Qatar, the host nation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, is gearing up for a month-long football event in the Middle East. The nation is all set to be the first-ever Middle Eastern country to host the prestigious competition. Roads, highways, hotels, and stadiums are being built as part of a $200 billion infrastructure project in the country and the venues are a part of that.
The Al Thumama Stadium Qatar is one of the eight venues for the upcoming FIFA 2022 and is nestled only 12 KM away from the striking Doha skyline and seafront promenade. All set to host some high-profile matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Al Thumama Stadium has an importance of its own which is not only dictated by its design but also its sporting importance.
The Design Of Thumama Stadium In Qatar
If there's one thing that is certainly notable about the Thumama Stadium, it is its design. The stadium carries huge significance for the people of Arab nations, not just Qatar. The design of the arena represents a Gahfiya, a traditional woven cap that is worn by both men and boys across the Middle East. What is fascinating is that the Gahfiya forms a pivotal part of the traditional clothing in the region and is seen as a symbol of dignity and independence which is what makes it so important in the Middle East.
While taking its design from the Gahfiya, the stadium forms an inspiration for the youth of Qatar while giving a glimpse into the future and past of the country.
Seating Capacity Of Al Thumama Doha
Now here's a thing, the majority of the venues in Qatar have been allocated a maximum seating capacity of around 40 to 80000 with the Lusail Stadium in Qatar having the highest seating capacity. But when it comes to Al Thumama Stadium, the arena is set to have a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 once the world cup kicks off in the country. Although there are plans to reduce the seating capacity after the world cup gets over, the arena would still be host to matches through to the quarterfinals of the world cup with 40,000 fans ready to cheer till the final whistle blows at the stadium during the FIFA 2022.
Will The Al Thumama Stadium Qatar Have An Enduring Future?
Thanks to its design and sporting importance in the region, the impact of Al Thumama Doha would be long felt after the FIFA World Cup 2022 ends in the country. While the arena would be meeting the local needs of people in the region, Aspeter Sports Clinic, a world-renowned sports clinic would find its home here. Not only this, the stadium's upper stand would be removed and a boutique hotel would be added in its place.
As Qatar's generous hospitality isn't a mystery to travelers, the addition of a boutique hotel in the arena would be a significant addition to Al Thumama Doha, especially for football fans who would be able to relive the legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup right at the arena.
Sustainability With Al Thumama Stadium
Sustainability has been at the forefront of everything Qatar does and building the venues for the upcoming world cup is a huge example of that. Every stadium has been built with maximum emphasis on the protection of the environment. As for the Al Thumama Stadium, here are some of the things you need to know as far as sustainability is concerned.
- As part of its efforts toward achieving the international standards of sustainability, Thumama Stadium Doha is targeting Global Sustainability Assessment System Trust (GSAS) 4-star certification for its design and construction.
- The energy center on the site of the stadium has been completed refurbished and upgraded in order to meet the latest energy efficiency standards.
- The Al Thumama Stadium has earned the name green stadium as its design ensures about 40% savings on freshwater when compared to the conventional stadium. In fact, to make things better, recycled water is being used to irrigate green areas around the arena.
- There is a 50,000m2 park area with native vegetation and about 400 trees which cover about 84% of the landscape.
- While being committed to environment-friendly measures, the Al Thumama Doha would aim to maintain the region's cultural and architectural heritage. This will be a stadium not just for the past but also for the future.
- Much like other venues for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the travel distance between different venues would be significantly reduced which would lead to a reduced carbon footprint during the world cup.
Suggested Read: Top Stadiums In Qatar That Will Host The Upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022
What Was The Role Of Al Thumama Stadium In Qatar Winning The FIFA World Cup 2022 Bid?
Now here's a thing, the Thumama Stadium played a crucial role in Qatar's bid to host the upcoming FIFA 2022. During the country's bid, the Al Thumama Stadium's prototype and its surrounding area were showcased which played a crucial role in demonstrating the country's commitment towards innovation and sustainability. Hence, the arena played a pivotal role in helping Qatar win the bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Interesting Fact: The design of Al Thumama Stadium which is based on the traditional Gahfiya cap won the prestigious MIPIM/The Architectural Review Future Project Award in May 2018.
Is The Al Thumama Stadium Ready To Host Matches?
The construction of the Al Thumama Stadium is in its final stages. While the eye-catching roof of the arena is already in place, there are some finishing touches that remain and the construction is well underway here. In fact, the stadium is on a stage where the fans can now get a good view of the arena and how it'll look once FIFA 2022 kicks off here. Most of the seats of the stadium have been fitted now.
The Match Schedule of Al Thumama Stadium Qatar
Fans waiting for FIFA 2022 in Qatar can enjoy and cheer their best team at Al Thumama where 5 match are going to be hosted. With a capacity of 40,000 seats, the stadium has already witnessed the fun and craze of Arab cup and is all set for the FIFA 2022. You can plan as per the schedule.
| Date | Time | Team A | Team B |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Nov | 15:30 | Senegal | Netherlands |
| 25 Nov | 18:30 | Qatar | Senegal |
| 27 Nov | 18:30 | Belgium | Morocco |
| 30 Nov | 00:30 | Iran | United States |
| 01 Dec | 20:30 | Canada | Morocco |
Suggested Read: Top Contenders To Win The FIFA World Cup 2022
Legacy Of Al Thumama Stadium Doha
The FIFA World Cup would be played for a duration of 28 and the Thumama Doha stadium would only be hosting about eight matches during the competition. However, the legacy of the competition would be telling and Al Thumama Stadium would be seeing some significant changes once the competition ends in Qatar. So, here's what you need to know about the legacy of Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar.
