USD455m construction projects announced in first day of Qsi Expo

The announcement was included in a presentation made by Sheikh Saoud at the Qatar Sports International exhibition held in Doha. Sheikh Saoud explained "the country must prepare state of the art facilities & venues. A first estimation of the costs of all sports venues is some $1.8 billion".

An initial list of 22 construction projects includes the building of a new Doha Sports Complex worth $233m alone, with $30m being invested in the Al Wusayl Shooting Range and $27m on the re-development of the Doha Stadium. Other major projects include the expansion of the Equestrian Centre, building of multi-sports halls and upgrading of the Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex.

In addition to the construction works, Sheikh Saoud announced 19 major consultancy projects for various projects such as upgrading existing facilities & planning new infrastructure requirements. All of this complements the overall Asian Games Master Plan, due for submission next month.

Of particular interest were the plans for a massive Olympic Village due to be built to accommodate 10,000 athletes & officials. The village will be located close to the existing Hamad Hospital and after the Games, will serve as an accommodation facility for the hospital's staff.

The Asian Games are considered to be one of the biggest multi-sports events in the world with an estimate 6,000 athletes taking part, supported by 3,000 officials & 1,000 journalists. The exact number of sports is presently under review, but Sheikh Saoud said "it would be between 33 and 40 different sporting events".

The success of Qatar's development plans will be put to the test in 2005 when Doha hosts the 1,800 athlete West Asian Games. This will provide an excellent dress rehearsal for the Asian Games in December '06.

Sheikh Saoud's presentation was made to an audience of industry specialists & exhibitors taking part in the QSi programme.

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