World Cup's Outdoor Air-Conditioning Tech Now in Qatar's Parks

Throughout the beginning of summer, Aicha and her sisters have been taking their children to malls and gaming areas in Qatar, not only to keep them entertained but also to seek relief from the intense heat.

The Qatari government employee says they always wanted to spend time outside for several days.

“Today, we have come to Umm Al Seneem park,” says Aicha, 27. “The outdoor air-conditioning here is excellent.”

Qatar is experiencing scorching temperatures, ranging from 45°C to 47°C, coupled with soaring humidity levels, making this summer exceptionally hot.

However, air-conditioned parks with running tracks are gaining popularity among both citizens and residents in Qatar, complementing the high-end malls to which many sought refuge from the intense heat in the past.

Out of the three air-conditioned venues in Qatar, the latest addition is Umm Al Seneem Park, which was opened in November, just a few weeks before the start of the 2022 Fifa World Cup. During this time, the country's air-conditioned football arenas gained significant attention in the media.

With a 1.14km track circling the park, Umm Al Seneem earns the Guinness World Record for the “longest air-conditioned outdoor path”.