Minaa Stadium – construction description

A futuristic design with stands covered by dune-shaped roof was presented by American 360 Architecture in 2011. Soon afterwards construction began on what will be the biggest stadium within Basra city limits. The ground is being built on the spot of previous Al Minaa stadium, built in 1995.

Single-tiered stands are to accommodate 30,000 supporters  while retaining the athletic layout of the predecessor. The stadium is also to meet FIFA’s requirements to hold international fixtures.

The project was expected to be delivered by the end of 2013, as it’s listed as venue of the 2014 Gulf Cup in January. Construction was originally scheduled to be completed in 2013, as the stadium was bid to host the Gulf Cup in January 2014. However, the armed conflict with Islamic State and the economic crisis slowed down and then halted the construction of the stadium. Work resumed in 2018. In January 2023, the venue is scheduled to be one of the arenas for the 25th edition of the Gulf Cup (attempts to have Iraq host the tournament again have been made for a decade, but each time the competition was eventually moved to another country).