Qatar 2022, which is bidding to host the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East, has revealed details of a number of its stadia, and the world-first, carbon-neutral technology it will use to cool stadiums, fan fests/zones and training sites.

The cooling technologies will be used if Qatar is chosen to host the World Cup – paving the way for the first cooled outdoor global sporting event.

The new Al Shamal is a 45,120 capacity stadium located in the north of Qatar, on the edge of the Arabian Gulf. The stadium’s bowl shape design is derived from the “traditional dhows” – the local fishing boats of the Gulf. Around 10% of spectators for Al-Shamal are expected to arrive via the Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge, which will be the longest free-standing bridge in the world.

Al Khor, a 45,330 capacity stadium located in the north east of Qatar, is set in its own park setting and designed as a stunning asymmetrical seashell motif. Some spectators will be able to see the Gulf from their seats while players will benefit from a flexible roof providing shade over the pitch.

Al Wakrah is located in the south of Qatar, a 45,000 capacity stadium set in a park setting that includes a themed swimming pool, spa zone, spots facilities and shopping mall. The main stadium entrance will face onto a beautiful plaza that will create a sense of one large extended park.

In addition, Qatar 2022 unveiled two existing stadiums – Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa – that will be expanded if Qatar wins the right to stage the FIFA World Cup.

Al Rayyan is located 20 km northwest of Doha, and its current capacity will double to 44,740 via a modular upper tier stand. A special membrane will double as a giant screen on the side of the stadium projecting flash match updates and tournament information.

Al Gharafa, located close to Doha, its current capacity will also double to 44,740 via a modular upper tier stand. The stadium facade will be made up of the colours of all the countries qualifying for Qatar 2022, symbolising the friendship, mutual tolerance and respect of the FIFA World Cup and Qatar.

“Today’s unveiling of our state-of-the-art football stadia and innovative cooling technology is the latest step in our quest to bring the FIFA World Cup to the Middle East for the very first time in 2022,” said Qatar 2022 chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

“Our stadiums will have zero carbon cooling equipment utilising solar technology to ensure the temperature is no higher than 27 degrees Celsius, ensuring optimum playing conditions and a comfortable environment for fans,” he added.

“This same environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral technology will ensure training sites, fan fest and fan zones are also cool and comfortable. What we have unveiled today is a world first, and as part of Qatar's commitment to delivering an historic legacy we will share this groundbreaking technology with the rest of the world.”

Qatar 2022 chief executive, Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi, said: “All our state-of-the-art stadia will be linked to a brand new metro system and totally integrated with a comprehensive shuttle bus network, allowing fans to travel to games by public transport.”

“Fans will be able to watch more than one game in a day while staying in the same accommodation throughout the tournament. We have also designed our new stadia with legacy front of mind and, with their modular design, can be reduced in size after the World Cup to fit local football and community requirements and, in some cases, transported abroad for permanent use.”

“What we have unveiled today is just a foretaste of the much wider plans we will be unveiling in the coming weeks,” Al Thawadi concluded. – TradeArabia News Service