Major Progress Made Across Qatar's FIFA World Cup Stadiums Portfolio in 2019

Doha, December 31 (QNA) - One of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's major highlights during 2019 was the inauguration of the spectacular Al Janoub Stadium. The 40,000-capacity venue, designed by architectural legend Zaha Hadid, was unveiled to the world in May when it hosted the Amir Cup final. Al Janoub Stadium became the second FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament venue to open after Khalifa International Stadium's successful redevelopment was completed in 2017. Six more stadiums are being constructed for Qatar 2022, with three of them Education City Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium and Al Rayyan Stadium in the final stages of delivery. All the venues will be completed and tested well in advance of the tournament, which kicks off on 21 November 2022. As for Khalifa International Stadium, it's been a busy year for Qatar's national stadium. It hosted the IAAF World Athletics Championships in September and October before being a host venue for two major football tournaments: the Arabian Gulf Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Al Janoub Stadium became the first Qatar 2022 to be built from scratch when it was inaugurated in May ahead of the Amir Cup final between Al Duhail and Al Sadd. Since then, the stadium has hosted a number of high-profile football matches, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the Qatar national team and the sold-out Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. As for Education City Stadium, construction has been completed at the 40,000-capacity venue, nicknamed the 'Diamond in the Desert'. The stadium had been due to host the second semi-final and final during the FIFA Club World Cup but it wasn't possible to organise the necessary test events and obtain the relevant health and safety permits prior to the tournament. The stadium will now open in 2020. Al Bayt Stadium; designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium will host matches up to the semi-finals stage in 2022. Fit-out works are advancing rapidly, including the installation of furniture in the skyboxes and executive lounges. Access bridges are being built, while external work such as tree planting, landscaping and the development of roads and car parks is progressing. Al Rayyan Stadium; the pitch was recently laid at this 40,000-capacity venue, which will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage in 2022. Seats are being installed at the stadium, while the external render has almost been completed. Roof cladding is also in progress. Lusail Stadium; the venue for Qatar 2022's opening match and final is progressing well. All 48 structural V-frames have been installed, along with six out of the 24 roof compression ring sections. Preparations for the cable net roof installation have commenced at the field of play level. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium; this 40,000-capacity stadium will be constructed using the shipping containers which transport materials for its development. Post-2022, it will become the first fully demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history. 158 containers have been delivered to the construction site, with 30 already installed. The fabrication for the steel structure is 25% complete, while the fabrication of bleachers, concourse slabs and roof steel continue. Underground utilities, including the drainage network, are more than 50% complete. Al Thumama Stadium; once complete, this 40,000-capacity venue will resemble the 'gahfiya' a cap worn by men across the Middle East and Arab world. At present, 26 of the 40 facade columns have been installed, along with 14 out of 20 roof trusses. The bleacher installation has reached 90%, while blockworks are 97% complete. (QNA)