Qatar's ASPIRE unveils world's largest indoor sports dome

The opening was marked with the Middle East's biggest-ever celebration of sporting achievement, attended by legendary sports stars such as Pelé and Diego Maradona, Olympic delegations from over 80 countries, representatives from other major sports federations such as the International Association of Athletics Federations, and a number of local dignitaries.

Among the highlights of the opening event were an impressive display by local Qatari schoolchildren, a series of performances by the internationally renowned Cirque du Soleil and a breathtaking moment when legends from the world of international sport converged on stage to offer their best wishes for ASPIRE.

The Dome is a landmark development for Qatar and the region. Covering an astounding 290,000 square meters of ground space and standing at an impressive 46 meters high, it seats 15,000 spectators.

Designed by Roger Taillibert - the architect behind the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris and the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Canada - the Dome was constructed over two years, from conception through to its grand opening last night.

The state-of-the-art steel structure houses an Olympic-sized swimming pool and diving area, a 200-meter athletics track, a gymnastics hall, a games hall, a full-sized football field and a five-a-side pitch, 11 tennis courts, 13 table tennis courts, eight fencing strips, two squash courts and a wood-floored judo and karate studio.

Under the Dome's distinctive sloping roof and the mesmerizing Academy, there are also lecture halls, classrooms, science laboratories, dormitories, a library, an ampitheater and a medical center.

Dr. Thomas Flock, director general of ASPIRE, said:

"We are proud to be able to provide Qatar with a world-class display of sport and sporting achievement to celebrate the opening of this amazing dome. Not only will it provide unrivaled facilities for training and developing student athletes, it will also offer a venue for major sporting events such as the 2006 Asian Games.'

Dr. Flock added: "The ASPIRE Dome is a milestone for the sporting world, and provides a source of inspiration for athletes, in Qatar and across this region, inspiring talented children and developing their skills to enable them to perform on the world's stage."