Doha is preparing to stage a spectacular IAAF World Championships next year, when it will become the first city in the Middle East to host Athletics’ Premier showcase event.

A large team of IAAF event and technical experts has spent the last two days conducting an extensive site visit with the Doha 2019 local organizing committee, part of the process of coordination that precedes every major championships.

IAAF vice president Dahlan al Hamad, who is also the vice-chairman and director-general of the local organizing committee, said that with little more than one year to go to the opening day of the championships, he was confident that Doha would be ready to host the athletes of the world.

The highlight of the visit was the demonstration of the world-first air-conditioning system that will keep Khalifa international stadium at a comfortable temperature for athletes, officials and fans, protecting all from Qatar’s desert climate.