Italian construction firm Salini Impregilo is part of a joint venture that has scored a €770 million ($852.6 million) contract to build a stadium in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup.

The Al Bayt stadium will be constructed in Al Khor, a city located 50km north of Doha. The contract – of which €716 million ($792 million) will be for construction and the rest for operation and maintenance – covers design and construction of the sports complex.

Salini Impregilo, in a joint venture with Qatari contractor Galfar Al Misnad – which is the Qatari arm of Oman’s Galfar Engineering – and Italy’s Cimolai, beat out competitors from France, Austria, India and Asia to win the contract. The project was awarded by government foundation Aspire Zone, responsible for developing sports infrastructure in Qatar.

The scope of the 200,000sqm project includes construction of a stadium, an auxiliary building for security and administration and a centre for electromechanical and distribution works. Set for delivery in September 2018, the stadium will be able to accommodate 70,000 spectators when complete.

According to a statement by Salini Impregilo, the stadium’s design is inspired by the Bayt Al Sha’ar, the black and white tent traditionally used by nomadic people in Qatar. The design is said to reflect Qatar’s cultural and historical heritage. The project will also use modern construction techniques and environment-friendly materials in a bid to be more sustainable.

When building the complex, particular attention will be paid to providing ideal climatic conditions for players and spectators at the 2022 World Cup, set to be held during the months of November-December as per a March announcement by FIFA.