Coach Arteta hopes Granit Xhaka will stay with Arsenal. Swiss midfielder has been linked with a move to WEDNESday, JANUARY 1, 2020 Hertha Berlin

FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 Major progress made across stadiums portfolio in 2019 Sc.qa Khalifa International Stadium ne of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s major It’s been a busy year for Qatar’s national stadium. highlights during 2019 was the inauguration of the spectacular It hosted the IAAF World O Athletics Championships in . The 40,000-capacity venue, designed by September and October before being a host venue for two major football tour- architectural legend , was unveiled to the world in May naments: the Arabian Gulf Cup and when it hosted the Amir Cup final. FIFA Club World Cup. Al Janoub Stadium became the second FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament venue to open after Khalifa International Stadium’s successful redevelopment was completed in 2017. Six more stadiums are being constructed for Qatar 2022, with three of them – , and Stadium – in the final stages of delivery. All the venues will be completed and tested well in advance of the tournament, which kicks off on 21 November 2022. Here is a rundown of the latest progress update from each of the stadiums: Fans have a memorable time at the Khalifa International Stadium during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup in Doha.

Al Janoub Stadium Education City Stadium Al Rayyan Stadium Al Janoub Stadium became the first Qatar 2022 to be Construction has been completed at the The pitch was recently laid at this 40,000-capacity built from scratch when it was inaugurated in May 40,000-capacity venue, nicknamed the ‘Diamond in venue, which will host matches up to the quarter-finals ahead of the Amir Cup final between Al and Al the Desert’. The stadium had been due to host the sec- stage in 2022. Seats are being installed at the stadium, Sadd. Since then, the stadium has hosted a number of ond semi-final and final during the FIFA Club World while the external render has almost been completed. high-profile football matches, including FIFA World Cup Cup – but it wasn’t possible to organise the necessary Roof cladding is also in progress. qualifiers for the Qatar national team and the sold-out test events and obtain the relevant health and safety permits prior Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. to the tournament. The stadium will now open in 2020.

Lusail Stadium Al Bayt Stadium The venue for Qatar 2022’s opening match and final is pro- Designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, the 60,000-capacity Al gressing well. All 48 structural V-frames have been installed, Bayt Stadium will host matches up to the semi-finals stage in 2022. along with six out of the 24 roof compression ring sections. Fit-out works are advancing rapidly, including the installation of Preparations for the cable net roof installation have com- furniture in the skyboxes and executive lounges. Access bridges menced at the field of play level. are being built, while external work – such as tree planting, land- scaping and the development of roads and car parks – is progressing.

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium Stadium This 40,000-capac- Once complete, this 40,000-capacity venue will re- ity stadium will be con- semble the ‘gahfiya’ – a cap worn by men across the structed using the ship- Middle East and Arab world. At present, 26 of the 40 ping containers which façade columns have been installed, along with 14 transport materials for its out of 20 roof trusses. The bleacher installation has development. Post-2022, reached 90%, while blockworks are 97% complete. it will become the first fully demount- able stadium in FIFA World Cup his- tory. 158 containers have been deliv- ered to the construction site, with 30 already installed. The fabrication for the steel structure is 25% complete, while the fabrication of bleachers, concourse slabs and roof steel contin- ues. Underground utilities, including the drainage network, are more than 50% complete.