Ghanim Al Muftah at the World Cup opening ceremony - in pictures

  • Qatari motivational speaker and social media influencer Ghanim Al Muftah shares the stage with Hollywood star Morgan Freeman at the opening ceremony of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. AFP
    Qatari motivational speaker and social media influencer Ghanim Al Muftah shares the stage with Hollywood star Morgan Freeman at the opening ceremony of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. AFP
  • Al Muftah, 22, was born with a rare birth defect that inhibited the development of his lower body. Reuters
    Al Muftah, 22, was born with a rare birth defect that inhibited the development of his lower body. Reuters
  • Al Muftah and Freeman welcomed the world to Qatar at the opening ceremony. AFP
    Al Muftah and Freeman welcomed the world to Qatar at the opening ceremony. AFP
  • Al Muftah is joined by Qatari singer Dana Al Fardan and performers on stage. AFP
    Al Muftah is joined by Qatari singer Dana Al Fardan and performers on stage. AFP
  • The 30-minute opening ceremony was watched by thousands around the world. AFP
    The 30-minute opening ceremony was watched by thousands around the world. AFP
  • The ceremony, at the tent-shaped Al Bayt stadium, was themed around unity and tolerance. AFP
    The ceremony, at the tent-shaped Al Bayt stadium, was themed around unity and tolerance. AFP
  • Al Muftah is a well-known face in the Gulf, with a huge following on social media. AFP
    Al Muftah is a well-known face in the Gulf, with a huge following on social media. AFP
  • Al Muftah, who hopes to become a Paralympian, was named a Fifa ambassador in April. EPA
    Al Muftah, who hopes to become a Paralympian, was named a Fifa ambassador in April. EPA
  • Al Muftah is currently pursuing a political science degree in university, and hopes to become a diplomat. EPA
    Al Muftah is currently pursuing a political science degree in university, and hopes to become a diplomat. EPA
  • Creative director Ahmad Al Baker said he wanted the opening ceremony to signify 'a gathering for all mankind, an invitation to come together as one, bridging all differences with humanity, respect and inclusion'. EPA
    Creative director Ahmad Al Baker said he wanted the opening ceremony to signify 'a gathering for all mankind, an invitation to come together as one, bridging all differences with humanity, respect and inclusion'. EPA