Built at Doha Sports City opposite the Khalifa International Stadium (in Qatar), which will host games during the FIFA World Cup, the Iconic 2022 building is described by its developer (Ibrahim M Jaidah) as being “the first building in the world to resemble a year”. The building is formed from four blocks, each with a stone facade arranged around windows to appear like a number two or zero. The number-adorned blocks are connected by a two-story podium. A supermarket, cafe and restaurants are located on the ground floor of the podium, while a sports center and health clubs are on the level above. Offices for several sporting bodies occupy the towers. Along with the front facade depicting the number 2022, Jaidah wanted the year to be seen in aerial shots, which he achieved by combining paving and mesh-covered areas on the roofs of the four blocks.
He is the chief architect of Arab Engineering Bureau and was also responsible for the traditional Arab gahfiya cap-shaped 40,000-seat Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
