Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium – tournament stadium description

How was Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium built?

In 2003, within the eastern suburbs of the Doha metropolitan area, in Ar-Rajjan, the new Al Rayyan Stadium was opened, with a capacity of over 20,000 spectators. It was one of the best football venues in the country, hosting matches at the 2011 Asian Cup and the 2006 Asian Games football tournament, among others, and served one of the most popular clubs in Qatar, Al Rayyan SC, on a daily basis.

At the time of its construction, the facility was located in the middle of the desert, away from buildings, more than 20km from the centre of the capital's metropolitan area. Over the years, the area to the east of the stadium has become increasingly urbanised, and a major road junction has been built next to the facility. In 2016, a huge shopping and entertainment centre (Mall of Qatar) opened next to the site, and in 2019 a metro line was brought in.

After Qatar was awarded the right to host the 2022 World Cup in December 2010, the then seven-year-old Al Rayyan Stadium was being considered as one of the arenas for the tournament. The venue was to be upgraded, expanded with additional temporary stands and roofed. However, in 2014 it was decided that it would be better to demolish it and build a completely new stadium from scratch in its place. Demolition work began later that year.

Construction of the new facility began in 2016, with the stadium being built almost on the same site as its predecessor, although the pitch was moved slightly to the east. More than 80 per cent of the materials from the demolition of the old stadium were recycled and used on other sports facilities, as well as for the construction of the new arena. Among other things, the rubble from the demolition of the old stands was used to build the new facility.

The new stadium opened on December 18, 2020 (the day of the Qatar National Day) and played host to the Emirates Cup final on its inauguration. In 2021, the stadium staged matches of the Club World Cup and the Arab Nations Cup.

What are the characterictics of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium?

The facility has a football-specific, rectangular layout (with rounded corners). The seats in the stands form a black and red mosaic, while behind the goals they form a pattern arranged in lions' heads. This is a reference to the Al Rayyan SC team that plays in this stadium, whose nickname is 'lions' and whose club colours are red and black. The auditorium seats 45,032 spectators.

The stadium's stands are covered by a roof. Two LED screens are suspended above the auditorium behind the goals, and floodlights are also placed in the canopy. The venue is equipped with a cooling system. From the outside, the facility is covered with interactive screens, which are obscured by a translucent woven metal curtain, arranged in interesting patterns inspired by Qatari culture. It is also surrounded by dune-like structures housing hospitality zones.

The stadium's patron is Ahmad ibn Ali Al Sani, emir of Qatar from 1960 to 1972. Due to its location, the stadium is also sometimes referred to as the 'gateway to the desert'.

How will Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium be used?

During the 2022 World Cup, the stadium will host six group stage matches and one round of 16 game. After the championships, the upper level of the stands is to be dismantled. Surrounding the venue are numerous training pitches, an athletics track, sports halls and other facilities, so that it is intended to be a vibrant sports complex, open to the public and used successfully even after the tournament. The facility will serve the Al Rayyan SC football club on a daily basis.

What matches will take place at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium during the 2022 World Cup?

How Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium compares to other World Cup 2022 venues?