Qatar’s latest FIFA World Cup™ tournament venue was unveiled on Friday night, 22 October, when the Al Thumama Stadium hosted the Amir Cup Final between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd.
The stunning venue – which was designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M Jaidah – was inaugurated in the presence of the Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the country marked yet another milestone on the road to 2022.
The inauguration ceremony took place prior to the final match, with local schoolchildren celebrating the design of the stadium. Al Sadd won the final 5-4 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. It was a record 18th victory in the competition for the Wolves.
Click on the image to view more photos:
Game ready
Designed to resemble the gahfiya head cap worn by men and boys across the Arab world, Al Thumama is the first FIFA World Cup™ stadium designed by a Qatari architect. The 40,000-capacity venue will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during Qatar 2022. It follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt as ready to host matches during next year’s tournament.
Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Secretary-General HE Hassan Al Thawadi said they are incredibly proud to inaugurate the sixth tournament-ready stadium ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup. Al Thumama is a very special venue for everyone in Qatar as it pays tribute to an important piece of clothing that is proudly worn by men and boys across the Arab world and its unique design showcases the talent and innovation of the people in Qatar.
We are now within touching distance of the World Cup. Soon we will pass the one-year-to-go-milestone and host the FIFA Arab Cup – which will give us a major opportunity to test all our plans for Qatar 2022. We stand ready and prepared to host a memorable World Cup for the benefit of Qatar, the region and the world.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Qatar continues to amaze the football world and it will not stop until the curtain closes on the FIFA World Cup. He said that the Al Thumama Stadium is another work of art and carries a lot of significance for the country and the region.
I cannot wait to see the first FIFA pan-Arab football tournament being held right here in a few weeks’ time, and to witness the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East just one year from now.
He said he is thrilled to be here, next to His Highness the Amir, and to have the opportunity to personally thank him for Qatar’s efforts, which go way beyond delivering what will be the best FIFA World Cup ever in 2022.
State of the art
Al Thumama features state-of-the-art cooling technology, which will allow the venue to host events throughout the year. Its precinct includes a number of sporting facilities, including cycling and running tracks, and extensive green spaces, for the benefit of the local community.
Engineer Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC Operations Office and Vice-Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office, said that the stadium is spectacular and the inauguration is yet another milestone in their preparations. Two more stadiums – Al Bayt and Ras Abu Aboud – will be unveiled during the FIFA Arab Cup, followed by Lusail Stadium in 2022.
We have now exceeded 98% completion across our projects and remain in excellent shape ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Al Jamal said the people of Al Thumama were also considered from the beginning of the project and are proud that all venues will make a positive impact in the local communities. Al Thumama, in particular, will have a major role in terms of sporting facilities for local people after the World Cup and will be a focal point for the community, a constant positive reminder of the first World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world.
Check out Marhaba’s FREE e-Guides for everything you need to know about Qatar.
