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The first of at least eight venues for Qatar’s controversial 2022 World Cup is set to hold its first match, the final of the country’s most prestigious domestic tournament.

Khalifa International Stadium, complete with state of the art cooling technology that was key to the Arab nation’s successful bid, will host Friday's 2017 Emir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan.

First built in 1976, the 40,000-seat venue has undergone a renovation estimated at£70million and represents a win for an organising committee beset by controversy.

During the World Cup in five years, the stadium will host matches up to the quarter-final stage but other stadiums are still a long way off.

The 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium, due to host the opening match of the tournament and the final, is among several venues not due for completion until 2021 while some facilities are still to be confirmed.

(Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: Getty Images Europe)

However, the secretary general of the organising committee, Hassan Al Thawadi, is eager to point at the Khalifa stadium as a sign of what’s to come.

"The completion of our first stadium more than five years before the Qatar World Cup begins is an important milestone that reflects our determination to deliver a tournament the entire Arab world is proud to be a part of,” he said.

"As we promised in our bid, our innovative stadiums offer an unrivalled experience to fans and players alike. I'm proud we can show these off to the world and welcome fans with the hospitality this World Cup will be remembered for."

(Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: Getty Images Europe)

There is no denying the Khalifa venue, part of the Doha Sports City complex and upgraded from the stadium that hosted the 2011 AFC Asian Cup final, is an impressive start.

Organisers say the air-conditioning will keep the pitch at a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and the stands at 24-28 degrees year-round while using 40 per cent less energy than other cooling methods.

Among the other changes to the venue are new changing rooms, media tribune, VIP areas and sports museum, as well as a new roof design that covers all seats.

(Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: Getty Images Europe)

The scene of many of Qatar's greatest sporting moments, including its 1992 Gulf Cup victory, the stadium is also scheduled to host the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships.

The construction process to this points has seen the spotlight cast on Qatar and the tournament organisers for all the wrong reasons.

(Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: REUTERS)

In January, a British worker fell to his death at the stadium while there have been reports that at least 1,000 workers have died while working on World Cup projects.

There has also been widespread criticism of Qatar's treatment of its huge army of migrant workers with accusations of human rights violations.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Deposed FIFA president Sepp Blatter admitted awarding Qatar the tournament - a process riddled with corruption allegations - was a “mistake” due to the difficulties with scheduling around the extreme heat.

But they’ve forged ahead and remain confident of finishing their facilities on schedule.

QATAR’S 2022 WORLD CUP STADIUMS SO FAR

Khalifa International Stadium, Doha

Capacity: 40,000

Status: Finished and hosting first game on Friday

Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail

Capacity: 80,000

Status: Scheduled to open in 2021

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Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

Capacity: 60,000 seats

Status: Scheduled to open 2019

Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Wakrah

Capacity: 40,000 seats

Status: Scheduled to opening in 2019

Qatar Foundation Stadium, Doha

Capacity: 40,000

Status: Scheduled to open in 2021

Al Rayyan Stadium, Al Rayyan

Capacity:40,000

Status: Scheduled to open in 2021