The 48th edition of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships Doha 2018, the first such event to be staged in the Middle East, was launched with a grand opening ceremony at the magnificent Aspire Dome yesterday morning.
On the occasion, the President of Qatar Gymnastics Federation and Executive Director of the Organising Committee Ali al-Hitmi thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for his guidance and interest in sport, which he said is an integral part of Qatar’s National Vision 2030. 
The opening was attended by several distinguished guests and included Dr Thani al-Kuwari, Second Vice-President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Jassim al-Buainain, Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee, and Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to Germany, among others.
The championship was officially declared open by International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe, who was dressed in a thobe, and Ali al-Hitmi.
Addressing the audience, Watanabe said, “Qatar Gymnastics Federation has made a wonderful garden in the middle of the desert. For ten days from today, with the power of our gymnasts, we’ll see the beautiful and strong flowers (of gymnastics) bloom at the Aspire Dome. I wish all gymnasts good luck.”
Al-Hitmi welcomed the gymnasts and officials from various countries. “Hosting this prestigious event in Qatar has given us the opportunity to take gymnastics to new heights in our country and to drive the passion and engagement for the sport amongst our communities; expanding gymnastics reach and encouraging even more Qatari residents to become involved, whether participating or being a spectator,” he said.
Al-Hitmi added: “President Watanabe and FIG family, thank you for the trust that you have placed in us. We are so grateful for the support and co-operation that you have provided as we aim to forge a path for future athletes, inspire new gymnasts and grow this sport in Qatar.”
Qatar’s female gymnast, 16-year-old Jana al-Kiki then took an oath on behalf of the athletes as did coach David Kikuchi of Canada and judge Han Yoon-Soo of South Korea. 
This was followed by Qatar’s national anthem.
A Chinese acrobatic show then entertained the audience.