- Once the FIFA World Cup gets over, the Al Thumama Stadium's seating capacity would be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000. The removed seats would be donated to other sporting projects around the world in order to provide a world-class sporting infrastructure to those nations that need it. This, in turn, would take the FIFA 2022 legacy far and beyond after the tournament gets over.
- While around 20,000 seats would be removed after the world cup, the downsized stadium would still be used for football matches and other sporting events. This would also give a chance to the local community in the region to enjoy a range of events and footballing action.
- Aspeter, a FIFA medical center of excellence, will be operating a clinic at the venue. This would attract athletes from around the world and would give the local community a chance to see world sporting stars in one place.
- Another interesting fact as far as the legacy of Al Thumama is concerned, the stadium and its surroundings would be home to a range of facilities that would help the place into a major community hub. From running and cycling tracks to a range of different facilities for sportsmen and women alike, there will be a lot to look forward to in the region. In fact, the precinct surrounding the stadium would have facilities like handball, volleyball, basketball, and swimming as well.
- If you're thinking the list of facilities in and around Al Thumama Doha is long, well, you're right. Offering multiple options to all, there will be a number of retail and commercial units in the area that would attract visitors here. Alongside this, the Al Thumama Stadium would be welcoming a boutique hotel inside while there will be a mosque around too. Hence, it would form a whole community hub for the people here.
Suggested Read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Predictions Every Football Fan Should Know
How To Reach The Al Thumama Stadium In Doha?
Reaching the Al Thumama Stadium wouldn't be a big hassle once the FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off in the country. While fans who are already in the country would be able to use the Doha Metro and karwa taxis to reach the venue, there will be a number of hotels nearby at the time where one would be able to stay. Considering the fact that the Thumama Stadium in Doha is only about 12 KM away from the city's glittering skyline and seafront promenade, it wouldn't be a big hassle to find a means of transport to reach here.
Besides, the Doha metro link is set to play a big hand once the world cup in the country. It is estimated that the metro in Doha would be ferrying about 2 million passengers during the FIFA World Cup. While this would certainly be a record at the time, the number may even go higher once the competition begins as the location of the country is quite central in the world, and fans from all corners of the earth would be coming to Qatar for the world cup.
One of the iconic stadiums to be ever built in the country, the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar would remain a talking point for years to come. Designed with inspiration from the Gahfiya, the stadium would be no short of an ultra-modern arena while fans who look at it would be reminded of the rich culture of the Middle East. Set to host eight matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, this is an arena that would be an inspiration to many other futuristic projects in the country.
So, what are you waiting for? If you're planning your FIFA World Cup trip to Qatar, the Al Thumama Stadium has to be on your wish list for a complete tour. Book your flight ticket to Doha and come to witness this architectural marvel in Qatar.
FAQs
The design of Al Thumama Stadium represents a Gahfiya, a traditional woven cap that is worn by both men and boys across the Middle East. What is fascinating is that the Gahfiya forms a pivotal part of the traditional clothing in the region and is seen as a symbol of dignity and independence which is what makes it so important in the Middle East.
Reaching the Al Thumama Stadium wouldn't be a big hassle once the FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off in the country. While fans who are already in the country would be able to use the Doha Metro and karwa taxis to reach the venue, there will be a number of hotels nearby at the time where one would be able to stay. The stadium is only 12 KM away from Doha’s skyline and waterfront promenade.
The Al Thumama Stadium is set to have a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 once the world cup kicks off in the country. Once the FIFA World Cup gets over, the Al Thumama Stadium's seating capacity would be reduced from 40,000 to 20,000. The removed seats would be donated to other sporting projects around the world in order to provide a world-class sporting infrastructure to those nations that need it.
The Al Thumama Stadium has earned the name green stadium as its design ensures about 40% savings on freshwater when compared to the conventional stadium. In fact, to make things better, recycled water is being used to irrigate green areas around the arena.
Once the FIFA World Cup gets over, the precinct surrounding the stadium would have facilities like handball, volleyball, basketball, and swimming. There will be a number of retail and commercial units in the area that would attract visitors here. Alongside this, the Al Thumama Stadium would be welcoming a boutique hotel inside while there will be a mosque around too.
The construction of the Al Thumama Stadium is in its final stages. While the eye-catching roof of the arena is already in place, there are some finishing touches that remain and the construction is well underway here. In fact, the stadium is on a stage where the fans can now get a good view of the arena and how it'll look once the world cup begins.
The FIFA World Cup 2022 would begin on the 21st of November 2022 and end with the final scheduled for the 18th December 2022. This will not only be the first-ever winter world cup in the Northern Hemisphere but also be the first-ever world cup in the Middle East.
Yes, Aspeter, a FIFA medical center of excellence, will be operating a clinic at the venue after the completion of the FIFA World Cup. This would attract athletes from around the world and would give the local community a chance to see world sporting stars in one place.
