Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar
In August 2017, designs for a football stadium to be built for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup were unveiled.
Designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah, the stadium has a diamond-patterned exterior based on the gahfiya, a tightly-fitted knitted cap traditionally worn by Arab men. The diamond-shaped perforations on the circular stadium’s exterior form larger rhombic shapes with rounded forms in between. A circular opening in the roof, together with modern cooling systems, will enable it to be used for sporting events all-year round.
The stadium will seat 40,000 spectators, and is the most central of the 8 venues for the 2022 tournament.
However, the event continues to be mired in controversy, with the ongoing Gulf crisis threatening to limit air space around Qatar, and prohibiting the passage of goods through Saudi Arabia. In addition, there are continuing charges from human rights groups who claim migrant workers have been abused and exploited. An investigation by The Guardian in 2014, found that more than 500 Indian migrants and 382 Nepalese nationals had died since 2012 building the infrastructure for the event.
The stadium is to be built by AlJaber Engineering and Turkish construction company Tekfen, with an expected completion date of 2020.
The other 7 stadiums are currently under construction, including the stadium that will host the opening and closing ceremonies, designed by Foster + Partners, and the Al Wakrah stadium designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
According to Jaidah; "The reveal of Al Thumama Stadium design comes with immense pride in having contributed to the delivery of the first World Cup in the history of Qatar and the region. The inspiration behind the design comes in line with Qatar's hosting promise that this World Cup will be one for the region to celebrate. I believe it will be a stadium design that resonates with the Arab community, and we are extremely proud to have designed this innovative venue."
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.