March 27 (Independent) – In preparation for hosting the Fifa World Cup 2022, Qatar is truly pulling out all the stops: it’s developing a new city for the occasion.
Located north of capital city Doha’s West Bay, Lusail is spread over 38 kmsq and will offer a wealth of accommodation for both tourists and locals.
Visitors can stay at one of 22 new hotels, plus enjoy attractions such as a golf course and theme park.
The rest of the city will be a mix of residential and commercial neighbourhoods.
Lusail City is a major part of the Middle Eastern peninsula’s plans to attract and cater for more tourists, both for the World Cup and beyond.
Among the numerous new hotels being constructed are the Fairmont & Raffles Lusail Hotels and Residences Qatar, plus Qatar’s seventh Hilton hotel, the Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas.
The latter will come with its own 3.5km stretch of private beach.
Meanwhile, the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park, set across 57,000 square meters, will feature 28 slides and rides, including torrent rivers, surfing dunes and whizzard mat racing (whatever that may be).
There’s also the option of go-karting and laser tag for visitors keen to stay dry.
Located on the coast, in the northern part of the municipality of Al Daayen, Lusail is around 23km north of Doha city centre.
When finished, the plan is for Lusail to be able to accommodate 450,000 people.
The city is to be home to Lusail Stadium, the 80,000-seater venue where the Fifa World Cup final will be held.
Lusail City is also the largest single sustainable development to be undertaken in the State of Qatar, according to Qatar National Tourism Council, with intelligent street lighting, watering and a smart grid to manage the electrical network.
