Venues for 2022 Qatar World Cup near completion

The final venues that will stage matches during the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 are nearing the final stages of completion.

The first World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world will kick off on 21st November 2022 and conclude 28 days later on 18th December – Qatar National Day.

The Arabian Gulf nation’s infrastructure plans for the event have so far seen four stadiums inaugurated, a new metro system completed, new hotels built and new expressways running.

Qatar’s Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City and Ahmad Bin Ali stadia have all hosted major matches, while the construction of the Al Bayt Stadium has been completed.

The nation’s Al Thumama and Ras Abu Aboud stadia are set to be inaugurated during 2021, while the venue for the Qatar 2022 final, Lusail Stadium, is set to open early next year.

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Construction update: The stadium is being built using 974 modular containers, with the delivery and installation of all containers now completed. This includes special containers for the energy substation. All remaining structural steel members, including tension rods, have also been delivered and installed. Installation of all seats in the stadium is nearing completion, as are the mechanical, engineering, plumbing and finishing works. External works in the precinct are underway.

Capacity: 40,000
Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren Architects
Distance from Doha city centre: 7 kilometres

Ras Abu Aboud will be the first fully dismountable and re-usable tournament venue in FIFA World Cup history, making it a pioneer in sustainable stadium development and design. Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, this 40,000-capacity venue is being built using shipping containers and other modular materials. Overlooking the stunning Doha Corniche and West Bay skyline, the stadium will host seven matches up to the round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022.

Lusail Stadium
Construction update: The stadium’s concrete works, steel superstructure installation and the roof big lift have been completed. The roof membrane is under fabrication, to be installed after completion of the ongoing secondary steel bracings. The venue’s turf was planted in the precinct’s turf farm in August 2020, with inspections indicating good growth progress and overall health. Meanwhile, the stadium entrances, interior finishes and progress in concourses, skyboxes and lounges are nearing completion, as are the mechanical, engineering, plumbing and finishing works. Additionally, the stadium substations, chilled water transfer stations and cooling systems are nearing completion with preparation for Qatar Civil Defense inspection.
Capacity: 80,000
Designer: Foster + Partners
Distance from Doha city centre: 20 kilometres

The largest Qatar 2022 venue, Lusail embodies Qatar’s ambition, along with its passion for sharing Arab culture with the world. The design of this magnificent stadium is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that characterises the fanar lantern. Its striking gold façade, along with its scale, will impress fans approaching the venue from afar. The venue is situated in the heart of Qatar’s futuristic Lusail City – a newly built, state-of-the-art metropolis, designed specifically with residents’ needs in mind. The stadium will host ten matches up to and including the final of Qatar 2022.

Al Thumama Stadium
Construction update: Roof and façade works have been completed, along with the stadium’s bleacher installation. Turfing of the field of play and tree plantation in the precinct have also been completed. Seat installation, along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, plus finishing, are nearing completion.
Capacity: 40,000
Designer: Arab Engineering Bureau
Distance from Doha city centre: 12 kilometres

With a design inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, a traditional woven cap worn for centuries by men across the Arab world, Al Thumama Stadium honours the region’s culture and traditions. It is the first FIFA World Cup venue to be designed by a Qatari architect - Ibrahim M. Jaidah. The stadium will host eight matches up to the quarter-finals stage during Qatar 2022.

Images. The Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, popularly known as the Al-Rayyan Stadium (top), the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium (middle) and Al Thumama Stadium (below).