The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) awarded HBK Contracting Company the enabling works contract for Al Wakrah Stadium.

The enabling works tender was open to a number of Qatari firms, in line with the SC's goal of creating a strong legacy of private sector economic development in Qatar. Enabling works began in April, and are expected to be completed in March 2015. During this period, HBK will deliver bulk earthworks, including site clearance and excavation, along with laying the stadium's foundation.

The 40,000-seat Al Wakrah Stadium will be surrounded by an approximately 560,000 m2 (60-hectare) precinct, which will include a mosque, school, sports centre and other facilities. The stadium and surrounding precinct will become a focal point for community activities in Al Wakrah.

SC Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi said: "We are excited to announce the next stage of works for Al Wakrah Stadium, and look forward to continued progress on the ground this year. The stadium and surrounding precinct will leave a social legacy in Al Wakrah, and by appointing HBK, a Qatari company, we aim to also contribute to the economic legacy of the FIFA World Cup™ in Qatar."

HBK President H.E. Sheikh Ali Bin Hamad K. Al-Thani said: "We are honoured and excited to be appointed by the SC as the contractor for this critical first phase of works on the road to the FIFA World Cup™ in 2022, and look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to help build the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and achieve our country's ambitions. We thank the Supreme Committee for giving us this opportunity to be involved in this most celebrated journey."

In advance of major construction work beginning in Al Wakrah, the SC released its Workers' Welfare Standards. These standards – which are aligned with Qatari Labour Law and international best practice and have been incorporated in all of its contracts – set clear guidelines that protect the rights of workers throughout the entire chain of contracting, from recruitment to repatriation.

After an initial inspection of the facility where the HBK workers on the Al Wakrah project will be housed, HBK confirmed their commitment to adhere to the Workers' Welfare Standards, working closely with representatives of the SC's Workers' Welfare Committee to ensure that the health, safety and dignity of workers on the project are protected.

Farah Al-Muftah, Chairwoman of the Workers' Welfare Committee, said: "We started a dialogue with HBK on our expectations for workers' welfare during the tendering process, and we are encouraged by the company's commitment to creating a healthy and safe environment for workers on the Al Wakrah Stadium project."