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
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”