Qatar unveils 60,000-seat Al Bayt stadium design

Qatar on Saturday (June 21, 2014) unveiled the design of a new 60,000-seat stadium and precinct in Al Khor for FIFA World Cup™ 2022. The unveiling of the stadium design came in an event held at Al Khor Sports Club. It was attended by representatives of the local community to discuss the future vision of the Al Khor city and the surrounding areas.

The stadium and surrounding precinct will now officially be known as Al Bayt, Al Khor City. The stadium’s design features purely Qatari idea reflecting the character of the heritage nature and artistic touch of Qatar on this amazing future edifice. Early works have now started on the new stadium, which is a proposed semi-final venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, and which has an expected completion date of 2018., according to an official press release.

Al Bayt will take on an asymmetrical seashell motif, providing covered seating for all spectators. Connected to a number of transportation systems, the onsite parking will be able to hold 6,000 cars, 350 buses and the coming and going of 150 public buses/shuttles, as well as 1,000 taxis and water taxis.

The advantage of the stadium design enables the dismantling of seats in the upper layer which, after the 2022 World Cup, can be completely removed to reduce the stadium’s capacity to 32,000 seats. The extra seats will be donated to other countries in coordination with the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the world football community in order to leave a legacy that contributes to the development of world football.

According to the press release, good progress has been made in the preliminary preparations for the construction of the stadium, which is expected to be completed in 2018 to host a number of World Cup matches. With regard to the local legacy, the stadium and the surrounding area will serve the local community through the allocation of spaces for shops and restaurants, as well as trails for horseback riding, cycling, and running. There will be facilities specially allocated for women.

“The launch of Al Bayt Stadium’s characteristic design reflects the pride for past of Qatar and openness at the same time on its future as an international destination,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy commenting on the disclosure of the design of the new stadium. He added that the disclosure of the design of the second proposed venues to host the World Cup 2022 represents a significant milestone reflecting “the progress we have made so far and also confirms our deep commitment to providing breathtaking experience during the year 2022 and beyond.”

Al Thawadi said the Committee will continue to work hard to get ready for hosting the World Cup, pointing out that the new stadium will be a pride for the people of Al Khor, all Qataris and the Arab nation in general. Al Thawadi meanwhile confirmed the abidance by standards of workers, a better use of clean and renewable energy and the use of environmentally friendly materials.

Hilal Al Kuwari, President of the Aspire Zone Foundation, said, “Just as Bayt Al Sha’ar continue to remain central to family life in Qatar today, the precinct surrounding Al Bayt Stadium – which will include space for local businesses and restaurants as well as landscaped paths for the community for exercise – will become a focal point of community life long after the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ has concluded.”

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