A 30m Long Sculpture Unveiled by Qatari Diar

A 30m long sculpture by famous artist Marco Balich was revealed by Qatari Diar as a tribute to Qatar's endangered marine species with just two days till the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

According to a news release, the installation, known as Al Nehem, represents the nation's dedication to the conservation and preservation of its natural environment.

One of the remaining whale shark colonies in the world can be found in the warm, clear seas of Qatar, which is home to a diverse ecology of marine species.

The aluminum and steel whale shark sculpture, which is suspended 20 meters above Lusail Plaza between the four Lusail Towers designed by Norman Foster's architectural firm Foster + Partners, comes to life with lights and a custom score by renowned musician Roberto Cacciapaglia.

The flagship project of Qatari Diar, Lusail City, was introduced in December 2005 and is now prepared to host the 1.5 million tourists anticipated during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The Lusail Boulevard, which provides guests with the greatest caliber of dining, cultural, and retail experiences, is now complemented by iconic hotels like the new Waldorf Astoria, Raffles, and Fairmont, which were occupied by FIFA during the World Cup.

In addition to the spectacular Place Vendôme and Al Maha Island, which houses an outdoor funfair and a number of restaurants, Lusail is a destination for shopping and entertainment.

Looking ahead, the city will also be home to an aquapark on Qetaifan Island that will open in 2023 and be inspired by the oil and gas sector.

According to Abdullah al-Attiyah, chief executive of Qatari Diar, "the whale shark is one of Qatar's most iconic creatures, and with visitors from all over the world expected to visit Lusail during the tournament, our hope is that the sculpture will help raise the profile of this endangered species so that collectively we advocate to ensure their survival."

With its northern coastal waters offering the ideal habitat for the marine mammal to gather and feed near the surface, Qatar is home to one of the largest whale shark pods in the world.

With the help of a special and responsible tour with Discover Qatar, guests may swim with and get up close to these charming and docile animals in one of the few places.

Another outstanding addition to Qatar's outdoor art scene is the Al Nehem whale shark piece in Lusail.

Along with the Dugong Family sculpture by Ahmed al-Bahrani on the beach in Al Ruwais, the Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day by Olafur Eliasson at Al Zubara, the Acacia Tree Seed by Mohamed al-Ateeq at the Post Office, and the enormous Dugong by Jeff Koons that now stands erect in Al Masrah Park overlooking the Corniche are other recent public art installations in Qatar that promote awareness.

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