When it comes to projects there is nothing quite like the scale of International events such as the World Cup. The upcoming World Cup tournament in late 2022 is no different and Qatar have developed 8 incredible stadiums with cutting edge technology, amazing design and world leading sustainable principles.
The race to have all projects finished by the time the World Cup begins is looming quickly for Qatar. The rate of development has been extraordinary but there will be challenges for this World Cup as there has been across many of the most tournaments.
With question marks over migrant worker deaths during construction of the stadiums to ongoing tension between Qatar, Iran and its Arab neighbours the Qatar World Cup will have its challenges. There is no doubt there will be many lessons learned after the tournament has been completed.
What is certain is that the infrastructure projects will be event ready for the influx of football fans from across the World. Below is a review of the 8 stadiums that Qatar will have on display for the upcoming 2022 World Cup.
Al Bayt Stadium
The Al Bayt stadium which is located on the south-eastern edge of the small city Al Khor City. This is located on the Persian Gulf approximately 40km (around 25 miles) north of Doha.
It has a capacity of 60,000 spectators and will be hosting the opening match of the Qatar World Cup along with 4 other group matches. It will also be hosting:
- 1 x Round of 16 match
- 1 x Quarter Final
- 1 x Semi-final
The design of the Al Bayt stadium is influenced by the inside of a Bedouin tent which is traditionally coloured red, white and black. Another significant feature of the stadium will be its retractable roof which can open and close in 20 minutes.
Lusail Stadium
With distinctive architectural features the Lusail stadium will be the flagship venue for the Qatar World Cup and will hold a capacity of 80,000 spectators. At the time of writing it was still under construction.
Lusail Stadium is in the centre of a new development North of Doha and is intended to be the catalyst for the development and growth of Lusail City
The Lusail Stadium will host:
- 5 x Group Matches
- 1 x Round of 16
- 1 x Quarter Final
- 1 x Semi Final
- The Final
The original architectural vision was designed by British firm Foster and Partners. Its distinctive bold shape and distinctive roof is designed to mesmerise fans and is influenced by the bowls, vessels and art pieces used across the Middle East for centuries. In the evening the interplay of lights and openings in the façade will represent the welcoming glow of a fanar lantern for approaching fans.
The location of the Lusail stadium means it is easily accessible via upgraded roads, the Doha Metro, shuttle buses and by foot.
The roof of the stadium is a cutting-edge glass composite material that allows enough light for grass growth but providing shade that will reduce the air conditioning burden on the facility.
The planning committee has recognised that there will not be any need for the stadium after the World Cup and the area will be converted into a community hub of schools, health clinics and sporting facilities, all within the original exterior of the stadium and under the original roof.
Al Janoub Stadium
Possibly the most distinctive stadium of the Qatar World up, the Al Janoub stadium has a capacity of 40,000 fans and will be hosting the following matches:
- 5 x Group matches
- 1 x Round of 16
The Al Janoub Stadium, which is also known as Al Wakrah Stadium is located in the town of Al Wakrah which is located around 10kms (6 miles) South of Doha. There are not a lot of areas to dine or congregate around the stadium so fans will be best suited to travel from central Doha.
The stadium is one of the more distinctive designs which is inspired by the hulls of the traditional dhow pearl fishing boats. This is further reflected by the large amount of timber and traditional materials that are in use.
The stadium will become the home of Al Wakrah SC after the World Cup where matches of the Qatar Stars League will be held. The stadium will reduce in size after the World Cup to a capacity of 20,000 fans. As part of the facilities legacy it will donate the remaining 20,000 seats to developing countries for their sporting infrastructure needs.
The roof of the stadium is retractable and is made from pleated PTFE fabric and cables, with the roof arches 230 metres in length.
The state of the art cooling systems is able to drop the ambient temperature to 18o Celsius (64o Fahrenheit).
Al Rayyan Stadium
The Al Rayyan Stadium will have a capacity of 40,000 seats and will host the following matches:
- 5 x Group Matches
- 1 x Round of 16
The stadium is being built to replace the ageing home of Al Rayyan SC which was called the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium. The planning committee originally were going to renovate the stadium however after analysis it was decided that it would be more effective to demolish the old stadium and build a new one. As part of the sustainable aspect of the stadium, 90% of the rubble from the old stadium will be reused for the new facility.
