers and sisters in the wildlife park.

Speeding up now, the flame boards a rally car for a high speed stage to Zehreet before going on to see where the gas that feeds the flame originates in Qatar Petroleum’s Dukhan compound. There, the Relay visits the Flag post and the Look Out before moving on to conclude the day at the Dukhan Sailing Club at 18:00.

As soon as the Relay arrives, the evening’s entertainment begins, a mix of entertainment and Flame celebration. Artists appearing include Mansour Busabar, Essa Al Manaei, Ahmed Ali Qayed and Ibrahim Ali. The whole programme runs until 21:35

Manama -> Al Shamal, Qatar - Sat 25 Nov

Homecoming in Qatar

So, finally, the 15th Asian Games Flame returns home to Qatar this afternoon. After 47 days ‘on the road’, HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, was given an enthusiastic Qatari welcome when he arrived from Bahrain with the Doha 2006 Torch at the Port of Shamal on board a traditional dhow, the Al Shaqab, to which he had transferred from the yacht Al Adid some kilometres away from Al Shamal.

Soon after the Al Shaqab, which had been escorted by a flotilla of boats, including smaller dhows, moored at a windy and grey Al Shamal, in the north-east of Qatar, just before 15:00, HE Sheikh Joaan lit the Flame and disembarked from the dhow, carrying the 15th Asian Games Torch. He was the first of more than 40 Torchbearers on the inaugural 13km route in his own country.

HE Sheikh Joaan was welcomed by women and young children, wearing brightly coloured dresses, who proceeded to shower him with flowers. He was then welcomed by his father, HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and his mother HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned.

A huge garland was placed around HE Sheikh Joaan’s neck, after which he posed for the media with HH The Emir Sheikh Hamad. Soon after, he walked among the huge crowd, blowing kisses and smiling. HE Sheikh Joaan was obviously enjoying his homecoming after such a long absence.

The garlanded, Torch-carrying HE Sheikh Joaan then broke into a jog, followed by dozens of happy Qataris, including many young boys and girls. A few minutes later, under an archway leading to the Celebration Stage, he was greeted by two young children who presented him with a bouquet of flowers.

Back to running mode, albeit very briefly, then HE Sheikh Joaan was greeted by his older brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Heir Apparent, near the Celebration Stage. They exchanged hugs in welcome.

HE Sheikh Joaan lit the Cauldron as thousands of white and deep red balloons – the colours of the Qatari flag – were released. HE Sheikh Joaan, who has been the ‘guardian’ of the Flame throughout its 55,000km journey through 15 countries and regions during the past six weeks, then passed the Flame to HE Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the Secretary General of Qatar National Olympic Committee. He was Torchbearer No 2 of the more than 1,000 who are expected to carry out Flame-carrying duties between now and 1 December.

The Flame of the 15th Asian Games has, at last, begun its seven-day Relay through home territory, en route to its target destination of the Khalifa Stadium in Doha next Friday evening for the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

HE Sheikh Joaan’s day had started in Bahrain, where, at 08;30 this morning, he was given a red-carpet farewell on his departure from Manama port. This final departure signalled the successful completion of the Flame’s three-day stopover in Bahrain – at the same time bringing to an end the international legs of the Torch Relay.

His hosts during his stay in Bahrain, HE Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and his younger brother, HE Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the sons of the Bahraini monarch, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, bid him farewell. HE Sheikh Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Sport, was also present.

HE Sheikh Joaan, who has shown his love of motorbikes and motor cars during this journey, arrived at Manama port behind the wheel of a white, roadgoing Mercedes-Benz SLR sportscar resplendent with red seats. Farewells exchanged, he boarded a 30.48m (100ft) dhow, and, on a very calm sea, sailed away into the early morning greyness.

