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| Qatar National Convention Centre, an exterior view |
The WPC is to be held from today to December 8 at the QNCC.
Hosted by Qatar Petroleum, the 20th WPC and exhibition will be attended by some 5,000 delegates, 500 speakers and 50 ministers from all over the world.
Saad al-Muhannadi, vice-president of Capital Projects at Qatar Foundation and Ali al-Khalifa, chief executive officer of ASTAD Project Management, revealed the inspiration and details behind construction of the sustainable and environmentally- friendly building, highlighting unique aspects of its facilities and technologies.
Al-Muhannadi, foreseeing Qatar’s rising prominence in the international arena after winning the 2022 bid, hosting such world class events as the Asian Cup 2011, the Pan Arab Games 2011, and the World Postal Congress 2011, mobilised his construction plans for a building that will accommodate future high profile events in Doha.
Successfully bringing together scientists and researchers from around the world, “The Centre will further Qatar Foundation’s goal to enhance education, science and technology, and community development on a global scale,” he said. “Its sheer size, sensational spaces over three levels, and high-tech solutions will undoubtedly set new standards for international competition, placing Doha in the lead.“
The Centre’s architectural planning has been carried out by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. It features steel support structures, built in Malaysia, that resemble the Sidra tree; a tree with great significance to Qatari culture as a resource and as a shelter for people to gather.
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| Saad al-Muhannadi, vice-president of Capital Projects at Qatar Foundation. and Ali al-Khalifa, chief executive officer of ASTAD Project Management. |
The Centre successfully meets the standards for gold certification from the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED), a global building-rating framework.
“Sustainability was our focus when developing the construction plans. The building operates efficiently with over 3,500 square metres of solar panels that provide 12.5% of QNCC’s energy needs while still offering the latest in communication technology,” said al-Muhannadi. The design process involved around 50 companies, with three major construction companies from around the world involved in the project.
The Centre has already hosted a number of successful soft-launch events, including the World Innovation Summit for Education, The Hague International United Nations, the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum, and the Arab Expatriate Scientists Symposium. The QNCC will soon host the UN Alliance of Civilizations forum and the theatre will hold its first cultural event, William Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’ featuring Hollywood director Sam Mendes and actor Kevin Spacey. Al-Muhannadi said that the Centre is already drawing a lot of attention from conference organisers around the world, and the project could even show a profit in the near future.
“Our team at QNCC is ready to launch QF’s mission to achieve one of the most dynamic, knowledge-based economies in the world by offering our first-class venue as a hub for international collaboration amongst leading specialists and delegates. QNCC is supporting Qatar Foundation on its journey to enhance education, science and technology, and community development, and our facilities will catalyse that process on a global scale,” al-Muhannadi said.
