The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has conveyed its gratitude to the construction workers involved in the successful redevelopment of Khalifa International Stadium by organising a special dinner in the shadow of the new arena.

The SC invited 3,700 workers, mostly drawn from South Asia, to join Secretary General H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi – and other senior leaders – for dinner on the pitch at the Aspire Dome, located a stone's throw away from the first fully completed proposed 2022 FIFA World Cup™ venue.

Alongside Al Thawadi was Assistant Secretary General for Tournament Affairs Nasser Al Khater, Technical Delivery Office Vice Chairman Yasir Al Jamal and senior executives from many departments who attended and personally thanked the workers to whom the evening was dedicated.

The executive management of Khalifa International Stadium main contractors Midmac Contracting and Six Construct Limited also attended the gathering.

Their peers from Galfar Al Misnad Engineering and Contracting, the main contractor of the Khalifa International Stadium Energy Centre, were also present as were senior executives from Aspire, a stadium stakeholder.

Khalifa Stadium workers enjoyed the live orchestra

During an address to those in attendance the Secretary General showered words of appreciation on the workers who had successfully completed the stadium in time for the Emir Cup 2017 final on 19 May.

"The completion of Khalifa International Stadium more than five years before the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is a manifestation of the commitment of our construction workers towards making the tournament the best ever," said Al Thawadi.

"This is their tournament as much as that of the whole of Qatar and the Middle East. Had it not been for their efforts, it would not have been possible to complete the stadium. I thank them on behalf of my organisation and my nation."

Khalifa Stadium workers relished the customised catering service from one of Doha's finest Indian restaurants

Before the meal a live South Asian orchestra performed on stage, and many members of the audience hummed the lyrics of the popular Bollywood songs rendered by the lead singer.

The orchestra was followed by dinner with the SC management joining the heroes of the day in enjoying the customised catering service from one of Doha's finest Indian restaurants.

Members of the 2017 Youth Panel, an initiative by SC's Community Engagement division, served as volunteers for the event.

Youth Panel 2017 members were among the volunteers for the event

One among them, Hassan Al Naimi, was overwhelmed by the occasion. "I am thrilled to be a volunteer and able to serve the workers who completed our magnificent stadium" said Al Naimi, a Qatar national.

"They have put all their efforts into serving my country and I am happy to give them back a small portion of what they have given me and my country. This has undoubtedly been my most memorable Youth Panel experience."