DOHA: A 30-metre art installation of a whale shark, called Al Nehem, has been unveiled, suspended between the four Lusail Towers, celebrating Lusail’s development and raising awareness for one of the largest endangered animals in the world
As Qatar completes its final preparations for the FIFA World Cup, Qatari Diar has unveiled Al Nehem, created by renowned artist Marco Balich, of the creative Balich Wonder Studio, as a tribute to Qatar’s endangered marine species and a symbol of the country's concern for the conservation and preservation of their natural environment.
Qatar's warm, clean waters are home to one of the planet’s last colonies of whale sharks, part of the unique ecosystem of marine life which calls Qatar home.
Suspended 20 metres above Lusail Plaza between the four Lusail Towers designed by Sir Norman Foster’s architectural firm, Foster + Partners, the aluminum and steel whale shark is brought to life with lights and music, with a bespoke composition by celebrated maestro Roberto Cacciapaglia.
Qatari Diar’s flagship project, Lusail City, was launched in December 2005 and is now ready to welcome the 1 million visitors expected to visit the country during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. In addition to Lusail Boulevard, which offers visitors the highest standard of food, culture and shopping, Lusail is now also home to an incredible roster of hotels such as the new Waldorf Astoria, Raffles and Fairmont. As a centre for shopping and entertainment, Lusail also boasts the impressive Place Vendôme and Al Maha Island, featuring an outdoor funfair and numerous restaurants such as Zuma, Billioniaire, Nammos, Carbonne and more.
Looking ahead, the city will also become home to an aquapark on Qetaifan Island inspired by the oil and gas industry which is due to open in 2023, and Lusail Museum in 2028.
Abdullah Al Attiyah, CEO, Qatari Diar, said:
“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 collectively we advocate to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures in Qatar.”
Qatar is home to one of the largest whale sharks pods in the world, with its northern coastal waters providing the perfect habitat for them to gather and feed close to the surface. Qatar is one of the only places where visitors can swim with and experience these friendly and docile creatures up close, through a unique and responsible tour experience with Discover Qatar. Tours can be booked online for 2023 onwards at https://www.discoverqatar.qa
The Al Nehem whale shark in Lusail, commissioned by Qatari Diar, is another incredible addition to Qatar’s landscape of outdoor art. Other recent installations of public art in Qatar that raise awareness of the region’s natural environment and the collective ambition to protect the planet include Ahmed Al Bahrani’s Dugong Family sculpture on the beach in Al Ruwais, Olafur Eliasson’s Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day at Al Zubara, Mohammed Al Ateeq’s Acacia Tree Seed at the Post Office and Jeff Koons’ monumental Dugong, which now sits proudly in Al Masrah Park overlooking the Corniche.