Zaha Hadid's Qatar Stadium Almost Complete

QATAR's Al Wakrah Stadium - one of seven new stadia currently under construction ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup - is nearing completion, despite the ongoing blockade of the country by neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

The building's facade is currently being installed and landscaping works around the stadium are underway.

Construction workers have also installed a retractable shading device that will protect the pitch and players from the sun.

Above: The stadium's facade is currently being installed and landscaping works are underway (image courtesy of Road to 2022).

Seat installation will also commence shortly, while preparations for laying the pitch are already underway.

Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the stadium was awarded a Class A* sustainability rating by the Global Sustainability Assessment System, a Qatar based body that promotes a performance-based system of ratings for green buildings and infrastructure in the Middle East.

Above: The stadium's roof features a retractable shading device (image courtesy or Road to 2022).

Once finished, the stadium will have a capacity of 40,000 spectators.

After the 2022 World Cup, 20,000 of the venue's seats will be donated to football development projects in other countries.

Above: After the tournament, half of the stadiums 40,000 seats will be donated to football community projects around the world ( image courtesy of Road to 2022).

Progress has also been reported on the 80,000 seat Lusail Stadium, designed by another British architecture practice, Foster + Partners. The construction of the stadium's seating tiers is on schedule.

Above: Construction of the Lusail Stadium, designed by Foster + Partners, is also on schedule (image courtesy of Road to 2022).

The stadium will host the tournament's opening ceremony as well as the World Cup final.

After the final the venue will form a part of Lusail; a sustainable smart city for 200,000 inhabitants that is set to feature intelligent traffic control management and its own light rail system.

Above: Footage showing progress on the Lusail Stadium (video courtesy of Road to 2022).

Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been under significant scrutiny for its treatment of migrant workers and alleged claims of bribery during the bidding process.