The development of Al Wakrah Stadium – a proposed 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament venue – has taken a major step forward with the installation of the final piece of the roof structure, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) announced on Monday.
Weighing 378 tonnes and measuring 92m, the steel structure – known as an ‘oculus beam’ – sits 50m above pitch level. It will connect and support the entire roof, while providing maintenance access to some of the retractable parts of the structure.
The beam was welded and assembled onsite over 20 days. Originally six pieces, the structure was built on temporary frames before being lifted into place. The entire welding, assembly and installation process took 40 days.



A rendered look of Al Wakrah Stadium.

Once completed, the stadium’s retractable roof will be able to close with a PVC Titanium O2 double side coated membrane in approximately 30 minutes using a number of steel wires. The roof will provide shade to the entire pitch and contribute to the efficiency of the stadium’s innovative cooling system.
Situated in one of Qatar’s most historic areas, Al Wakrah Stadium takes its design inspiration from the seafaring tradition of the region, with the roof shaped to replicate the sails of a traditional dhow boat, iconic to Al Wakrah’s shoreline for decades. 
Main contractor works at the 40,000 capacity venue, which will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage in 2022, are due to finish within the next 12 months. In addition, all the stadium’s seats have been manufactured by Qatari company Coastal and are currently being installed.
Thani al-Zarraa, the SC’s Al Wakrah Stadium Project Manager, described the roof installation as one of the final major milestones in the project.
“The stadium is beginning to reflect its memorable and unique design,” said al-Zarraa. “Installing the roof is a major step forward for our project and almost the final piece of the jigsaw.”
Al Zarraa continued: “Installing the seats soon, in the iconic blue and white colours of Al Wakrah Sports Club, is also helping to bring the stadium to life. We are confident local residents and people across Qatar will be impressed with the progress made at the venue. We are all looking forward to seeing it launched.”
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