Still in Al Rayyan area, our next featured stadium is AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM, only a few kilometers away from Qatar Foundation via Dukhan Road. The stadium was built in place of the old Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, home of Al Rayyan SC. Initially the plan was to expand and renovate the existing stadium, but in the end they built a whole new stadium altogether.
Quick Information about AHMAD BIN ALI STADIUM:
| Location (click here): | Al Rayyan, a municipiality 20 kilometres west of Doha |
| Gross capacity: | 40,000 |
| Start of Construction: Date Opened: | Deconstruction work to make way for the new 40,000-seat stadium began in September 2014. 18 December 2020 with a spectacular debut that included the Amir Cup final |
| Matches planned: | Group matches, round of 16 |
What is the Architectural Inspiration of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium?
| Shape: | 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. |
| Special Features: | 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. |
| Contractors: | Ramboll designed the complex and AECOM was the project manager for the stadium. |
| Estimated Cost (in EURO): | N/A |
How to get to Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium?
Doha Metro –the nearest Metro station is Al Riffa (Green line), a short walk from the stadium (10 minutes).
Taxi drop-off/ pick up –Karwa, Uber and Careem drop-off/ pick up facilities are located adjacent to the Mall of Qatar’s main entrance, to the east of the Stadium.
Car Parking (General admission fans) –Five car parks are located near the stadium.
What are the Hotels and Leisure areas near Al Bayt Stadium?
| Hotels: | AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton |
| Malls: | Mall of Qatar |
| Hospital/Clinic: | SAC PolyClinic |
| Other Tourist Spots: | Al Shahaniya Camel Race Track Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum Film City at Zekreet (Brouq) Peninsula Dukhan Beach |
What are the plans for Al Bayt Stadium after FIFA 2022?
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.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan already has a successful football club that is ready and eager to take up residence after the FIFA World Cup 2022™. As one of the most popular clubs in Qatar, Al Rayyan Sports Club will bring thousands of fans to this magnificent arena.
Locals will also be keen to experience the many other sporting facilities springing up as part of this stadium complex. Six football training pitches, a cricket pitch, horse riding track, cycling and jogging tracks, gym equipment and an athletics track are just some of the facilities that the community can look forward to using. Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium will play a leading role in fulfilling the key Qatar National Vision 2030 objective of promoting healthy lifestyles in Qatar.
Sources:
- https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/article/world-cup-stadiums
- https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/stadiums/ahmad-bin-ali-stadium
- https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/transport/getting-to-stadiums
- http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/qat/ahmed_bin_ali_stadium
