IIRC, it was around April/May 2002. Initial main route was LHR. The original aircraft (A7-ACA and ACB) also did several sectors to and from Dubai in the early stages of introduction, considered as "practice" runs I guess.
However, the inaugural revenue generating flight of the A332 in QR service carrying passengers was actually neither DXB or LHR, but a flight from Doha to Bahrain!! (a mere twenty seven minutes flying time). However, not all "plane" sailing. Upon arrival in BAH on that first flight, Charlie Alpha developed toothache, or something else technical, and was on the ground delayed for nine hours or something like that.
I think they may have sent Oscar over as a sub........can't quite remember though.
AB6