The Games director of protocol and international relations, Abdulla Al Mulla, said all facilities including the athletes village and 38 competition venues would be open for 15,000 athletes and officials.

"Everything will be ready two weeks before the Games. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Games which will be completely different from the others,'' said Mulla who had a meeting with local sports bodies in Pattaya.

The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (Dagoc) has invested US$2.8 million to host the Asiad for the first time. A special terminal which covers an area of 10,000 square metres has been arranged for the Games participants at the Doha airport. In terms of the security, Mulla said Dagoc has roped in the same agency that was in charge of the arrangements in Sydney and Athens Olympic Games.

 "We will make sure that every one is safe. The security measures will be tightened but one will never feel the presence of the agencies,'' the Qatari official said. Mulla said people back home were enthusiastic about the Games and looking forward to showing their hospitality and culture. He said participants will return to their homes with unforgettable memories. - The Nation.