The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy announced that it has broken ground at the site with HBK contracting company carrying out the work.

The construction work comes just days after Qatar announced proposed labour law reforms in an attempt to protect the welfare and wellbeing of migrant workers following months of criticism from the media and human rights groups.

A statement by the Supreme Committee has claimed these welfare standards were embedded in the contract given to HBK which "set clear guidelines that protect the rights of workers throughout the entire chain of contracting, from recruitment to repatriation."

HBK, who were awarded the contract following a tender process implemented for a number of Qatari contractors, has begun major excavation of the site, in preparation for the foundations being laid in September.

This phase of construction is scheduled to be finished by March 2015, with the Stadium expected to be completed in 2018.

The Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy has broken ground at the Al Wakrah site as HBK lead the second phase of construction ©SC


As part of the World Cup's legacy, the 40,000-seater Stadium is set to be reduced to 20,000 following the conclusion of the tournament with the extra modular seats removed, re-configured and donated to countries in need of sporting infrastructure in consultation with FIFA and the continental football confederations.

The Stadium will also become home to the Al Wakrah Sports Club, whose professional football team competes in the Qatar Stars League.

Despite the construction of the Stadium no doubt being closely monitored by human rights groups, the statement from the Qatar Supreme Committee believes the venue will "contribute to a significant legacy of enhanced workers' welfare in the country."

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