The Marvelous Architecture of Qatar: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Stadiums

1 November 2022

By Loubna Zeidan

The stadium architecture for the upcoming World Cup highlights contemporary designs and renowned architects, mirroring the country's major aesthetic transformation.

Architecture in Qatar fuses modern geometric aesthetics with traditional design forms. Examples of this include the recently reopened Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I. M. Pei, which blends traditional Islamic architecture with the modernity of the twenty-first century; and the National Museum of Qatar, brought to life by Jean Nouvel, who envisioned an architectural masterpiece of interlocking discs inspired by the desert rose.

These iconic museums represent more than just breathtaking design. Each one has been built with sustainability in mind. Qatar Museums seeks to nurture environmental awareness in tandem with its development of art, culture and knowledge.

Decorated stone arches with a doorway in shade and a view of the National Museum of Qatar in the background

This approach has also been intrinsic to the architectural philosophy and conceptualization of the eight stadiums designed for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, each of which has been created to reflect Qatari culture while also accounting for environmental sustainability.

These spectacular architectural achievements draw from diverse sources for inspiration, from traditional headwear and nomadic tents to functional shipping containers and elaborate Arabic patterns. They have also been constructed with sustainable building methods, and feature state-of-the-art water and energy-saving technologies.

Once the tournament is over, several of these stadiums will be transported to countries in need of football infrastructure. This special combination of beauty and sustainable design makes these stadiums fitting venues for the world's greatest football tournament.

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Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Tournament Capacity: 40,000

The stadium’s most striking feature is a glowing façade, comprised of patterns that characterise different aspects of the country: the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, the native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. The fifth shape, a shield, brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the city of Al Rayyan.

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Khalifa International Stadium

Tournament Capacity: 40,000

Initially constructed in 1976, this stadium has undergone redevelopment for the World Cup. The dual arches from its original structure have remained intact and are now complemented by a wide canopy which supports the stadium’s new cooling system.

An additional 12,000 seats have also been installed to increase capacity, with a new LED lighting system intended to enhance the fan experience.

The stadium now also features a reimagined facade.

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Stadium 974

Tournament Capacity: 40,000

The stadium is constructed using standard, certified shipping containers and modular steel elements, in homage to the nearby port and the industrial history of the plot it has been built on. The result is a distinctive, boldly colourful and modern arena, conceptualized by Fenwick Iribarren Architects.

The stadium’s clever modular design meant that fewer construction materials were required during its development, which helped keep construction costs down.

Loubna Zeidan is an Editorial Specialist at Qatar Museums.