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. It is a 30-metre art installation of a whale shark, called Al Nehem, that is suspended between the four Lusail Towers, celebrating Lusail’s development and raising awareness for one of the largest endangered animals in the world. 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.
Al Nehem is 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.
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.
