Sheikh Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani was honoured for his contribution to football in Qatar.
Al Arabi Football Club organised a ceremony on Tuesday to honour those who have supported, served and stayed loyal to the club over the years.
In addition, the club honoured sports personalities who have contributed to the development of Qatari sport in general. Sheikh Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, the former Qatar Sports Club (QSC) president was also honoured for his contribution to football in Qatar.
The ceremony was led by Hamid bin Ali al-Hitmi, the current Al Arabi president. Other prominent members of the club were also in attendance, including Dr Abdulla al-Mal, Abdulrahman Jaber al-Muftah and Mookbul bin Ali al-Hitmi.
Also present at the ceremony were club vice-president Ahmed al-Maliki, general secretary Dr Ahmed al-Emadi, and the treasurer Abdullah Mahmoud.
The event started with readings from the Holy Qur’an and was followed by a word from the Al Arabi president; he thanked all the people who served the club over the years and who sacrificed so much in the process.
Many football stars from Al Arabi’s past were honoured, among them Mohamed Khalifa al-Obaidly, Karim Abdul-Aziz, Yousuf and Syed Jaafar al-Bashir, and Abdullah Mubarak Bougnaim. Also members of Al Arabi’s ladies team were honored, they included Aisha al-Kaabi Wyman, Issam Sheikha al-Mansouri, Reem al-Ghanim al-Tamimi, Adel Darwish and Khoulod al-Jassim.
In his speech the club president said, “I want to stress on the good job and sacrifices made by people of Al Arabi Football Club. This is the fifth year in a row that we have organized this ceremony to recognize and thank our former players, former managers and everyone who served Al Arabi and continue to support us.”
He added, “It is also very important to honour HE Sheikh Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, the chairman of QSC, who has always been ready to support his club and sports in general. This is a good way to give back and show our thanks to the people who have helped shape sports in this country.”
HALLICHE SIGNS FOR QATAR SC
Algerian central defender Rafik Halliche was unveiled as a Qatar Sports Club player to the media on Tuesday evening at the club’s headquarters — the Suhaim bin Hamad stadium.
Club general secretary Abdullah Hamed al-Mulla, honorary member Sheikh Hamad bin Abdul Aziz, deputy head of football Jassim Hodaifi and club coordinator Mosallam al-Hellabi attended the unveiling ceremony.
After signing the three-year deal Halliche will head back home before joining his new team at their pre-season training camp in Italy.
The club is now looking for a striker to add some firepower. Last season the Kings failed to put the ball into the back of the net as regularly as they would have liked.
Upon signing the deal, Halliche said that he was impressed by the professionalism and ambition of the club: “I had received many offers from around the world after my performances in the World Cup but I was impressed by the seriousness of the club. I have spoken to many Algerians who play in the Qatar Stars League and they only had good things to say, this helped make my decision a lot easier.”
ISMAEL JOINS SADD FROM RAYYAN
Former Al Rayyan right back Hammid Ismael started training with his new club Al Sadd on Tuesday. He has been brought in to reinforce the defensive line ahead of Al Sadd’s participation in the Asian Champions League.
The Wolves will face Saudi team Al Hilal on August 19 and 26 over two legs for a place in the semi-finals.
The Qatari international was supposed to have made the move across to Al Sadd during the winter transfer window but the deal fell through. The agreement between the two clubs was delayed until the summer break.
Al Sadd has announced that the team will take part in three friendly matches as they build up to their overseas training camp which will see them leave Doha for Austria. Al Sadd will play their friendlies against Al Wakrah, Al Khor and Al Kharaitiyat on August 20, 23 and 27 respectively.
