The plastic nozzles that are an integral part of Qatar's stadium cooling technology
The development of Al Thumama Stadium, the sixth proposed 2022 FIFA World Cup venue, highlights the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) commitment to boosting local industry – and becomes the latest in a long line of projects being led by prominent local companies.
Designed by renowned Qatari architect Ibrahim Al Jaidah, CEO of Arab Engineering Bureau, the stadium’s design is inspired by the gahfiya – the traditional head-dress worn by young Qatari boys.
Hassan Al Thawadi, SC Secretary General, said supporting local businesses had been at the forefront of all 2022 FIFA World Cup planning from day one.
“We always believed this World Cup would be a catalyst and supporter of local industry,” he said. “Our vision was to complement and assist in developing local talent and shed light on local organisations.”
Al Thawadi went on to highlight Al Jaidah’s work specifically.
He said: “Ibrahim Al Jaidah is a very well-known architect in Qatar. We believe he has the talent, the passion and the commitment for this project. It’s essential for us to shine a spotlight on such talent.”
In addition to supporting local businesses, the SC is committed to ensuring the 2022 FIFA World Cup acts as a facilitator for Qatar National Vision 2030 and supports the National Development Strategy.
Each of the now six revealed 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums are joint ventures, with a Qatari company partnering a secondary international firm – thus allowing for global experience to be blended with local knowledge and expertise.
On the occasion of the design launch of Al Thumama Stadium, here is a look at three other recent instances of Qatari organisations undertaking key projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
2022 FIFA World Cup training sites: In May, the SC awarded two Qatari companies, Nakheel Landscapes and Gulf Contracting, the contract to build base camps and associated training sites for all 32 participating teams.
Existing grounds and parks in and around areas such as Aspire Zone, Qatar University, Doha Golf Club, Al Sailiya and West Bay will be transformed into training sites and team base camps, thereby leaving a lasting legacy after 2022.
Stadium cooling technology: The pioneering energy-saving technology developed by Qatar University professor Saud Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Ghani came in for lavish praise from fans, players and visiting dignitaries during the launch of the Khalifa International Stadium in May.
Using plastic nozzles manufactured in Qatar, chilled air was blasted into the sold-out 40,000-capacity stadium, resulting in a drop in temperature of 17c in playing areas and 14C in seating areas from an outside temperature of 37c.
Stadium seat manufacturing: Coastal, a Qatari company with more than three decades of experience in manufacturing and construction, was awarded the contract to manufacture seats for Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City and Al Rayyan Stadium.
