Mind-Blowing Stadiums | FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022

14 min readJul 6, 2022

Qatar is preparing to make history not only by hosting the first FIFA World Cup ™, but also the first to be played in the Middle East. The peninsula promises to produce a World Cup like any other. It will be the smallest nation that has ever hosted a single world Finals, one that allows visitors to roam the country easily — and plan to watch many games in one day. Add to the traditional Arab hospitality, and the winter weather is ready to watch and play a good game, and the Qatar World Cup promises to be delicious.

The Qatari Peninsula shares its only international border with Saudi Arabia, although Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates can be found near the northwest and southeast respectively. It is well-used to welcome foreign visitors, with a live ex-pat community accounting for 80% of its population.

Qatar has also spent recent years building some of the most environmentally friendly and most developed sports venues ever seen. Everything will be on display worldwide as the largest exhibition in the world finally reaches the Middle East.

Here is everything you need to know about the Stadiums,

1st

Lusail Stadium

Located 15km north of central Doha, Lusail is a pioneer among cities. Every aspect of its planning, from its tram system and plentiful green spaces to this sustainability-focused arena, concentrates on human needs and environmental conservation. The result will be a city where 200,000 people live in harmony with the environment — and enjoy the legacy of this spectacular stadium.

As soon as fans catch sight of the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium, they will be struck by the sheer scale of the venue with its elegant, muted gold exterior which, with the passing of time, will inspire an image of aged metal handicrafts. Adorned with intricate detail reminiscent of decorative wares from days gone by, the stadium bowl will feature a graceful, undulating trim that would make a master artisan proud.

Crowning the elaborate stadium façade will be a roof that represents the leading edge in engineering and construction techniques. Manufactured from materials carefully chosen to provide shade, the roof will still admit just the right amount of sunlight to nourish the first-rate playing surface.

At night, an advanced lighting system will maximise the interaction of the light and openings in the façade, mimicking the welcoming glow of a fanar lantern for approaching fans.

Once the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ is over, Lusail Stadium will be transformed into a community space including schools, shops, cafés, sporting facilities and health clinics. This multi-purpose community hub will allow people to find everything they need under one roof — the original roof of the football stadium.

During the conversion, most of the stadium’s 80,000 seats will be removed and donated to sporting projects, taking this arena’s extraordinary legacy — and a little bit of FIFA World Cup™ history — to locations around the globe.

2nd

Stadium 974

Stadium 974’s innovative design is inspired by Qatar’s worldwide trade and seafaring. 974 is the international dialling code for Qatar, as well as the exact number of shipping containers used in construction.

The innovative 40,000-seat venue has a remarkable design and will be the first fully demountable tournament venue in FIFA World Cup™ history. This sets a new standard in sustainability and introduces bold new ideas in tournament legacy planning.

The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup ™ is built using certified Shipping containers and modular steel structures, similar to the port near Doha’s long maritime history.

The result is a unique, colourful, and modern stadium that almost looks like it is made of building blocks.

The design concept has resulted in the rapid, economical construction of an amazing stadium, with a beautiful square shape. A closed stadium ensures a memorable atmosphere for fans and players alike at the crucial Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup ™.

Fenwick Iribarren Architects were observers of the region’s bold design.

The design of Stadium 974 was first revealed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects on 26 November 2017. The world was presented with the most innovative of the new FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadiums to be built, and created using shipping containers that would also carry the additional materials for construction. 974 is the exact number of containers used in construction, and the international dialling code for Qatar — inspiring the venue’s name.

Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi said the groundbreaking project to build a ‘fully demountable’ venue would serve as a benchmark for stadiums throughout the world — and form another of the tournament’s lasting legacies.

On 28 May 2018 Qatari firm HBK Contracting was announced as the main contractor for Stadium 974. Stadium 974’s excavations were completed by July 2019. This was also when the first batch of containers arrived on-site, ready to be installed.

On 10 May 2020, the bulk of the remaining containers was delivered to the stadium site — taking the total to 923 out of the 974 required. The fabrication of steel for the structure was 94% complete, and the development of the steel structure was 33% complete.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited Stadium 974 in September 2021. He was able to see the pitch, which had been laid in April 2021, and other finishing touches — two months ahead of the stadium’s digital launch.

