A Detailed Guide To The Stadiums In Qatar

A Detailed Guide To The Stadiums In Qatar

. 10 min read

Qatar, a country known for its fine Arabian hospitality and numerous sites that catch the eyes of the travelers. This is a land that never fails to amaze the visitors on their travels. From mesmerizing beaches and landmarks to some of the finest hotels in the world, Qatar has everything you possibly want on your trip.

But now here's a thing, the country is set to host the biggest competition of world football, the FIFA World Cup 2022. 32 teams, millions of fans, and a month-long footballing carnival, the FIFA 2022 is set to be grander than ever.

Besides, not only is the world cup special about what it is set to offer, but there are certain facts or figures and everything around the venues selected for the competition that is a talking point amongst the fans already.

So if you're one of those footballing fans wondering about the venues set and all the other facts related to the upcoming world, we've compiled a detailed guide to all the stadiums set for the world cup along with certain facts that are worth notable.

Stadiums For The FIFA World Cup 2022

Here's our take on the stadiums that are set to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

1. Al Rayyan Stadium

Al Rayyan Stadium

A stadium that has been tipped by many as one of the finest stadiums that can change the whole sporting culture in Qatar, the Al Rayyan stadium has been designed with a unique concept.

The stadium is rooted in the municipality of Al Rayyan and has a special media membrane set up on its exterior on all sides. The specialty of this membrane is that it will not only screen all the news and updates related to the FIFA World Cup but also screen live matches along with the pre-match and post-match shows.

The best part about this screening system is that it screens the matches just as the way you see it on television with different camera angles. Even the visitors who fail to get the tickets for the stadium or are just roaming around the area can also watch the match live while feeling the same excitement of the stadium.

Being one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the stadium is certainly set to be a highlight in the competition.

Suggested Read: Latest FIFA Rankings Ahead Of The FIFA World Cup 2022?

2. Education City Stadium

Education City Stadium
Education City Stadium

A venue located around many university campuses, the education city stadium has already been completed for the world cup, as confirmed by Qatar officially. The design of the stadium is one of the top highlights of the world cup as it glitters during the day while glows during the night.

Besides, the notable point is that the stadium is located a mere 51 minutes from Bahrain through the speed rail which makes it accessible for the visitors coming from there. In fact, it just goes to show how commutable the stadium is set to be for the world cup as fans from Bahrain and other parts of the country too would be able to come and enjoy the spectacle.

Likewise, once the FIFA World Cup 2022 is over, only the stadium's lower tier would remain and would be used by university teams with a maximum seating capacity of about 25,000.

Suggested Read: Qatar Education City: Creating Leaders In The Country

3. Khalifa International Stadium

Khalifa International Stadium
Khalifa International Stadium

Being one of the biggest stadiums in Qatar, the Khalifa International Stadium will have a maximum seating capacity of 68,030 for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Although the stadium’s original seating capacity is 50,000 the decision to upgrade the capacity has been taken in accordance with the FIFA protocols for the minimum capacity required to host the world cup.

Besides, the stadium has already hosted the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Final and has been the venue for many international friendly matches, most notably the one between England and Brazil.

Once the world cup is over, the stadium is set to play a massive role in the development of future stars as it is home to the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in the country. Hence, it will not only help encourage football in Qatar but also play a massive role in improving the country's reputation in terms of sports management.

4. Lusail Iconic Stadium

Lusail Iconic Stadium
Image Credit

Certainly, the most important venue of all as far as the FIFA World Cup 2022 is concerned, the Lusail Stadium in Qatar is set to be the venue for one of the opening fixtures, as well as the final of the FIFA World Cup. The stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 86,250 and represents the country's tradition and history owing to its scintillating design.

The Lusail stadium has been designed to look like a dhow. In fact, the stadium's architecture takes inspiration from the Dhow itself which has a divine place in the history of Qatar and matters hugely in the country, even today. Hence the stadium is not only a perfect venue for the world cup but also a perfect because of the fact that it carries huge importance in terms of reminding the world of the rich history of Qatar.

Besides, the best part about the stadium is that it is surrounded by water all around which only adds up its beauty. Once the world cup is over, it will be used for other major and minor sporting events along with cultural events that the country usually hosts.

Suggested Read: Lusail City In Qatar: A Modern Haven In The Making

5. Al Bayt Stadium

Al Bayt Stadium
Al Bayt Stadium

Having a maximum seating capacity of 60,000, the Al Bayt stadium is one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and will some important matches in the competition. The stadium is in its final stages of completion.

Speaking precisely, the interior of the stadium is almost complete with the tunnel through which the players enter the field having already been completed. Besides, the best part about the stadium is that it has some mesmerizing surroundings with tree plantations, lakes, and walkways designed with due care.

The park just outside the stadium features some unique figures and remind of the rich legacy of the country. Hence, this is certainly one stadium that is set to play a massive role in attracting visitors to watch the FIFA 2022 matches in stadiums.

6. Al Janoub Stadium

Al Janoub Stadium
Al Janoub Stadium

Another of the venues selected for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, the Al Janoub Stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 and was opened last year when the final of the Amir cup was held here. Located in Al Wakrah, the stadium's design has been its main feature so far. It represents the traditional showboats of Qatar.

