Sports
17:31, 21-Aug-2017
Qatar to build World Cup stadium shaped like Arabian skull cap
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Qatar is set to build a stadium shaped like an Arabian skull cap for the 2022 World Cup, organizers said on Sunday, as the Gulf state moves ahead with preparations for the tournament despite a diplomatic rift with its neighbors.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates imposed sanctions on Qatar in June and cut all transport links with the country, accusing Dohan of supporting terrorism.
Qatar has consistently denied the accusations.
To get around the boycott, Qatar has flown in food from Turkey and Iran and used chartered ships traveling via Oman to bring in materials needed for World Cup construction projects.
The tournament is the centerpiece of a strategy to project Qatar onto the global stage via sport.
Al Thumama stadium discussion. /Photo via Doha News
Al Thumama stadium discussion. /Photo via Doha News
Doha's Al Thumama stadium, designed by a Qatari architect in the shape of a traditional knitted "gahfiya" Arabian cap, will host 40,000 fans at a World Cup quarter final match, the 2022 organizing body said in a statement.
"This symbolic design embodies everything that unites us as Arabs and Muslims, and is a fitting tribute to the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East," said committee chief Hassan al-Thawadi.
The venue is one of at least eight air-conditioned stadiums Qatar is building along with a new port and metro system as part of a $200 billion infrastructure upgrade.
Qatar has also rejected reports that Arab sanctions have harmed tourism and lowered hotel occupancy rates.
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Source(s): Reuters