DOHA: After months of wait, the 2015 Emir Cup draw was held on Tuesday as fans prepared to see the start of the country's most popular football event. The Emir Cup, which will be held from 24 April to 23 May, is set to take place in Qatar Sports Club, Al Arabi Sports Club, Lekhwiya Stadium, Al Sadd Sports Club, and Al Gharrafa Stadium. The opening match of the tournament will kick-off at 5:15pm in Al Arabi Stadium Stadium. In an impressive ceremony, the country’s football legends joined current national players along with coaches of the participating teams and Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) officials at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Tuesday. Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary General of QFA, Hani Balan, QFA Board Member, Hamad Al Kuwari, Acting Executive Director of Operations of QFA were among the officials who attended the ceremony. The Emir Cup is set to witness the participation of 18 first and second division teams that will compete to win the most coveted title. During his welcome speech at the draw ceremony, the Secretary General of QFA said: “On behalf of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), I am pleased to welcome you all to the official draw ceremony of the Emir Cup 2014-15 sports season. We meet again this year to celebrate this prominent event through which we inaugurate a new edition of the most prestigious championship in Qatar, the 43rd Emir Cup.” When addressing the partners of the championship, he added: “You have been partnering with QFA and continue to partner with us to contribute directly to the success of this championship, and QFA is delighted for the fruitful cooperation that has taken place over the past years. The presence of more than one major partner to support the Emir Cup this year showcases all the efforts undertaken in order to provide a unique championship at all levels.” The draw procedure was conducted by Ali Hmoud Al Naimi, Head of Competitions in QFA, and was assisted by four former Qatari football legends; Obaid Gomaa former player of Al Sadd, Majid Al Sayegh former player of Al Arabi, Adel Khamees former player of Al Gharrafa, and Mohammed Ghanim Al Rumaihi former player of Al Ahli.