In fact, since the stadium is located in Al Wakrah, its design of the dhow boat becomes much more justifiable. Having been the hub for fishing and pearl diving, Al Wakrah was where the dhow boats were majorly used for pursuits.

Besides, if you're now wondering how the atmosphere in this stadium is going to be like during the FIFA World Cup 2022, well the stadium hosted the 24th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2019 and the atmosphere and excitement in the stadium then were highly evident.

Suggested Read: Souq Waqif Doha: All You Need To Know About Qatar’s Iconic Location

7. Al Thumama Stadium

Al Thumama Stadium
Al Thumama Stadium

Rooted at one of the best locations in all of Qatar, the Al Thumama Stadium is at a distance of mere 12 km from Doha's skyline and waterfront promenade. The stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 40,000 and is one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Not only this but what is more special is the design of the stadium. It represents the Gahfiya, a traditional cap that men and boys in the middle east wear. The Gahfiya is a symbol of independence and dignity, and means a great deal to the natives of Arab nations.

Hence, with the stadium representing a huge Gahfiya, it is set to be a massive role in passing on the message of independence and dignity throughout the world. Likewise, since it has been designed with all modern amenities, the stadium also represents the country's future and present developments.

Qatar, likewise, has confirmed that once the world cup is over, the stadium's upper tier will be removed and used for the development of sports in any country that is in need, while the remaining seating capacity of 20,000 will be used for local events in the country.

8. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium

Last but not the least, the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium is one of the eight of the FIFA 2022 World Cup and has a maximum seating capacity of 40,000. The design of the stadium is remarkable in its own way and is set to catch the eyes of the visitors.

However, the notable thing about this stadium is that it will be completely dismantled and repurposed after the world cup having been built with removable seats, shipping containers, and such other materials.

As for the other parts of the stadium, every single part will be used for other sporting and non-sporting events, eventually setting up a new benchmark in terms of sustainability and new ideas of legacy planning.

Talking about the location of the stadium, the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium is rooted on the shores on the gulf and overlooks the amazing west bay skyline of Doha. Hence, if you're wondering about the best locations in terms of the FIFA World Cup 2022, well, the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium is certainly amongst the top ones.

Suggested Read: A Take on the Top Contenders to Win the FIFA World Cup 2022

Facts & Figures Around The FIFA World Cup 2022

Now here's a thing, there are a number of facts and figures that have emerged in and around the world this in Qatar that are worth noting for footballing fans around the world. Have a look at the top ones below.

1. The FIFA World Cup 2022 is set to be played in the fewest number of stadiums with only eight stadiums lined up for the whole competition.

2. For the first time ever, the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held in November and December, making it the first-ever winter world cup to be in the Northern Hemisphere.

3. The Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways will join hands to bring a whopping 1300 flights into the country within a single day. This would continue for the whole month so that the visitors who wish to book a flight to Qatar don't face any issues.

4. The Doha FIFA World Cup will be the most expensive world cup of all times with Qatar spending an estimated $200 billion USD for infrastructural projects ahead of the world cup.

5. Qatar is officially the smallest country ever to host the FIFA World Cup. In fact, it is an estimated 1478 times smaller than the size of Russia who hosted the last world cup.

6. The Qatar world cup will officially be the most commutable world cup considering the central location of Qatar in the world and the fact that the size of the country is way too small which would allow people from all across the country to come and enjoy the spectacle.

7. As staggering as it is, the metro network in Qatar is expected to ferry about one million visitors during the FIFA World Cup. In fact, as per an estimate, the number of visitors in Qatar might be around 1.2 million during the world. Hence if the numbers turn out to be true, there will be thrice as many visitors in Qatar as there were in Brazil for the 2014 world cup.

Suggested Read: Budget Hotels In Doha, Qatar: Our Favorite Picks For A Pocket-Friendly Accommodation

Football's biggest competition on earth, the preparations for the Qatar FIFA World Cup are underway with pace and the country is set to meet its deadline for the upcoming event.

With numerous facts and figures emerging around the world, the host nation Qatar has come in limelight and is set to welcome millions of fans with open arms. So, in case you're still wondering about visiting Qatar for the world cup in 2022, well, what's the delay?

FAQs

Q1. What date is World cup 2022?

The FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off on 21st November and will end with the final and closing ceremony being on 18th December 2022.

Q2. Where is the FIFA World Cup in 2022?

Football's biggest event, the FIFA World Cup 2022 will be hosted by Qatar for the first time ever in a winter world cup in Northern Hemisphere.

Q3. Will the 2022 World Cup be moved?

The FIFA World Cup 2022 has already been moved to November for the first time ever keeping the summer conditions of Qatar in mind.

Q4. Is Qatar safe for the World Cup?

Yes, Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world today with a significantly low crime rate. Besides, FIFA is in regular contact with the organizers and is assessing all security measures to ensure safety is top of the line.

Q5. Is Qatar ready for the 2022 World Cup?

Yes, Qatar well on course to complete its infrastructural projects for the world cup before the deadline. In fact, the country has officially confirmed the completion of its third venue, the Education City stadium.