3rd

Khalifa International Stadium

In May 2017, Qatar celebrated the re-opening of its popular stadium with a spectacular opening ceremony and hosting of the Emir Cup final. To prepare for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™, the stadium hosts the Arabian Gulf Cup and FIFA Club World Cup ™, as well as the IAAF World Athletics Championships.

The new Khalifa International Stadium was launched by the Aspire Zone Foundation, one of the members of the Executive Heritage Committee.

Built-in 1976 at Al Rayyan, the Khalifa International Stadium has long been the cornerstone of the country’s sport — and the gateway to its promising future. The 40,000-seat stadium already has an impressive hosting history, having previously hosted the Asian Games, the Arabian Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, among other events. Over the years it has become an ideal Middle East ambassador, reflecting the excellence of sport in every way. For the people of Qatar and the region, Khalifa International Stadium is an old friend, a common face that unites communities.

Located in the centre of all 2022 venues, the stadium will play a key role in the tournament, with its unique location and advanced transportation systems that will make it the most connected international football tournament ever.

The stadium’s new design was launched in November 2014 at the 22nd Gulf Cup in Riyadh. People from across the region were united in excitement as they saw their beloved venue’s new look for the first time.

The plans included a distinctive stadium bowl shape. An additional 12,000 seats would be added, to take the capacity to 48,000 (40,000 for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™). Its iconic twin arches would remain, to live long in the memories of visiting football fans.

4th

Education City Stadium

The area around Education City Stadium is packed with top universities, where high-quality research is done and academics encourage their students to do their best. The entire area, home to the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is busy with the establishment and determination to make the FIFA World Cup 2022 ™ a promoter of community and community development.

The impact of the stadium on international development will come after he hosted the games until reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament. The capacity of the stadium will be halved and 20,000 seats will be donated to build stadiums in developing countries, which will help to increase the popularity of the game worldwide.

The style of this impressive stadium will create memories of the historic football games, inspired by the love of the fans. The sides of the stage reach up and cover the stage — helping the advanced cooling system to work, bringing people closer to action and keeping fan songs ringing in the stadium.

The venue in Education City has been carefully selected with a view to mindfulness, especially for fans with disabilities. However, upon arrival, fans will walk a short distance to their seats on shady, tree-lined streets — giving them ample time to enjoy the spectacular views of the area.

Long after the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup ™, the stadium will remain a public domain. Training grounds, as well as other non-sports facilities outside the stadium, are all easily accessible to the local education community.

5th

Al Janoub Stadium

Located in the southern city of Al Wakrah, the 40,000-strong Al Janoub Stadium opened on May 16, 2019, with the Amir Cup final.

One of the oldest human settlements in Qatar, Al Wakrah was once a centre for pearl fishing and fishing. The traditional boats used in these routes encouraged the formation of Al Janoub Stadium. At its opening, the spectacular pre-game show honoured the legacy of Al Wakrah and Zaha Hadid, the architect whose company designed the dynamic future of the stadium.

The Amir Cup 2019 final, which saw QSL team Al Duhail defeat Al Sadd, provided the taste of the experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup ™. One full house saw the semi-final match of the 24th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2019 when Qatar played Saudi Arabia.

Visitors from abroad are not the only ones who can enjoy this beautiful scenery. School; wedding hall; cycling, horseback riding and running tracks; restaurants; markets; gymnasiums; and parkland is one of the new facilities being developed to complement Al Janoub Stadium. Citizens will see great long-term benefits from the project, which will bring their community closer together.

The inside view of the stadium is excellent, with the beams curling up the roof, resembling a ship’s hull and allowing light to fill the stadium.

Too much light does not mean too much heat though. Next to the new cooling system, intelligent design plays a role in keeping fans, players and officials comfortable. Detailed analysis of minimal weather conditions has revealed the shape of the stadium, with aerodynamics and good shading from the roof (including a small amount of glass) making a significant contribution to temperature control.

The incentives come from AECOM, which designed Al Janoub Stadium in partnership with Zaha Hadid Architects. AECOM acted as a project consultant on this project, while KEO International Consultants was the project manager. The project was launched by a combination of domestic and international contractors (Midmac, PORR and SixConstruct).

After the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™, Al Janoub Stadium will be the new home of sports and entertainment in southern Qatar. Its capacity will be reduced to 20,000, which guarantees a state of electricity. Another 20,000 seats will be donated to overseas football development programs, as well as showcasing Al Wakrah’s nature and ability to connect to remote areas.

6th

Al Thumama Stadium

Located 12km south of the glittering Doha sky, Al Thumama Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™ up to the quarter-finals.

