Doha, 15 June 2020 (QNA)

The Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in his on-line address broadcast by beIN Sports channel on Monday marking completion of Education City Stadium, the third venue for the World Cup 2022.

Amir of Qatar saluted the medical staff and all those working on the front line combating COVID-19 pandemic.

His Highness speech as reported by Official News Agency QNA.:

"In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Dear friends across the world,

As we celebrate the completion of Education City Stadium, the third venue for the World Cup 2022, we greet the champions of these times: the medical staff and all the staff of the teams working on the front line against the Covid-19 pandemic who have saved the lives of many people and brought back hope to them. We thank you and we support you.

As the world begins to open up, it is through your courage, dedication and sincerity that we truly believe in better days to come, the days when we will enjoy together watching the stars of the game in our stadiums.

Qatar is looking forward, and more excited and enthusiastic than ever, to welcome guests from all over the world for an exceptional World Cup.

Thank you very much." (Unquote).

 On the occasion, Gianni Infantino, President FIFA expressed his thanks to the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the opportunity to participate in celebrating the milestone.

"While announcing the completion of another stadium hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, we pay a very special tribute to those who suffered, fought and are still fighting against the covid19 pandemic giving us a remarkable example of resilience during such a difficult moment." "We must not forget, Health comes first, he added.

He said that it was better to look forward to better times in some parts of the world, while other parts have to be extremely careful, stay strong and united.

Infantino said  that "The new stadium in Education City reminds us that football will return, and with more passion than ever. When time comes, we will be sharing the stands with family and friends...In this beautiful and modern stadium, we will come together to celebrate the FIFA World Cup in 2022...Until then, stay healthy, strong and positive," he added.

Five Key Facts About Education City Stadium

Education City Stadium is the latest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament venue to be completed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

It becomes the third tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 following the successful redevelopment of Khalifa International Stadium in 2017 and the inauguration of Al Janoub Stadium last year.

Two more stadiums are expected to open by the end of 2020: Al Rayyan Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium.

Five key features about Education City Stadium - Qatar's Diamond in the Desert

The facade of the stadium features triangles that form complex, diamond-like geometrical patterns which appear to change colour with the sun's movement across the sky.

Like diamonds, the stadiums design represents quality, durability and resilience and will become something to be treasured, both for the memories it holds and its future value to the country.

During Qatar 2022, the stadium is set to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage.

The stadiums seating capacity during the tournament will be 40,000. After Qatar 2022, the capacity will be reduced to 20,000 following the removal of the modular upper tier. The excess seats will be donated to countries which lack sporting infrastructure meaning the legacy of Qatar 2022 will be felt far and wide.

Parts of the stadium will be turned into classrooms and event spaces for QF schools and universities after the tournament.

Education City is the home of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Situated within Education City are leading universities, along with research and development institutions. As well as hosting matches during Qatar 2022, the stadium will provide sporting facilities for the entire QF community, including faculty and students.

The stadium achieved a 5* rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System for its design and build. Its range of sustainability features include direct access to public transport, low toxicity indoor materials and LED sports lighting.

In addition, 85% of building materials were regionally sourced, while 29% were generated from recycled materials.

The stadium also boasts carbon dioxide sensors for high occupant density spaces to ensure ventilation and indoor air quality, and a water efficient irrigation design to minimise landscape water consumption.

Convenient access to the stadium is provided by the Doha Metro. Education City Station on the Green Line is located just 500m from the venue. A single ticket on the Doha Metro is QAR 3 ($0.82), while a day pass costs QAR 9 ($2.47).