Asia's biggest football festival in 2019 has officially started.

Audiences at the Stadium as well as millions of football fans around the world enjoyed a party of music and colorful light, honoring the achievements of Asian football, as well as the lively atmosphere of the host country’s culture.

Three famous UAE singers, Hussain Al Jassmi, Balqees Ahmed Fathi and Eida Al Menhali performed the tournament's theme song “Zanaha Zayed” (roughly translated: Bringing Asia together).

“Bringing Asia Together” is also the slogan of this year's Asian Cup, upholding the spirit of a united and successful Asia in many fields, including sports and football.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was the Origami falcons carrying the national flags of the teams participating in the Asian Cup 2019. The falcon is the national symbol of the UAE, and the mascot of this year's Asian Cup is Jarrah, a falcon.

There were roughly about 600 artists from the UAE and around the world participating in live performances at the opening ceremony.

This was the opening ceremony of an impressive Asian Cup with many records, such as the largest number of teams to attend (24 teams), and the largest number of viewers watching the live broadcast of the programme (more than 300 million).

A giant version of the Asian Cup 2019 trophy appeared on stage. Another special feature of this year's tournament is also at the trophy itself, as it is the first time the organisers have launched a new trophy version after 62 years.

The real trophy awarded to the champions is 72 cm tall, 42 cm wide, weighing 15 kg and was produced in monolithic silver. To make this trophy, the goldsmiths had to spend up to 400 hours of work.

Shortly after the opening ceremony, the opening match of the Asian Cup 2019 was held between the hosts UAE and Bahrain. The Asian Cup 2019 will take place from January 5 to February 1, with a total of 51 matches.