Supreme Committee unveils largest World Cup stadium model at HIA
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure required to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, unveiled the largest-ever scale model of a World Cup stadium at a ceremony at the Hamad International Airport.
The huge model of the Al Thumama Stadium, the sixth of eight football venues Qatar is building, is aimed to attract passengers who use Doha’s iconic airport, reported Qatar Tribune.
The model will be on public display until September 15 at the main departure hall close to the Untitled Lamp Bear artwork by Swiss artist Urs Fischer.
The Al Thumama Stadium, whose design was officially launched on August 20, is designed by a Qatari architect and built by Arab builders. It is the sixth stadium to be unveiled after those at Al Wakrah, Al Bayt, Al Rayyan, and Qatar Foundation.
The Khalifa International Stadium was officially opened by HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the Emir Cup Final in May, 2017.
Siege not to affect 2022 legacy
Secretary General Hassan al Thawadi said the ongoing Gulf crisis had not affected preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in any way.
“The legacy of the World Cup won’t be affected by this political crisis. We’re in coordination with our Arab brothers. The rest of the Arab world is still supporting the World Cup and I feel every individual in the Arab world is backing our World Cup,” he told Qatar Tribune.
Taking a dig at the four Arab countries blockading Qatar, he said, “It’s a shame if anybody takes unilateral action and misses out on a lifetime opportunity to witness the World Cup in Qatar, the first in the Middle East and the Arab World.”
“If this happens, it’s something that’s out of our hands. I feel this is a World Cup to promote the Middle Eastern unity, culture and heritage. It’s also a platform to bring the east and west together. We’ve many initiatives to showcase the culture, traditions, unity and heritage. I think the world needs them now.”
Preparations on track
Al Thawadi said preparations for the World Cup were going on well despite the political imbroglio.
“Our projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup are on track and they’re being delivered on time. We've just finished the opening of the Khalifa International Stadium.
"These are some of the milestones (during our World Cup journey). Work on all the stadiums is progressing well and on schedule. We’ll be able to complete the design of the remaining two in 2018,” he told Qatar Tribune.
