40,000-seater Al Thumama Stadium is scheduled for completion in 2020; will host matches up to quarter-finals
The organisers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar has awarded the main construction contract for the seventh stadium hosting tournament matches.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) said the 40,000-seater Al Thumama Stadium will be built by a joint venture of Qatari construction giant AlJaber Engineer (JEC) and Turkey’s Tekfen Construction.
Al Thumama is scheduled for completion by 2020 and will host FIFA World Cup matches up to the quarter-final stage.
SC secretary general Hassan Al Thawadi said: “The stadium in Al Thumama is located in one of the most rapidly developing areas of Doha. Once ready, the stadium and its surrounding precinct will not only become one of the capital’s central sporting arenas, but will also serve the local community as a central community destination.”
The stadium is located in an area that already comprises four outdoor training pitches and office facilities currently used by the Qatar Football Association Technical Committee.
The stadium will have a reduced capacity of 20,000 seats in its post tournament legacy mode as part of the SC’s modular stadium legacy plans.
Osama Hadid, CEO of JEC, said: “Being a Qatari company we are proud to build such a strategically important venue for this historic tournament. We will ensure delivery of a stadium that makes the residents of Al Thumama and the wider Doha community proud when it opens its doors for the tournament in 2022.”
Construction began in Al Thumama in mid-2016. Most recently levelling and grading works were completed while the stadium design will be launched in 2017.
In 2016, main works were awarded to Al Rayyan Stadium and Qatar Foundation Stadium and Lusail Stadium, which joined Khalifa International Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City and Al Wakrah Stadium in construction main works stage.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will award the main contract in the second quarter of 2017.
Credit: arabianbusiness.com
