As deconstruction work came to a close on Al Rayyan Stadium in preparation for the construction of the new 40,000 seat proposed host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Workers' Welfare Committee recognised the success and efforts of the contractors on the project in improving conditions for their workers. The design for the new Al Rayyan Stadium will be revealed on Wednesday.

Where a stadium once stood in Umm Al Afai – on the western edge of Al Rayyan Municipality, there is now flat land and an important legacy. Manco International General Contracting W.L.L., a joint venture between Manco International W.L.L and Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd ('Buckingham Manco'), were awarded the contract for early works and deconstruction works for Al Rayyan Stadium last year. Buckingham Manco were contracted to the SC's Workers' Welfare Standards when they won the award. Since their appointment, they have been working in partnership with the SC Workers' Welfare Committee in ensuring implementation of the Standards.

Over the past months, Buckingham Manco has taken great strides in improving the lives of their workers by undertaking major upgrade works to their accommodation, including the installation of a gym, internal recreation areas, outdoor social areas and general improvements to the bedrooms and bathrooms. Buckingham Manco has also initiated an active sports programme including an internal basketball tournament and participation in National Day and National Sports Day sporting competitions.

Commenting on these significant successes with regards to workers welfare, Farah Al Muftah, Chair of the SC Workers' Welfare Committee said: "When we started the onboarding meetings with the HR team at Buckingham Manco, it was clear that they were committed to implementing the SC Workers' Welfare Standards. Several months on, as they finish their work with us, there are noticeable differences in the company's approach to workers' welfare, which have had a positive impact on the lives of the workers."