An Iraqi clan sheikh expressed his welcome to the arrivals to attend the opening of the "Gulf 25" championship yesterday, Friday, by holding the largest luncheon on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab in the city of Basra.

Through a banner hung on the Corniche Bridge, Sheikh Fawzi Yusuf al-Lami - one of the sheikhs of the Bani Lam clan in Basra - announced his invitation to "our Arab and Iraqi brothers to attend a luncheon on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab Corniche, out of respect for the Arabs and the Gulf," according to the invitation.

The largest feast held by Sheikh Youssef Al-Lami on the Shatt Al-Arab Corniche for guests # Gulf_25_Basrawi # Gulf_Cup # Eid_Iraqi_Army #Gulf_Zain 25 # Hamdallah # Basra # Friday night # Umm_al-Benin # Ferrera_above_all pic.twitter.com/Gj6JmLyWI7

- Gulf 25 (@ raqyraq31621847) January 6, 2023

And local media reported that the sheikh of the clan slaughtered 100 camels and 200 sheep to honor the guests of Basra in particular and Iraq in general, in an initiative that was welcomed and appreciated by the pioneers of the communication sites.

Dozens of camels and more than 100 sheep, lunch from Sheikh Fawzi and Sheikh Yusuf Al-Lami to the audience coming to #Basra!


Full details on #Alsumaria_website: https://t.co/xWPtZeJCOv#Iraq #Basra_Dirtakum #Gulf_25_Basrawi #Gulf_Cup #Gulf_Cup_25 #Gulf_25 #Football #Sport #Alsumaria pic.twitter.com/5P6enkNTRk

— AlsumariaTV-Alsumaria (@alsumariatv) January 6, 2023

Video clips showed a huge human tide of Iraqis and Arabs, who answered the call and gathered along the banks of the Shatt al-Arab and near the bridge to eat lunch.

A clan sheikh holds a big feast on the Shatt al-Arab Corniche for Gulf guests # Khaleeji_Zain25 # Basra pic.twitter.com/CVpINtIF0L

- Muhammad Al-Fahd (@mohamedalfahad0) January 6, 2023

Since fans began flocking to Basra to attend the Gulf football match, the people of the city launched many initiatives to host and honor them, which varied between opening homes and guesthouses for arrivals from the Gulf, and organizing events and marches to welcome them.

Distinguished opening ceremony

For the second time, 44 years after hosting the first, Iraq will host the tournament, which will last until January 19, with the participation of 8 teams.

And at the Palm Trunk Stadium in Basra, Iraq dazzled the world with a distinguished opening ceremony, which some described as a "global" show.

⚽ |# Gulf 25 |


Part of the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup in #Basra #Al-Kass_Channels pic.twitter.com/FDeR78f9Se

- Al-Kass channels (@alkasschannel) January 6, 2023

The opening ceremony was marked by a sequential presentation of Iraq's civilization and history throughout the past ages, using the latest technology and visual effects.

⚽ |# Gulf 25 |


Watch the fireworks displays at the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup in #Basra #Al-Kass_Channels pic.twitter.com/13YI47UcQc

- Al-Kass channels (@alkasschannel) January 6, 2023

The ceremony ended with fireworks that filled the sky of Basra, in the presence of the President of the International Football Association, Gianni Infantino, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, and the President of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Darjal, in the presence of a large audience of more than 65,000 fans.

Congratulations to Iraq and the host city #Basra on the wonderful opening ceremony of the #GulfCup.

The game has begun!

Come on Iraq!

❤️ #Iraq


pic.twitter.com/bFd2wXLnDJ

- Gregory Galligan 🇨🇦 (@Greg_Galligan) January 6, 2023

After the opening ceremony, the teams of Iraq and Oman played the first matches of the tournament at the Basra International Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw, then played for the first group itself, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and “Al-Akhdar” won with two goals to none to lead the group.

Today, Saturday, in the second group of the championship, Bahrain and the UAE will meet, followed by a match between Qatar and Kuwait.