The FIFA World Cup 2022 is set to start from 20th November 2022. With this World Cup, Qatar has now joined the ranks of the 7 Arab countries that have hosted the World Cup. Since this is a major event, Qatar has followed in China’s steps. In 2008, China hosted the Olympics and built a special stadium for it. This is now famously known as the artistic Bird’s Nest Stadium. Similarly, Qatar completed the Al Thumama Stadium in October 2021. While this is not the only stadium Qatar built for the FIFA World Cup 2022, it is definitely one of the most unique. For example, Qatar unveiled the Stadium 974 and the Al Bayt Stadium most recently in November 2021. Qatar unveiled a total of 7 stadiums for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Our top pick from these is the Al Thumama Stadium, and for good reason.

FIFA World Cup 2022 – Al Thumama Stadium – All Details

The Al Thumama Stadium broke ground in 2017 and was completed in the middle of 2021. It was finally unveiled and inaugurated in 22nd October 2021, with the grand finale of the Amir Cup. This finale match was played between Sadd and Rayyan, two of the most prominent football clubs in Qatar. You may have heard of Sadd before because it is managed by Spanish and Barcelona Club veteran Xavi Hernandez. After the end of the match, a ceremony was held to officially inaugurate the stadium. During this ceremony, 2 dignitaries were present – Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, and Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA.

  • Capacity: 40,000 people
  • Height: 43 meters
  • Area: 35,000 square meters
  • Broke Ground: 2017
  • Completed: 2021
  • Inaugurated: 22nd October 2021
  • Architect: Ibrahim M. Jaidah of Arab Engineering Bureau
  • Structural Engineer: Schlaich Bergermann Partners and Thornton Tomasetti
  • Services Engineer: Jain Consultants
  • General Contractor: Al Jaber Engineering and Tekfen Construction

What’s so Special About It?

The Al Thumama Stadium is special because it is the first ever with a Qatari architect. However, what is more surprising is that Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the architect has also designed an Advanced Cooling Tech for the entire stadium. It is this state-of-the-art technology that keeps the Al Thumama stadium cool even during the scorching summer heat of Doha. But there’s more to know about this uniquely designed stadium.

  • Traditional Inspiration: The stadium is shaped like a traditional head cap worn by Arab men in Qatar. This cap, known as the ‘Gahfiya’ is a symbol of dignity. Moreover, some even consider this woven cap design to be a symbol of independence and progressiveness in Qatar.
  • History: The Al Thumama Stadium is not hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 for the first time. In fact, it hosted several matches of the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021.
  • Philanthropy: The FIFA Supreme Committee of Qatar has decided that after the FIFA World Cup 2022, the capacity of this stadium will be halved. This means that 20,000 seats will be removed. These seats will be donated to buses, trains, or any other infrastructure in poor developing nations.
  • Environmentally Friendly: The Al Thumama Stadium is environmentally friendly too because of its on-site energy center. The design of this energy center ensures that 40% more freshwater is saved during its operations. Moreover, the grass on the fields are irrigated using recycled water. Apart from that, the surrounding area of this stadium features 50,000 square meters of green parks and more than 400 different trees.
  • Future Plans: The future plan for this stadium after the FIFA World Cup 2022, is to transform it into a community hub. It will house a Aspetar Sports Clinic and even a boutique hotel within its premises.

Takeaway

While the features of the Al Thumama Stadium are marvelous on their own, there is another special aspect. Qatar has announced that alcoholic beverages will be available within all stadiums including the Al Thumama. This is because Qatar wants all fans to thoroughly enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2022. International events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Asia Cup 2022 are beloved sporting events in football and cricket respectively. If you wish to stay updated on sports entertainment just like this, then be sure to let us know in the comments down below.