Facility Notes: Qatar To Develop Solar-Powered Cooling Technology For World Cup

Qatar Organizing Committee Communication & Marketing Dir Nasser Al-Khater said that "Qatar is racing to develop efficient solar-powered cooling technology to counter the searing heat of the Middle Eastern summer in its stadiums during the 2022 football World Cup." Al-Khater also said that "the tiny gulf state would construct its stadiums with modular technology so it could downscale them after the tournament, and donate seating to countries with little sports infrastructure" (REUTERS, 4/18). ... Former Brazil striker turned politician Romario said that "he doubts Brasilia's Estadio Nacional World Cup venue will be ready in time for its scheduled May 18 opening." The former Barcelona frontman "also criticized the stadium's budget," which has reached $600M, more than double the original estimate (XINHUA, 4/18).