00:00One year from now, some of the best basketball players on the planet will be in Qatar for the FIBA
00:05Basketball World Cup.
00:06The first edition staged in the Middle East will bring 32 national teams to Doha.
00:12Four years ago, this was Al Janoob Stadium hosting matches at the FIFA World Cup.
00:17Now it's Al Janoob Arena, transformed for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup,
00:23with the first action on the hardwood coming up next week when Qatar hosts China in a World Cup qualifier.
00:30Designed by the late visionary architect Zaha Hadid, Al Janoob hosted seven matches during the 2022 World Cup.
00:38Its distinctive design was inspired by the sales of traditional Dao boats and Qatar's maritime heritage.
00:44The football pitch is now gone, replaced by an indoor basketball arena with seating for 8,200 fans.
00:51This is the legacy that Qatar is always talking about.
00:55Turning some infrastructure and some facilities and venues from one tournament to another tournament
01:02and making use of that is sustainable, it's legacy for the country.
01:07Much of the original structure remains, but new seating now surrounds the court.
01:11The roof has been enclosed and a giant screen hangs above center court.
01:16Al Janoob will be one of four arenas staging 92 games from August 27th to September 12th next year.
01:23And organizers say basketball will bring its own energy.
01:26The dynamic vibes that basketball carries with it, it's unique.
01:32For Qatar, it's another major international sporting event and a new chapter for one of the landmarks of 2022.
01:40Adil Halim, Euronews, Doha.
01:44From queda to Netanyahu
01:45Closed shirts
01:45Corique
