Qatar is sparing no expense when it comes to hosting the 2022 World Cup finals. With nine ultra-ambitious mega-stadiums currently under development, the country’s total investment is predicted to exceed US $220 billion upon completion; making it the most expensive World Cup tournament of all time.

Adding to this impressive running total is the $45 billion city of Lusail. Currently under construction just 15 kilometres north of capital city Doha, new renderings and details have been revealed regarding the coastal development, which has been earmarked for completion by 2019. The city is being built from scratch for the solitary purpose of hosting the 2022 World Cup final in its enormous 86,000 capacity stadium.

Although the 72-square-kilometre megapolis does not yet exist, upon completion it will be one of the world’s first entirely “smart” cities, integrating an unobtrusive system of underground walkways and maintenance tunnels. The unspoilt façade of the city will be controlled by a centralised command centre, which allows the city to automatically adapt to changing weather and traffic conditions.

Accommodating approximately 250,000 people, Lusail will comprise numerous luxury residential areas, marinas, island resorts, commercial zones and a sprawling entertainment district. Residents will be able to move around the city via water taxi or light-rail system, both of which will run on green energy.

The project is a joint venture between Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and the Parsons Corporation. It is expected to be completed by 2019.