FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 opened at Al Bayt Stadium with a large-scale ceremony combining performance, projection, lighting, scenic engineering and automation to celebrate the shared culture, heritage and unity of the Arab world.

Following his previous involvement with Katara Studios on the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, John was once again appointed as Lead CAD Draughtsman, providing technical draughting and drawing coordination throughout the development and delivery of the Opening Ceremony.

Working as part of the wider production and technical team, John was responsible for maintaining the master CAD plans and developing overlay drawings across the production. Drawing information from multiple departments and specialist contractors was coordinated and integrated into a unified set of production drawings, providing a central technical reference as the design developed.

The role included departmental coordination, scenic and technical integration, management of incoming contractor drawings and the continual revision and issue of drawing information throughout the rehearsal period. With multiple disciplines working simultaneously within the stadium, maintaining accurate and up-to-date information was essential to ensuring that changes could be clearly communicated across the production.

At the centre of the ceremony was a monumental kinetic structure developed as part of Sila Sveta’s stage design and visual concept. Formed from 22 kilometres of chrome-finished chains, scenic elements gradually emerged from the field of play before rising to a height of 40 metres. Supported by an extensive system of catenaries and automation, the structure transformed throughout the performance to represent creation, collapse and symbolic rebirth.

Created and produced by Katara Studios alongside an international team of designers, engineers, technical suppliers and production specialists, the ceremony continued John’s involvement in the delivery of major international sporting ceremonies in Qatar.

Further Reading