The countdown to Qatar’s largest entertainment event begins as global music icon A R Rahman gets ready to take centre stage at the newly completed Khalifa International Stadium in just over two weeks. 

Khalifa Stadium is the first FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium to be completed.

Fans of Rahman did not waste any time getting their concert tickets since the announcement was made. 

According to COO of Q-Tickets Aarti Mahajan, all tickets for the Royal and Upper stand categories have already been snapped up.

“We have never seen tickets sell at this rate for a music event in Qatar, which is a testimony to the popularity of A R Rahman,” said Mahajan. 

According to event organisers Katara Studios, news of Rahman’s concert in Doha has travelled far.

“We have been seeing tickets purchased from across the region, and even some from as far as the United States. This concert will be a real treat for A R Rahman fans as this is his first performance in Qatar and will be unlike any concert performed anywhere else due to the sheer size of the stage production,” said Hussein Fakhri, CEO of Katara Studios.

The two-time Oscar and Grammy Award singer, songwriter and producer will perform on March 22 with his troupe of over 80 performers on a world-first 90-metre length stage. 

More than 30,000 fans are expected in what is to be the largest music event ever in Qatar.

Internationally-acclaimed Rahman is globally known for revolutionising the Indian film music industry with his unique East-West blend. 

He is famously known for the 2009 Hollywood production Slumdog Millionaire and has earned numerous international accolades and awards. 

In addition to his Grammy and Oscar Awards, Rahman also has a BAFTA and Golden Globe Award.

The musical genius of India has also won multiple awards in his homeland, including six National Film Awards, 15 Filmfare Awards and 16 Filmfare Awards South. 

The musical fest in Doha is a collaboration with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and the National Tourism Council as part of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture that is intended to promote mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between the two countries.

Katara Studios’ collaboration with A R Rahman is the start of many other joint efforts that have been planned to bring some of the world’s biggest names in the industry to Qatar.