The decision to move the World Cup to winter is not enough to escape the extreme heat of Qatar. However, this issue has been addressed by modern air conditioning systems, ensuring that the temperature in the stadiums for the 2022 World Cup remains at an ideal range of 24-28 degrees Celsius.
While some places may face water shortages, Qatar does not. The consumption of fresh water in this country is extremely high, primarily because it is readily available. They produce it by desalinating seawater. And water is the main ingredient in cooling technology.
The cooling technology was first introduced in Qatar in 2017, with the completion of the upgrade of the Khalifa International Stadium. Here’s how it works:
A massive solar farm in the desert outside the capital, Doha, provides energy to operate the cooling system, which reduces water temperature to 7 degrees Celsius. Chilled water is then delivered to the stadiums, converting into cool air through vents installed under the seats and air ducts on the roof. The air is then sucked back in, filtered, further cooled, and expelled. This recycling of cool air creates a closed-loop system.
So, what about the pitch? Along the walls surrounding the field, 170 ventilation pipes are installed to push cool air into the playing area, keeping the players at an ideal temperature regardless of the outside heat. Additionally, based on aerodynamics research, Qatari scientists collaborated with architects during the stadium construction to optimize the cooling system, ensuring that hot air does not infiltrate the interior.
Workers installing the cooling system at the 2022 World Cup stadium.
Furthermore, over 300 small sensors are placed around the stadium to collect data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and even the type of clothing fans are wearing in specific areas. After compiling and analyzing the data, engineers in the control room decide on the necessary temperature and cooling levels for each area.
Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani, known as Dr. Cool, a professor at Qatar University of Technology, has been tasked with finding solutions to the Arabian heat since 2009, when Qatar was bidding to host the 2022 World Cup. After 13 years, it is now time for Dr. Cool to enjoy the fruits of his labor. “Players will have the best experience of their lives,” he says with satisfaction.
