An opening ceremony takes place today at the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar after the completion of construction led by Italian contractor Webuild.
Also today, the 200,000-sq-m facility will host the inaugural game of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup ahead of its hosting the first game of the FIFA World Cup next year.
Webuild (then Salini Impregilo) won the €770m contract to build the stadium in joint venture with Galfar and Cimolai in 2015.
• Check out the stadium here:
Commissioned by the Aspire Zone Foundation, the stadium’s shape is inspired by bayt al sha’ar, the traditional tent of the Qataris.
In 2020, the project was awarded two prestigious certifications (Design & Build and Construction Management) from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), surpassing the requirements set by the client and FIFA. It was identified as best practice in sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
Webuild said 20% of the materials came from renewable sources. The retractable transparent roof reduces energy consumption and lets sunlight reach grass on the pitch.
Webuild said construction involved “complex technical solutions” “guaranteeing the ideal temperature for players and spectators”. External surfaces are light in colour to reduce heat absorption.
After the World Cup, the stadium’s third ring will be donated to developing countries in need of sport infrastructure.
