More than $455 million-worth of construction projects were announced on 9 December by the Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC), as part of preparations for the 2006 Asian games to be held in Doha. The biggest project is a $233 million Sports City, with a central multi-purpose hall, swimming complex, and facilities for a range of other sports. 'The country must prepare state-of-the-art facilities and venues. A first estimation of the costs of all sports venues is some $1.8 billion,' said Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, secretary-general of QNOC, speaking at the Qatar Sports International exhibition in Doha. The initial list of developments includes an investment of $30 million in the Al-Wusayl shooting range, a $27 million redevelopment of Doha Stadium, and the expansion of the equestrian centre and golf club. Sheikh Saud also announced 19 consultancy contracts on potential future projects, among them plans for an Olympic village to accommodate 10,000 athletes and officials. An overall Asian games masterplan is to be presented to the Olympic Committee of Asia in January 2003.