The Torch and the Relay retinue later transferred to a yacht, the Al Adid for the journey to Al Shamal, a former pearling settlement, 80km away. A few hundred metres off Al Shamal port, HE Sheikh Joaan again transferred to another dhow, the Al Shaqab, aboard which was the Cauldron. The shallow draught dhow sailed the rest of the way to the port and the welcome reception.

for those in Doha at the moment, whats the vibe there now? did visitors start pouring in yet??

Yes!
I believe visitors are in place now.
The Asian Village is full of people as well!
and more than that.. I saw the rehersal for the opening!!! and saw some fireworks!! it is amazing!

by the way.. the rumors going on.. on how the flame will be starting!! I know it! I know! (Well, it a rumor)

I wont say a word!! :lol:

well from what I hear its qatar_son's jihadist eagle! is that true??????

I heard that a falcon will go all the way up and do it!
Imagine!

Wow it must be a very exciting atmosphere. Take pics and show us if you like.

I heard that a falcon will go all the way up and do it!
Imagine!
Maybe, imagine the falcon going up to light the fame and come back down as fried falcon! haha :cheers:

acctuly suzan its an eagel becas falcons are notthe kind that is trained to fly the right way but eagels can you can teach them to go the same way every day then they will go unlike a falcon.

Maybe, imagine the falcon going up to light the fame and come back down as fried falcon! haha :cheers:

my point exactly lol

oh halawala eagels and falcons are not afraid of flames

Maybe, imagine the falcon going up to light the fame and come back down as fried falcon! haha :cheers:

:lol:

Technology! They might fake it and make it as if the falcon lights the flame!
This is what I assume!

eagle

Falcon! Eagle! isn't it the same!
It is for me!

lol @ the falcon and eagle "debate"!!
I can't differentiate between them too :D

Anyway, when will the torch relay continue? Wasn't it supposed to be at 1 o'clock?

5 o.clock acctully

Dukhan, Qatar - Sun 26 Nov

On the road to Doha

is the morning – and very early at that – after the fantastic scenes of jubilation during the previous day and night while celebrating the much-awaited arrival by sea from Bahrain of the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay at the Port of Al Shamal, northern Qatar.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador, who has travelled with the Doha 2006 Flame from the beginning of the Relay on 10 October, returned home with the symbol of the Games, the Flame and the Doha 2006 Torch.

The protector and guardian of the Flame since it left Qatar for New Delhi, India, on 10 October, HE Sheik Joaan received a very warm welcome yesterday afternoon from the many, many thousands of people, mainly Qataris, who had travelled to Al Shamal, a former pearling port.

The Flame was back where it belonged – in Qatar.

Today, 26 November, it was an early start to the second day of the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay on home territory: a few minutes before 06:00, in fact, when the first Torchbearer of nearly 160 on today’s 174km-long route to Dukhan, on the west coast of Qatar, appeared with the Torch outside Zubara Fort in Al Zubara, in north-western Qatar.

In windy and damp conditions, Khial Badsha, the Gatekeeper of Zubara Fort, holding the lit Asian Games Torch, strode into the Fort and walked up on the ramparts. There, he handed the Flame to Abdulla Al Naima, who walked around the ramparts before descending steps on his way out of the small, but perfectly formed, Fort.

Once outside the Fort, Khial Badsha handed the Flame to Mohammed Al Abdulla, dressed in traditional livery and on horseback. Breaking into a gentle trot, man and horse made their way to another similarly-clad Torchbearer, also on horseback, a few hundred metres away, but still within earshot of the Fort.

Fort Zubara, built in 1938 during the reign of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al-Thani, is thought to be the best-preserved of Qatar's historic forts. It was used by the military until the mid-1980s, and stands alone, surrounded by desert.

About three hours into the Relay, the Flame reached a Youth Centre in the small town of Al Jumailiyah. There, Sheikh Saud Bin Khalid Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the President of the Youth General Authority, was handed the Flame by Noor-Ul-Ain, a young Pakistani woman who lives in Al Khor, in eastern Qatar.

