From Al Rayyan, let’s visit the second FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium in Doha aside from Khalifa International Stadium – the AL THUMAMA STADIUM, located south of Central Doha.
Quick Information about AL THUMAMA STADIUM:
| Location (click here): | Al Thumama, Doha (adjacent to the east of the Doha Express Highway, 12km south of central Doha) |
| Gross capacity: | 40,000 |
| Start of Construction: Date Opened: | 01/03/2017 On 22 October 2021, Al Thumama Stadium was inaugurated – hosting the Amir Cup 2021 Final between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd |
| Matches planned: | Group matches, round of 16, and quarter finals |
What is the Architectural Inspiration of Al Thumama Stadium?
| Shape: | AI Thumama Stadium’s design, created by Qatari Architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, was first shared with the world in August 2017 when a giant scale model of the arena was unveiled at Hamad International Airport. The stadium’s bold, circular form reflects the gahfiya – a traditional woven cap adorned by men and boys all across the Middle East for centuries. It is a beloved part of Arab family culture that symbolises dignity and independence – marking every young boy’s path to adulthood. In symbolising Qatar’s youth, Al Thumama Stadium also points to the country’s emergence as a major player on the global sporting scene. It also expresses the Arab civilization’s depth and the intertwined cultural-historical legacy of the Arab countries. Designed by; Ibrahim M. Jaidah (Arab Engineering Bureau), Fenwick Iribarren Architects, Heerim Architects |
| Special Features: | The stadium’s green design ensures 40% more fresh water is saved when compared to a conventional stadium. Recycled water is used to irrigate green areas. The precinct features 50,000m2 of park area, with native vegetation and almost 400 trees covering 84% of the landscape. |
| Contractors: | Al Jaber Engineering, Tekfen Construction |
| Estimated Cost : | $342 million |
How to get to Al Thumama Stadium?
Doha Metro –While Al Thumama Stadium doesn’t have direct connection to the Metro, shuttle services will run to/ from the nearest Metro Station: Free Zone Metro Station (Red line). Stadium Express Buses will operate between dedicated Stadium Express Bus Hubs.
Taxi and shared ride drop-off and pick-up is close to the stadium.
Car Parking (General admission fans) –is located close to the stadium. Accessible parking options will be available.
What are the Hotels and Leisure areas near Al Bayt Stadium?
| Hotels: | located within Al Thumama residential community, there’s no HOTEL nearby (the closest would be the Airport Road) Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha |
| Malls: | B Square Mall The Mall Doha Barwa Commercial Avenue Dar AlSalam Mall |
| Hospital/Clinic: | City Medical Park Al Thumama Health Center Workers Health Center Mesaimeer – Qatar Red Crescent |
| Other Tourist Spots: | Al Thumama is located in a densely populated residential community. The nearest tourist spot would be the Wakrah area (see Al Janoub Stadium for details) |
What are the plans for Al Thumama Stadium after FIFA 2022?
In legacy mode, the stadium’s capacity will be reduced to meet local needs and provide quality sporting infrastructure to developing nations. The remaining 20,000-seat arena will be used for football and other sporting events. A branch of the world-renowned Aspetar Sports Clinic will open on site, while a boutique hotel will also replace the stadium’s upper stands.
A home for a community as well as the multiple sporting options open to all, there will also be a number of retail and commercial units created to ensure the area becomes a bustling hub of exercise and activity, along with a mosque and a boutique hotel inside the stadium.
Sources:
- https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/article/world-cup-stadiums
- https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/stadiums/al-thumama-stadium
- http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/qat/al_thumama_stadium
- https://www.qatar2022.qa/en/transport/getting-to-stadiums
