Doha, November 08 (QNA) – The State of Qatar presented to the fans of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 eight architectural masterpieces. Located in Al Wakrah, less than 20 kilometers from Doha, Al Janoub Stadium is one of these outstanding masterpieces which will host 7 matches in the upcoming World Cup.
Al Janoub Stadium has a special character in its shape, design and its location in the ancient city of Al Wakrah which represents part of the distinguished heritage of the State of Qatar, whose residents practiced pearling and diving in the depths of the sea and cherish this job as a source of pride and an important part of their country’s history.
Al Janoub Stadium, which opened in May 2019 as one of the most important World Cup stadiums, is a distinctive edifice and an architectural masterpiece that takes the form of the sails of traditional Qatari boats celebrating Al Wakrah’s long history as a center for pearling and fishing.
Al Janoub Stadium has significant importance for Al Wakrah city and all residents of the country’s south region, leaving behind a great legacy with its various facilities after the World Cup. The Stadium will offer a community center to benefit the region in the best way possible.
Al Janoub Stadium was the first stadium designed on empty land. Within five years, it became an impressive and eye-catching edifice and a landmark in southern Qatar.
The construction of Al Janoub Stadium took five years. After its completion, the Stadium gave the first sign of Qatar’s readiness and commitment to its promise to present an extraordinary World Cup at all levels. The Stadium demonstrated Qatar’s ability to impress, innovate and win the challenge.
The design of the stadium was inspired by the ship that symbolizes pride in Qatari history. Its design reflects creativity, while its location in Al Wakrah symbolizes a far-reaching vision related to leaving a legacy to the region, which is one of Qatar’s most important goals in organizing the World Cup, embodied in prompting the path of development of the service infrastructure for the benefit of both the local community as well as the global community given the fact the number of stadium seats will be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000 after the tournament.
Al Janoub Stadium gave the first signs of Qatar’s excellence and seriousness in organizing the global sporting event and leaving a legacy for the region.
The stadium was prepared in the best way to serve the World Cup and the region and support the legacy program as a principle approved by when it won the bid to host the World Cup in 2010. The upper part of its stands, with its 20,000 seats, will be dismantled and donated to developing countries that lack sports infrastructure.
Al Janoub Stadium is not simply a sports facility, but rather a center that offers services and special facilities in its surroundings to practice other types of sports such as cycling, jogging and walking.
The legacy of Al Janoub Stadium will benefit the people of Al Wakrah in various aspects. The facility offers a covered and cooled area for picnics and seating, in addition to future visions to take full advantage of the stadium as a distinctive sports complex.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy was keen to present a unique World Cup masterpiece signed by renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. Hadid designed Al Janoub Stadium in November 2013; then its construction kicked off in 2014 and was practically completed in 2019 before it was officially inaugurated in May 2019 with HH the Amir Cup final between Al Duhail and Al Sadd.
The stadium, which will host the group stage matches of the World Cup, was awarded a gold standard Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification for operational performance by the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD).
It also received certifications for sustainable design and green construction practices, making it the first FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium to be awarded all three GSAS certifications.
Al Janoub Stadium includes state-of-the-art systems to serve the masses, the media and television networks, as well as special platforms for photography and broadcast. The stadium also supports a safe system that facilitates the public’s entry and exit, interaction and celebrations.
The Stadium also includes several rooms and studios for television and satellite channels, in addition to smart LED lights within the stadium for light show effects. Most importantly, Al Janoub Stadium offers accessibility for people with special needs, including comfortable stands and easy services to enjoy matches from private stands.
Al Janoub Stadium will host seven matches during the FIFA World Cup, with six group games along with one Round of 16 knockout matches. The first match will be between the defending champion France vs. Australia on November 22.
(QNA)