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Tribune News Network
DOHA
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 on Thursday.
The Al Thumama Stadium is the sixth of the eight venues that would host the World Cup matches and the stunning model is aimed to attract the large crowd that visit Doha's iconic airport.
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.
During the unveiling ceremony, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al Baker and Badr Mohammed al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at the Hamad International Airport, welcomed Hassan al Thawadi, Secretary General of the SC, Hilal al Kuwari, Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office at the SC, Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the renowned Qatari architect behind the stadium's design, Yasir al Jamal, Vice-Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office at the SC, Fatma al Nuaimi, Communications Director at the SC, Celali Arslan and Burak Guresci Deputy Head of Mission and Commercial Counsellor, at the Turkish Embassy in Doha, were present.
The Al Thumama Stadium design was officially launched on August 20. It is the sixth stadium design to be unveiled, and follows Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Rayyan Stadium, and Qatar Foundation Stadium.
The Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar's first tournament ready venue, was officially opened by the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani at the Emir Cup Final in May 2017.
Speaking on the launch, Hassan al Thawadi, SC Secretary-General, said:"Most of our designs (of the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums) are based upon our unique heritage and culture. This particular one (Al Thumama Stadium) is based upon the traditional gear (Gahfiya or cap) which is very common in Qatar, the GCC region and Arab world.
"This is a unique concept and innovative idea for the World Cup. This is a moment of creativity that we came up with. Also this stadium architecture represents a significant portion of who we are," he added.
"The Al Thumama Stadium is very special. Of course, every tournament has its own unique way and flavour that represent the prevalent culture, traditions and heritage. As I've said earlier that this is the World Cup for the Middle East. So it is important to showcase the richness of the culture, heritage and hospitality of the Arab world.
"This is why we have to promote outside who we are. It is a part of our vision and commitment towards delivering a successful 2022 World Cup and its legacy beyond it."
"The Hamad International Airport will play a major role in 2022 as it is the main gateway for over a million players and fans who we're expecting will visit Qatar when the tournament kicks off. As the first point of contact for the 37m passengers who currently land in HIA each year, it already plays a major role in introducing Qatar to the world, and will increasingly do so as the country continues to attract more tourists and we get closer to the tournament.
"As such, I could not think of a better place to launch our largest stadium scale model other than HIA, as we continue to show the progress we are making and demonstrate the amazing stadiums and tournament features fans and players alike can expect when they visit us in 2022," Thawadi said.
Eng. Badr Mohammed al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA, said:"We are delighted to have the Al Thumama Stadium scale model on display at the five-star Hamad International Airport, and to be showcasing its unique design to Qatar's residents and the millions who travel through our airport each year.
"This stadium is yet another demonstration of Qatar's readiness to host an amazing tournament and come 2022. Hamad International Airport will be ready to open its doors to the eager players and fans wanting to witness an historic first Middle Eastern World Cup".
