This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
Published on September 26, 2019, the 2022 Fifa World Cup preparations are gaining momentum in Doha, Qatar.
The first-ever World Cup to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world, the tournament promises to be a historic event, with eight state-of-the-art stadiums being built from scratch.
Driving through the city, one can see the massive construction machines at work, shaking the earth and unleashing clouds of dust in the clear skies of Doha.
Thanks to a well-developed transport infrastructure, the refurbished Hamad International Airport provides a clear view of the city, where motorists religiously obey the traffic rules.
At least two stadiums, Khalifa International and Al Janoub, are ready, while six others will be completed by the end of this year and 2020.
One of the unique features of the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup is the cooled open-air stadiums, which will provide an enjoyable experience for fans during matches, despite the extreme heat that exceeds 40 degrees.
According to statistics from the Supreme Committee and Legacy, the construction of the eight stadiums has hit over 200 million man-hours by August 31.
The construction has attracted 160 local and international contractors and has employed over 30,000 workers from around the world, including hundreds of Kenyans.
Al Thumama Stadium, which will host matches up to the quarter-final stage, is located in Al Thumama City, 12km south of Doha.
Twenty thousand seats will be removed and donated to countries in need of sporting infrastructure, as part of the Qatar government's commitment to develop football in countries with poor infrastructure.
“This is part of the Qatar government's commitment to develop football in countries with poor infrastructure,” said Jabshen Karim, a member of the Supreme Committee, addressing journalists from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, South Africa, and Belgium at Albidda Tower, Qatar Football Association headquarters in Doha.
Khalifa International Stadium, with a seating capacity of 40,000, is the first stadium to be ready for the tournament and is the first air-cooled stadium in Fifa World Cup history.
It is also the first stadium in the region to use energy-saving LED lighting.
The 60,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium, dubbed the biggest tent in the world, will host one of the semi-final matches, while the 40,000-seater Education City Stadium will be the venue for one of the quarter-final matches.
Twenty thousand seats will be donated after the tournament, providing sporting facilities for over 8,000 students.
The 40,000-seater Al Rayyan Stadium, which is the new home of Al Rayyan Sport Club, the most popular football club in Qatar, will host the quarter-finals.
Construction is set to be completed by the end of 2019.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, built out of containers, is leading the way in the development of sustainable stadiums around the globe.
It is the first fully demountable stadium in Fifa World Cup history.
Lusail Stadium, the third-largest stadium in Asia, with a seating capacity of 80,000 fans, will host the final match.
The World Cup emblem, launched on September 3, adorns buildings and is displayed in strategic places in Doha.
The logo, which resembles a figure eight, is borrowed from traditional woollen shawls worn throughout Asia during winter.
It represents the eight stadiums that will host the football extravaganza and represents Arabic and Qatari culture that 'fuses tradition with modernity' according to Fifa.
Qatar won the World Cup bid in 2010 after edging out the US, Australia, and Japan.
The tournament will be held in November and December 2022 for the first time in the tournament's history.
World Cup has traditionally been held between May and July, but that period the heat in the wealthy Persian Gulf country is at its highest.
The football fans in this country of three million people are excited ahead of the world's greatest football extravaganza.
“I really like this! It's a breath of fresh air,” said Abdallah Rholem.
“Our time is now. Proud is an understatement. I love it. It is the best emblem if you compare with previous World Cup emblems,” said Absa Mohammed.
“It is one of those moments when I'm really proud to be a Qatari,” said Zeina Ahmed.
“Simple and unique logo. I just love it,” said Amira Abdulahi.
“It is gorgeous and unique design, so proud. I will be there,” said Ahmed Al Jabari.
