Countdown to kick-off: the rise of Lusail, Qatar’s $45B megacity

With money no object, Qatar is powering though the construction of Lusail, a $45-billion megacity just north of Doha.

Shelling out $220 billion to host World Cup 2022, it’s no surprise that Qatar is keeping the pressure on the development’s completion, with Lusail expected to be ready just in time for the global sporting event.

Lusail will feature very expensive and unique-looking structures, with the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company having been awarded a $526-million contract to build two of the megacity’s four skyscrapers.

Speaking of, the design of the Marina Twin towers skyscraper is reminiscent of colourful LEGO blocks stacked on top of each other, while the $605-million Katara Towers skyscraper is made up of two curved towers that join together to form a horseshoe shape. When it’s finished in 2022, the skyscraper will feature two hotels and hundreds of high-end apartments.

As for the Lusail Plaza Towers project – it isn’t as far along as Katara Towers, but will consist of two sets of twin towers built on four symmetrical linear podiums.

The 2022 World Cup will be held in eight different venues and five different host cities, but Lusail will be the site of both the opening ceremonies and the final match. Both events will be held at the $4-billion, 80,000-capacity Lusail Iconic Stadium, which is also currently under construction.

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