The construction of one of the Middle East’s largest convention and exhibition centres, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), is well on track for completion and opening in 2011.
Stage 1 of the building is now fully enclosed. In the next two months, sections of the interior will be ready for ‘hard-hat’ viewing with two of the auditoria fitted with tiered seating in place. The Sidra Tree-branch façade is changing colour daily with six undercoats being applied.
QNCC’s general manager, Paul D’Arcy, said: “Our first high-profile event will be the World Petroleum Congress in December 2011 and we expect to have many local and regional events prior to this, the majority being sourced from the various members of the Qatar Foundation.”
He added that QNCC is the first convention and exhibition centre of its kind to be built to the premium standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Green Building Rating system.
The Centre will house 3,676 sq m of solar panels that occupy 7,080 sq m of roof area to produce 12.5 per cent of the building’s total electrical requirement.
Other initiatives include interactive LCD screens for public use measuring 5-m long by 2-m high, Radio Frequency Identification Device for tracking of delegates and building assets and a totally wireless conference management system.