As Qatar's proposed host venue for the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ begins to take on shape with the main contractor taking over in Al Khor, a new workers accommodation is also being built in the vicinity to accommodate the expected increase in the number of workers on site. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Aspire Zone Foundation have entered into a partnership with a local company to construct the workers accommodation for the proposed Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City construction site.

The design and construction of the workers accommodation which will house 2,700 people will be undertaken by Al Khor & Dakira Schemes & Services Co., highlighting the SC's commitment to utilise the tournament to develop the local and regional private sector. This will be in addition to the current workers accommodation which also complies with the SC Workers Welfare Standards.

Eng. Ghanim Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Competition Venues, said: "We are progressing well at Al Khor and this new workers accommodation under construction is the latest sign of that development. The proposed design for the accommodation was reviewed by the Technical Delivery Office and the Workers Welfare Committee at the SC to ensure alignment with our standards. We are excited for the next stage of work on Al Bayt Stadium to begin. By appointing a local company, we also stand by our commitment to develop the private sector as we progress towards 2022."

Dr. Nasser Al Hajri, Project Manager of Al Bayt Stadium at Aspire Zone Foundation, added: "This is another step towards delivering an iconic stadium for the community of Al Khor, one that incorporates the community from the start. Once delivered, the precinct will include retail areas, restaurants and further opportunities for the local residents."

Works underway at Al Bayt Stadium site.

Saad Helal Al-Mohanadi, Managing Director of Al Khor & Dakira Schemes & Services Co., said his company was delighted to have received the contract for the new accommodation: "We are honored to take part in developing the workers' accommodation, which will cater to around 2,700 workers, and look forward to working with the SC and Aspire Zone Foundation in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup."

The SC and Aspire Zone Foundation revealed the name and design for a new 60,000-seat stadium and precinct in Al Khor at a press conference held at Al Khor Sports Club last year.

Enabling works have now been completed on the stadium, and the SC and Aspire Zone have announced that a joint venture between Galfar Al Misnad and Salini Impregilo Group has been awarded Main Contractor for the construction, operation and maintenance of Al Bayt Stadium.

With enabling works on Al Bayt Precinct complete, including temporary onsite offices, hoarding, paving internal roads and ground levelling to enable construction work, the main contractor is due to begin work in September 2015, with completion due in 2018, well ahead of the competition. Other contractors on the site include Dar Al Handasah, the design consultant, and Projacs, the project manager.

Bayt Stadium temporary site offices.

With a proposed capacity of 60,000, Al Bayt Stadium meets FIFA requirements to host group, quarter-final and semi-final matches during the FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar™. It is located in the town of Al Khor, 30 miles north of Doha, and draws on the Bayt Al Sha'ar Bedouin tent for inspiration, reflecting Qatar's proud history and culture and welcoming visitors from all over the world to the culture of the desert.

Al Bayt Stadium also forms a vital part of the Qatar's legacy ambitions. The design includes an upper tier of removable seats, which will be donated to other countries to foster football development after the tournament, when the stadium's capacity will be reduced to 32,000.