After a small celebration, which involved traditional Arab dancing and music, it was onwards to one of the most interesting – and exciting – stops of today’s Torch Relay route: the camel racing track at Al Shahaniya.

Fortunately, the windy conditions of the early morning had improved somewhat – and, thankfully, it was dry. At the Al Shahaniya camel race track, where the very popular annual Emir’s Cup (camel) race takes place, hundreds of people had gathered to watch the Flame being taken on a lap of honour round the circuit by two Torchbearers.

But it was just before reaching the Al Shahaniya race track that HE Sheikh Joaan joined the Torch Relay today. Travelling a short distance at the wheel of a four-wheel-drive Jeep, he arrived at the track to watch the Flame being carried round the course, followed by about 200 camels.

HE Sheikh Joaan was warmly greeted at the track’s grandstand by Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Camel Federation. The Flame’s lap of honour over, HE Sheikh Joaan, took the role of an escort runner alongside the Flame.

The Flame’s next stop was a photo opportunity date at the Wildlife Park at Al Shahaniya, where many white doves were released. HE Sheikh Joaan also took the opportunity of holding a baby Oryx, the Arabian antelope-sized animal that is the mascot of the 15th Asian Games, which begin in Doha on Friday evening.

Sadly, Orry the 15th Asian Games mascot, clad in his Asian Games outfit, was nowhere to be seen…

Official partner: Tissot

For more than 150 years, Tissot has embodied innovation and a pioneering spirit in watch making and timekeeping.

Based in Le Locle, Switzerland, and with a presence in more than 150 countries, it is the worldwide leader in the traditional Swiss watch market in units. It has a proud heritage and still sets the trends for future development in the sphere.

Since 1983 it has been part of the Swatch Group, the biggest watch producer and distributor in the world.

A multi-specialist brand which provides quality products to suit every occasion, Tissot offers both the latest in design and state-of-the-art technology.

Emphasising a number of sporting values, including the quest for performance, precision and pushing oneself to the limit, Tissot is closely associated with top level sport – touching an audience that craves excitement and emotion and appreciates high quality.

Tissot is rooted in sports precision and performance and is currently Official Timekeeper and Watch for NASCAR, the MotoGP World Championship, the Ice Hockey World Championship, Fencing World Championships and the Cycling World Championships.

The company will have a similar involvement with the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006. When medals are won and records are set, it is Tissot’s experience, quality and precision that Doha 2006 will be reliant upon.

link for photos of alshimal http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchphotos.aspx

5 am or pm?

movie for people that sadly did not see it :( http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/torchrelay/thejourney/torchvideos.aspx

The Sheyou5 waiting for the torch in a Land Cruiser :ohno: :ohno:
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/7683/7e120dfe3cwo7.jpg

soooooooo ?!?!?!!?

Why the hell would Sheikh Tamim come in this crappy car? I mean, I'm sure he has waaaay much better cars...
He was one of the few Qataris who tested the Bugatti Veyron (the one with the tijariya plates). He must have a good taste in cars... But this pictures just shows the complete opposite!

bugatti is not even a considered a car man and so wat if he rides in a land cruser i ride in a land cruser every body in the family has a landcruser oh i forgot yesterday i went to the mercides show place near qatar deco with my big cousin to pick a car for him i think he took the sl200 i am not shur :s

It's just that he's the ruler's son, he should really arrive in a proper car. If he wanted to come in an SUV he could have came in a G55. Way more powerful than a Land Cruiser and pretty damn respectful! :)

BTW, there is nothing as an SL200. Min. for an SL is a 3.2 liter engine which is SL320. It might have been an SLK 200 though... Anyway, tell him congrats.! :D

k ill tell him,yes slk200

qatar_son, when are you due to carry the torch?

A really nice photo I found:

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4132/sheikjoaanqv5.png (http://imageshack.us)

Nice pic!!!!!

Another pic!

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/6686/306266281e9d185e123orw6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)