Dr Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani: The Sudanese Engineer Behind Qatar’s Air-Conditioned World Cup Stadiums

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is currently taking place from 20 November to 18 December 2022.

It’s the first time the competition takes place in an Arab country. It’s the first in the competition’s history to take place in the winter due to Qatar’s extreme heat during the summer, which is when the competition usually takes place. However, even in winter, temperatures are not low, reaching an estimated 18-24°C.

Energy-efficient cooling systems were developed following Qatar’s successful bid for the World Cup, with the technology delivered by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in collaboration with Qatar University (QU). Dr Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani, Professor of Engineering at QU, played a key role in the cooling journey, which started with his university studies decades earlier.

‘My PhD study focused on air conditioning in a car and we applied the same theory to our World Cup stadiums – but obviously on a much bigger scale,’ said Dr Saud (Qatar 2022).

The technology

The technology is fitted in seven of eight FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadiums, with the only exception being Stadium 974, which is fully-demountable and features natural ventilation. Each of the other stadium’s cooling technology is different and made to fit its unique design and features. Using solar-powered energy, outside air is cooled and then distributed through grills in the stands and large pitch-side nozzles. The systems use insulation and spot cooling to make them as environmentally-friendly as possible.

‘Spot cooling means we only cool the areas where people need it – like on the pitch and in the stands,’ said Dr Saud (Qatar 2022). ‘The form of each stadium acts as a barrier, which contains a cold bubble inside. Our air circulation technique cools the air, filters it and pushes it out towards the players and fans. Each stadium is cooled to a comfortable temperature of around 20 degrees, with spot cooling enhancing our commitment to sustainability and the environment.’

Another advantage of the technology is the fact it is unpatented – meaning businesses and countries can use it to develop similar systems. 

‘This technology is a potential game-changer for countries with hot climates. That is why I made sure that anyone can use it,’ said Dr Saud (Qatar 2022). ‘I am very proud that this technology, which originated here in Qatar, can be adapted by other countries and businesses. It is one of Qatar’s many gifts to the world, resulting from its hosting of the World Cup.’

Dr Saud also implemented similar cooling systems at other public places in Qatar, including a shopping plaza, Katara Plaza or 21 High St, at Katara Cultural Village and a farm in Al Khor, which grows fruit and vegetables for local consumers. 

‘This technology has great potential for transforming outdoor spaces as we know them. We have implemented the same systems in farms and were able to develop energy-efficient methods to grow food during the hot summer months,’ said Dr Saud (Qatar 2022).

Dr Saud’s cooling technology is an estimated 40% more sustainable than existing techniques. His method means stadiums only need to be cooled two hours before an event, which significantly reduces the venue’s energy consumption compared to existing methods.

Who is Dr Saud?

Nicknamed Dr Cool due to his research within the field, Dr Saud is a professor at QU and an expert on the topic of engineering in air-conditioning. He worked on the solar-powered cooling system for 13 years. He joined the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ project in 2009 when the country was bidding to host the 22nd edition of global football’s showpiece tournament. The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) reached out to QU, where he is a professor at the College of Engineering, to find solutions in curbing Qatar’s summer heat during matches.

Watch as the engineer behind Qatar’s revolutionary stadium cooling technology, Dr. Saud Abdulaziz Abdul Ghani, explains how the innovation is transforming outdoor venues across the country. #LegacyinAction

Read the full story: https://t.co/BTnC8ye3n3 pic.twitter.com/dqJZTPXsl1

— SC News (@roadto2022news) November 10, 2022

Sources:

Legacy in Action: Qatar’s revolutionary stadium cooling technology | Qatar 2022 www.qatar2022.qa/en/news/qatars-revolutionary-stadium-cooling-technology

Are the World Cup stadiums in Qatar air-conditioned? | The Sun www.thesun.co.uk/sport/20468702/world-cup-stadiums-qatar-air-conditioned/

Dr. Cool: The mastermind behind Qatar 2022’s air-cooled stadiums | fifa.com www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022/news/dr-cool-the-mastermind-behind-qatar-2022-s-air-cooled-stadiums