Al Rayyan Stadium Is located on the North West edge of Doha and is approximately 20km from central Doha.
The stadium will form part of a mega shopping mall development with transport routes – including a new Metro line – to improve before the World Cup begins.
Similar to the Al Janoub stadium there will be a reduction of seating to a capacity of 21,000 spectators with the remaining seating to be repurposed in developing countries.
The opening of the stadium took place on December 18, 2020 which marks exactly 2 years before the Qatar World Cup is to begin.
Khalifa International Stadium
The principal football stadium in 1976, the Khalifa International Stadium and has undergone extensive upgrades in time for the Qatar World Cup. The improvements have included additional seating and upgraded hospitality facilities. The improvements also incorporated a cutting edge roof membrane that covers 70% of the stadium.
Khalifa which is also known as National Stadium is one part of a larger sporting precinct which includes the Aspire Academy, Hamad Aquatic Centre and the Aspire Tower.
Khalifa is located roughly 10 kms (6 miles) West of central Doha. There are several transport options including the Gold Line Metro that runs through central Doha
The Aspire Academy which is based in the Aspire Zone in Qatar has the goal of developing elite Qatari athletes and providing them with secondary education.
The Hamad Aquatic Centre a large swimming pool complex that was used as the venue for aquatic events in the 2006 Asian Games.
The Aspire Tower which is also known as The Torch Doha is the currently the tallest building in Doha but will be surpassed by the Dubai Towers Doha and the Barwa Tower when they are completed. The building served as the focal point during the 2006 Asian Games.
Originally the stadium had an iconic arch. This has been replaced by a new one and complimented with a second.
Education City Stadium
Another stadium that is located in Doha is the Education City Stadium. It has a capacity for the World Cup of 40,000 spectators and will be hosting the following matches:
- 5 x Group Matches
- 1 x Round of 16
- 1 x Quarter Final
Education City is located around 14 kms (8.5 miles) from central Doha and is located in the Al Rayyan district. The venue will have a number of transport options inlcuding a Metro line that will provide direct access from the rest of Doha.
The Stadium is located within an Educaction precinct and will repurposed to be a University sports centre after the World Cup has ended.
The stadium was designed by Spanish firm Fenwick, Iribarren Architects and they have incorporated a number of cutting edge technology and materials making it one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable stadiums in the world.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Located to the East of Doha the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will have a capacity of 40,000 spectators and will host the following matches:
- 5 x Group Matches
- 1 x Round of 16 Match
This stadium is the at the cutting edge of sustainability and will be built of modular blocks and shipping containers. It will be compltely dismantled and repurposed at the end of the Qatar World Cup tournament.
The Ras Abu ABoud Stadium is located to the East of Doha and near the Port and Hamad International Airport. It is around 5 kms (3 miles) from central Doha and is being built on land that was previously used for heavy industry.
Al Thumama Stadium
Loacted to the South of Doha the Al Thumama Stadium will have a capacity of 40,000 spectators for the Qatar World Cup. It will be the host venue for:
- 5 x Group Matches
- 1 x Round of 16
- 1 x Quarter Final
The stadium takes it inspiration from the traditional cap worn by men across the Middle East known as the gahfiya. It is a part of the tradiitonal head covering of men across the Arab world with different colours and patterns depending on the region.
The Stadium is named after the Thumama tree which grows locally and the area is considered the Southern gateway to Doha City. The Thumama area is close to the Hamad airport and there are a number of transport options to get to the venue.
The area is significant as it is where the cooling prototype was first demonstrated to FIFA officials demonstrating how a stadium could be cooled using solar energy. The demonstration used a mini-stadium as the prototype and is now used as a research and study centre.
The design of the stadium was conducted solely by Qatari nationals. The Arab Engineering Bureau is the oldest architectural and engineering firm in Qatar and are responsible for the distinctive features of the venue.
The legacy component of the venue will see 20,000 seats removed and repurposed in developing countries. This spaces will then be converted to a 60 room hotel that faces the pitch and will be perfect viewing for future fixtures.
