Legacy in Action: Qatar’s revolutionary stadium cooling technology
Gulf Times
Dr. Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani
* Innovation is boosting venues across the country all-year-round
With innovation and sustainability at the heart of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 preparations, cooling technology is one of the tournament’s major success stories. The revolutionary system was first showcased during the inauguration of Khalifa International Stadium in 2017 and since then has been adapted to benefit six more tournament venues, as well as other facilities across the country.
With Qatar’s World Cup taking place in November and December, the pressure on cooling systems will be limited, with outside temperatures estimated to be 18-24°C. The technology will, however, allow sporting events to be held all-year-round, in addition to other activities, like shopping and farming.
Energy-efficient cooling systems were developed following Qatar’s successful bid for the World Cup, with the technology delivered by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in collaboration with Qatar University (QU). Dr. Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani, Professor of Engineering at QU, played a key role in the cooling journey, which started with his university studies decades earlier.
