5 interesting facts about AL-Thumama Stadium

One more venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM event, Al Thumama Stadium, has been awarded a perfect five-star rating by the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), which is managed by the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD). Al Thumama, by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah. Sustainability elements at Al Thumama include a renovated energy centre, LED lighting, and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It was inaugurated on 22 October 2021, when it hosted the Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan.

Eight matches, all the way until the quarterfinals, will be played at Al Thumama during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. The Group A matchups between Senegal and the Netherlands and Qatar and Senegal, the Group B matchup between Iran and the United States, the Group E matchup between Spain and the victor of Intercontinental Play-Off Two (Costa Rica or New Zealand), and the Group F matchups between Belgium and Morocco and Canada and Morocco are all on tap.

Sustainable and environmentally friendly

Al Thumama, along with the other stadiums built for Qatar 2022, is aiming for a four-star certification grade from the Global Sustainability Assessment System. The existing on-site energy center will be refurbished and updated as part of the plan, so that it can produce energy in compliance with current and future regulations. By using recycled water to irrigate green areas, the venue is able to reduce its fresh water use by 40% compared to a traditional stadium. With its 50,000 square meters of park space, the precinct will have 84% native vegetation and around 400 trees.

Honouring the local culture

Al Thumama, located 12 kilometers from the heart of Doha and close to Hamad International Airport, is a symbol of the history and the future not only of Qatar but of the entire Arab world. The traditional woven headdress worn by men and boys across the Middle East served as inspiration for the stadium’s design by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah. Layering is essential in regional dress, and the gahfiya is a crucial component. Equally important, it represents strength and self-reliance. The venue’s design was recognized in May 2018 when it was awarded the MIPIM The Architectural Review Future Project Award for its outstanding achievement in architectural innovation.

Very convenient location

The closest Doha Metro station on the Red Line to Al Thumama is Free Zone, which fans may access via shuttle buses or the Doha Metro. Metro rides cost QAR 2 ($0.55) one way or QAR 6 ($1.65) for an unlimited day pass. Each traveler must purchase a QR 10 ($2.75) reusable travel card.

Focal point for the neighborhood

In its legacy form, Al Thumama will cater to the needs of the neighborhood by hosting a location of the Aspetar Sports Clinic and a boutique hotel in the place of the upper stands. Sporting venues for basketball, handball, swimming, and volleyball will be available in the neighborhood. Along with that, there will be bike paths and running trails that wind all through the neighborhood. As a last step in making this region a lively center for physical activity and commerce, retail and commercial spaces will be developed.

Site of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

Eight games, up to and including the quarterfinals, will take place there during Qatar 2022. Also, six matches all the way through the semi-finals will be played at Al Thumama. Once its  over, the stadium’s capacity will be decreased to 20,000 to make it more suitable for football and other sports, and the unused and disassembled equipment would be given to underdeveloped countries.