Al Khor, Qatar (dpa)

The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said today (November 20) that diversity is bringing the world together at the World Cup, which started with a short opening ceremony.

The build-up to the first-ever World Cup in the Arab world was dominated by criticism of Qatar’s human rights record, most notably over the treatment of migrant workers and the criminalisation of homosexuality.

But the 32-team tournament started in earnest Sunday with the opening match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador at the 60-seat Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. The final is scheduled for December 18.

The first game was preceded by a short opening ceremony moderated by American actor Morgan Freeman and featuring K-pop star Jung Kook who performed the official World Cup song Dreamers together with popular Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

There was video footage of the former emir, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, playing football before the current ruler said that “the day we have been waiting for for so long has arrived at last”.

He added: “People of different religions and believes will gather here. Their diversity brings them together.”

The ceremony also showcased the host nation, featureed a massive fireworks display before FIFA President Gianni Infantino said minutes before kick-off: “Let the show begin.”

Several artistes had refused to anticipate in the ceremony in connection with the human rights debate.

Pop star Dua Lipa said last week she wasn’t taking part in the event and that she looks forward to “visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup.”

British singer Rod Stewart was also another candidate, but he recently said he refused “a huge amount of money” because “I don’t think it’s right to go to a country with those ideas and values.”

Shakira, who performed the official World Cup song in 2010, reportedly also declined participation in the opening ceremony which was dubbed by FIFA to spark “dialogue on diversity”.