Opening ceremony to be wonderful

Comparing with the unforgettable successful opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games.

The opening ceremony of the Doha Asian Games on Friday would be a spectacle of technology, tradition and culture, revealed the artistic director in Doha.

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Comparing with the unforgettable successful opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games, David Atkins, who was the artistic director then, said that the ceremony would be different from Sydney's.

"There are many, many high technological developments. It's a new level, you will see on Friday, while in Sydney, we had more people and a longer ceremony," Atkins said.

About 7,000 people will perform for three hours and 20 minutes at the opening ceremony.

"Qatar is a new and young nation, but its culture is thousands of years old. The history and traditions of the Arab and Islamic world and all over Asia will be shown at the ceremony," said the Aussie.

These themes, as well as a range of costumes, symbols and images, will highlight the opening ceremony, which will take audiences on a journey through the history of Qatar, the Gulf region and its relationship with Asia.

"It will be fancy!" Atkins assured. "Special fireworks will be lighted at the very beginning of the ceremony. Also, there will be many horses during the show as horse is a strong symbol and part of the Qatari history."

The 15th Asian Games, featuring 45 countries and regions, end on December 15.