SHIMMERING STAR
Plans have been unveiled for the Silver Pearl Hotel, a luxurious Dhs5.87 billion property that will be located 1,500 metres off shore near Doha and completed in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The structure will consist of two semi-circular 30-storey towers separated by a climate-controlled atrium over gardens with an open view of the ocean.
Adjacent to the 1,000-plus-bedroom hotel will be a conference and exposition centre, as well as a landscaped roof deck above a multi-storey car park.
Visitors will be able to arrive at the Silver Pearl via elevated four-lane causeway, private yacht or helicopter.
The New York-based firm M.Castedo Architects has designed the complex, which is to be developed by Katara Hospitality.
At night, the hotel’s stainless steel and glass exterior will be lit with LEDs to create the effect of a pearl shimmering on the Arabian Sea.
Khalifa International Stadium, meanwhile, is to undergo a major overhaul in preparation for the World Cup.
Built in 1976 and renovated ahead of the 2006 Asian Games, the structure is to be revamped into a 40,000-seat venue to make it compliant with FIFA requirements for hosting group, round of 16 and quarter-final matches.
Innovative cooling technology will also be incorporated into the design to ensure an optimal playing temperature of 26°C and provide a comfortable viewing environment for supporters.
Further additions include a new building to the east wing, the construction of a single roof to cover the entire seating area, and the provision of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.
Khalifa International Stadium is the third proposed FIFA World Cup venue to be revealed to date, following the unveiling of designs for Al Wakrah Stadium and Al Bayt-Al Khor City Stadium.
Hilal Jeham Al Kuwari, President of Aspire Zone Foundation, which is supervising the renovation project, said: “Khalifa International Stadium has been always pivotal to the sporting scene in Qatar, having hosted several international tournaments and friendly matches.
“The aim of the renovation is not only to refurbish the stadium to fulfil FIFA requirements, but to enhance it with new features as well. In this way, we will be able to keep the stadium sustainable for a longer time and ensure that it will remain a global sports hub as well as a focal point for the local community.”