World Cup 2022: A Win-Win Celebration for the Middle East

In honour of the Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022, Emergeast, the MENA region’s leading online art gallery, is proud to present Carry Us Home, a female-led curated drop in honour of the first World Cup in the Middle East. Participating Artists: Ghada Al Khater, Shouq Al Mana, Helen Zughaib, Adra Kandil and Sara Tohme.

At a time of increased opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue, false cultural assumptions on Qatar and the Middle East tainted the start of the World Cup. But despite it all, it certainly is looking like the region is bringing it home.

Pride that is. Reflecting the region's efforts towards social and economic advancement in the past few years, the Middle East is relishing in the celebrations it so rightly deserves. From Doha's impeccable hosting to Morocco's historical victory into the quarter finals, here are just a few reasons why we're already celebrating.

1. Unprecedented Female Representation

For the first time in World Cup history, three women referees have been selected to officiate the tournament. In an all-men event, this represents today's spotlight on female empowerment in the region.

"I am so proud to say as an Arab American, to see the World Cup taking place in the Middle East for the first time ever! To have people from across the globe coming together in a spirit of peace and humanity to our beautiful part of the world is the most incredible feeling of pride."

- Helen Zughaib, Lebanese artist based in Washington D.C.

Ahlan (Welcome), Helen Zughaib

2. First FIFA World Cup Hosted by a Middle Eastern Country

For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup is hosted in the Middle East. A big advantage to this historical move is that this tournament is more accessible to those in Asia, Africa and the Middle East who previously found it challenging to attend the tournament due to costly flights or visa requirements.

3. MENA Teams Surprise Fans

Saudi Arabia's win against Argentina left the world amazed with an outcome that ranks as one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history. Celebration was not only in Saudi Arabia but across the Middle East such as in Egypt, Jordan and Yemen.

An astonishing performance by Iran made headlines as the Iran - Wales match left viewers glued to their seats. Despite the division amongst Iranians regarding the team Melli's political stance, their outstanding performance made Iranians proud worldwide.

Image Courtesy: AP News

Image Courtesy: The Guardian

Image Courtesy: Twitter.com

Another historical win for the region was when Morocco, against the odds, beat Spain which marked the first time an Arab nation makes it to the World Cup quarter finals. In addition, the world witnessed an emotional scene when Achraf Hakimi shared a moment with his mother after the victory, showcasing a heartfelt demonstration of family values

Tunisia celebrated its triumphant win against 2018 World Cup champs, France. Although the team will not be advancing to the next round - it offered a moment of collective pride and strength in the region.

Image Courtesy: AP News

4. Act of Resistance

As their country remains in turmoil, Iran players line up, taking a political stance by refusing to sing their national anthem in support of the brave Iranian women fighting for freedom. This act of resistance came at a price and the team was forced to comply in subsequent matches.

Unity, Shouq Al Mana

5. Solidarity from the Stands

During the challenging time for Iran, the crowd at the World Cup showed overwhelming support for the women-led protests in Iran wearing the national colours and holding the protest movement's sign 'Woman Life Freedom.'

From 'Women Life Freedom' to 'Free Palestine; - the shared signs of solidarity gives a sense of community during this worldwide event.

According to the New York Times, Edward Said once said football, “represents a breathing space, allowing a splintered homeland an opportunity to join together around something shared." British & French colonisation brought football to the region in an effort to cultivate discipline and obedience amongst the colonised people. Football became a symbol of social and cultural independence amongst Arab nations thereon. This year's increased representation signifies a symbolic moment for the region.

Similar to art, the World Cup is a cultural force in which we share our unified hopes and ambitions. As a region faced with many challenges, this historical moment is the time to join together around a sport so dearly loved by all.

We Are Made of Each Other, Sara Tohme

About the Drop

We are proud to present Carry Us Home, a female-led curated drop paying homage to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Reflecting the region's recent vision of social and economic advancement, the Middle East is relishing in the celebrations it so rightly deserves. In spirit of this historical event, we asked five of our female artists to reflect what this means to them.