FIFA TECH CHALLENGE

Arab Engineering Bureau, which was tasked to design the 40,000-capacity Al Thumama Stadium for the FIFA World Cup, came up with a design that ensures safe vacation of the spectators within 90 minutes and their evacuation within eight minutes in case of emergency.

- Prathamesh Gawde

The FIFA World Cup, being held in Qatar from November through December this year, has posed a huge challenge to the organisers. The State of Qatar has risen to the challenge and come up with stadiums and various infrastructure facilities of unrivalled in quality and scale.

Among the various challenges that the World Cup organisers threw before the construction fraternity as part of their preparations was the construction of the Al Thumama Stadium with a capacity to seat 40,000 spectators. Needless to say, with the help of the latest in technology, the challenge was met by Arab Engineering Bureau, which was tasked with the construction of the stadium.

The stadium was not to be just a sports venue that accommodates 40,000 spectators for the World Cup. After the event, the venue would be transformed into a mixed-leisure facility, with a 20,000-person capacity, that is integrated into the city infrastructure. Arab Engineering Bureau was tasked with the schematic design and construction of this high-profile project. However, they had to demonstrate that the design would allow for the stadium seating area to be vacated quickly, all the while facing a short project timeline and a project site in the Al Thumama area.

PROJECT PLAYBOOK: LEGION

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