The bold, round form of the court depicts the gahfiya a traditional woven cap adorned with men and boys throughout the Middle East for centuries. It is an integral part of the Arab family culture that is a symbol of dignity and independence — which marks the path of every boy to adulthood.

In portraying the youth of Qatar, Al Thumama Stadium also marks the country’s emergence as the world’s leading sports star.

For many visitors, the first impression of this magnificent stadium comes from above as planes land at Hamad International Airport. Its remarkable form touches the hearts of many Arab families, which are closely related to an important part of life and culture.

From the ground up, however, the identity of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™ is truly amazing. Entering such an emotional arena is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many local fans and visitors.

The well-known Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) is one of the oldest construction and engineering companies in Qatar — and was responsible for the concept and design of the Al Thumama Stadium program. The AEB has received numerous awards for domestic and international architecture in a style that blends well with and reflects the Qatari, Arab and Muslim culture.

The project was led by AEB’s great artist, Ibrahim M. Jaidah. Hailing from Qatar and one of the most respected doctors in the region, his previous work covers some of the country’s most iconic landmarks — including the Ritz-Carlton’s Sharq Village & Spa and the Interior Ministry headquarters.

7th

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

The gateway to the desert opened its doors to the world on 18 December 2020 with a spectacular debut that included the Amir Cup final.

Al Rayyan, where Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is located, is known for its love of traditions and local culture, as well as its hugely popular football team, Al Rayyan Sports Club. The close-knit community here is deeply committed to the team, whose new arena will host up to 40,000 fans at FIFA World Cup 2022™ matches through to the quarter-final stage.

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, built on the site of a venue with the same name, incorporates symbols of Qatari culture into its spectacular undulating façade. The facilities surrounding the stadium also mirror the country, with sand dune-shaped structures recalling the beautifully wild lands to the west.

Al Rayyan welcomes football fans from around the world with open arms, eager to show them the rich culture of Qatar.

Thanks to its location on the edge of the desert, preserving nature and its gifts has long been a priority in resilient Al Rayyan — and this arena is no different. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy has delivered the venue using environmentally friendly building materials and practices.

A seventh shape, a shield, brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the proud desert city of Al Rayyan.

These patterns are like the geometric shapes often found in Islamic architecture and their impressive intricacy reflects the exquisite handicrafts produced in Qatar.

This unique façade is nestled around a compact seating structure, which guarantees an electric atmosphere and allows all 40,000 fans to feel closer than ever to the action on the pitch. Those fans are protected from the elements by a lightweight canopy and advanced cooling systems, allowing them to enjoy every match in complete comfort.

Every part of the stadium district has been designed with sustainability in mind. After the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has come to a close, almost half of the stadium’s 40,000 modular seats will be removed and given to football development projects abroad. The smaller post-tournament arena will enable Al Rayyan to maintain the intimate, neighbourly character it’s famous for.

8th

Al Bayt Stadium

A giant tent structure covers the entire stadium, located in the northern city of Al Khor. The stadium will host the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and fixtures right through to the semi-finals.

Delivered by Aspire Zone Foundation, the stadium takes its name from bayt al sha’ar — tents historically used by nomadic people in Qatar and the Gulf region. In common with Qatar’s famous hospitality, Al Bayt Stadium welcomes guests from far and wide, entertaining them and inviting them to experience the country’s traditional culture.

The stadium design honours Qatar’s past and presents while keeping one eye on the future of the community. With Qatar’s sustainability goals firmly in mind, its creation will be a model of green development. Facilities for the community are springing up around it. As well as providing a first-class venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, this arena is a shining example for future stadium construction.

Inspired by the bayt al sha’ar of nomadic people, who have etched a living from Qatar’s deserts for millennia. The magnificent tent structure envelopes an ultra-modern football stadium, welcoming visitors into comfort as has been the tradition in this part of the world for centuries.

Traditionally, the tents of nomadic tribes and families in Qatar could be identified by black stripes like those on the arena’s distinctive exterior, and by the vibrant sadu patterns that will greet fans once inside the stadium. Visitors to Qatar get a taste of traditional design from the region, while local fans are reminded of their proud heritage.

Even football fans who have never set foot in Qatar will benefit from this venue’s forward-thinking design. Its modular construction will mean that the upper tier of seats (almost half of the 60,000 capacity) can be removed after the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and donated to developing nations across the world.