Location: Qatar

Quality: H.264/FULL HD

Audio Type: Natural

Length: 02:08

Size: 45 MB

Qatar-based Katara Studios brought the characters to life through an anime inspired animation and original musical composition that celebrates the legacy of football in the content. Originally designed by Qatari artist Ahmed Al Maadheed, the characters embody Qatar’s culture and natural landscape.

For Fahad Al Kuwari, the creative director behind the animation, the vision was to create a concept that was playful yet nostalgic. The Qatari filmmaker was also involved in bringing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Official Mascot, La’eeb, to life.

“Our priority was to highlight the characteristics of the mascot family in a style that invokes memories of the 2011 Asian Cup while inspiring excitement for the future,” said Al Kuwari.

Qatari artist Dana Al Meer is the singer and songwriter behind the original musical composition that completes the animated work. Al Meer is well-recognised for her performances at the opening and closing ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup 2022™. For her, being part of the mascot song gave her the opportunity to create a song that would inspire a new generation of football fans.

As the creative brain behind the mascot, Ahmed Al Maadheed is certain that the new renditions of the characters will make a lasting impression with football fans this time around as well. Al Maadhed recognises the cultural significance of official mascots in acting as cultural emissaries for the host country.

“Our mascot was created to not only promote the tournament, but to also pay homage to the culture of Qatar. The characters resemble a traditional household in Qatar, signifying the importance of family values as a core part of our identity. We want children and families to be part of this tournament and preserve the football culture,” he said.

For Hassan Al Kuwari, Marketing and Communications Executive Director of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the return of the mascot marks yet another chapter in Qatar’s successful history of hosting mega-sporting events. “The opportunity to host the Asian Cup is a dream fulfilled one more time. The mascot song is a fitting tribute to our legacy. It inspires fans to relive their old memories and build new ones, as we come together to celebrate the beautiful game once again,” he said.

The mascots of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ are Saboog, Tmbki, Freha, Zkriti and Traeneh. Since first making an appearance 2011, they have grown up, matured, and are now ready for a new edition of the AFC Asian Cup™.