Foundations are laid in place, now time for the spectacular part: Zaha Hadid’s first stadium will start growing in 2016 and be ready by the end of 2018.

Yesterday in Doha the construction contract was signed for Al Wakrah Stadium. Joint venture between MIDMAC and PORR QATAR will deliver the stadium, making it their second of the 2022 World Cup. The consortium is already working on Khalifa Stadium in Doha.

Although new contractors are yet to enter the site, a lot has been done already. First, high-tension lines were relocated, then excavation followed. A massive amount of 460,000 cubic meters of soil was removed and partly filled with 28,000 cubic meters of concrete foundation slab. The foundations rest on 84 pillars reaching 19 meters into the ground to guarantee safety of the structure.

So far 800 workers have worked for over a year on the site. They carried out over 2.5 million workhours without any major accident, as the investor proudly announced. This of course in response to harsh criticism of the Qatar 2022 working conditions.

The new Al Wakrah Stadium will become the first stadium designed by Zaha Hadid. It will hold 40,000 people during the World Cup (20,000 in legacy mode) and will also be the southernmost stadium of the entire tournament. Even if this means… only 15km south of Doha.

Large precinct is planned around the stadium. Apart from vast parking sites, public green areas, hotel, mosque, training complex and school are planned. All of these facilities will cover 560,000 square meters.