15th Asian Games torch relay to ignite Qatar's passions

The Torch route will demonstrate Qatar's proud traditions and culture while uniting the people of Asia for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

The 15th Asian Games Torch Relay will be the longest in Asian Games history, visiting 15 countries and regions and travelling more than 50,000kms in 55 days. It will visit India; Korea; the Philippines; Japan; China; Macau, China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Thailand; IR Iran and the five Gulf Cooperation Council states including Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and host country Qatar.

More than 3,500 Torchbearers across the world will carry the Flame before it enters Khalifa Stadium on 1 December 2006 at the Opening Ceremony to ignite the flame and officially start the Games.

Nearly 1,000 Torchbearers which include members of the community, sponsors, athletes, celebrities and VIPs will relay the Doha 2006 Flame from 25 November, when it arrives on Qatar's shores, carried by Official Torch Relay Ambassador H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani.

Arriving in Qatar from Bahrain at Al Shamal Port on 25 November, Qatari residents representing 67 nationalities will carry the Flame through Al Zubara, Dukhan, the Inland Sea, Al Wakra, Al Khor community and Doha. Finally, it will arrive at the Khalifa Stadium on 1 December to mark the opening of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

A celebration aptly named 'Taste of Qatar' will be staged by a specially selected troupe from the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage (NCCAH) when the Torch Relay reaches a city on the torch route.

"This is truly a unique opportunity for all Qatari residents," said Ahmed Abdulla Al Khulaifi, Deputy Director General, Corporate Support, DAGOC. "When the Torch Relay arrives in Qatar on 25 November, there will be one week remaining to the Opening Ceremony of the 15th Asian Games. This will be a defining moment in the sporting history of our nation."