BY FAWAD HUSSAIN
DOHA: The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) took a vital step towards preparations of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar as it unveiled the design of Al Rayyan Stadium as the fifth proposed host venue for the mega tournament at a special ceremony held at Ali bin Abdullah Fort in Al Rayyan, yesterday.
Al Rayyan Stadium will be built on the site of Al Rayyan Sports Club’s former stadium (Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium), which was recently deconstructed. During tournament mode, the stadium will have a capacity of 40,000 spectators to be able to host group stage, round-of-16 and quarter-final matches.
After the tournament the stadium’s capacity will be reduced to 21,000 in legacy mode with
the upper tier of seats being removed and sent to developing nations in need of sports infrastructure.
The stadium will also feature the innovative and sustainable cooling technology being
delivered by the SC and its stakeholders.
This will ensure comfortable viewing conditions for fans and an optimal playing temperature for players during the legacy use of the stadium for domestic competitions, international matches and tournaments hosted in Qatar throughout the year.
Speaking at the launch, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “Unveiling the design of Al Rayyan stadium is another important step forward in our preparations to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We will continue to work tirelessly as our vision for the tournament takes shape on the ground.”
“As one of the most successful and widely-supported clubs in Qatar, Al Rayyan has always played an important part in our hosting plans. We are very confident that this impressively designed stadium and precinct will become a landmark for the Al Rayyan area and benefit the entire community,” Al Thawadi added.
Al Rayyan’s sporting heritage and Qatar’s environment is reflected in the design of the stadium. The stadium’s façade will feature a multitude of local patterns and designs, which draw on Qatari culture. Featuring an innovative exterior design, it also aims to create a sense of
place unique to Al Rayyan in particular, and more generally to the culture of Qatar and the Middle East.
Most of the hospitality and service areas will be located outside the stadium in dune-like structures, which resemble the sand dunes that surround traditional desert tents.
H E Sheikh Saud Bin Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Al Rayyan Sports Club said: “We are proud and delighted to be part of delivering one of the proposed host venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, since Al Rayyan Sports Club has played a major role in the history of football in Qatar. The new stadium is befitting of the status and popularity of our club, and will greatly benefit the club and residents of Al Rayyan.”
Facts About Al Rayyan Stadium
Design launch date: April 22, 2015.
Proposed completion date: First quarter 2019.
Location: Al Rayyan Stadium will be reconstructed on the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium site, 20km west of Doha.
Deconstruction: Deconstruction of the former Al Rayyan Stadium was successfully completed by February 2, 2015. At least 90 per cent of existing materials at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium will be re-used and recycled.
Seating capacity of the stadium during 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar: 40,000.
Post-tournament seating capacity: 21,000, with the upper tier of seats being removed and sent to developing nations in need of sports infrastructure.
2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar matches: Al Rayyan Stadium will be eligible to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage.
Stadium overview: Al Rayyan Stadium will be fully compliant with FIFA regulations. There will be a bowl cooling system for spectator and player comfort, two giant screens and multi-function hospitality spaces.
Precinct facilities: Mosque, members club, athletics track, cricket pitch, tennis courts, hockey pitch, football training pitches, aquatics centre, skating park, cycling track, shaded walkways and water fountains. Al Rayyan’s Metro link will be just five minutes from the Mall of Qatar, which is currently being built. The precinct will also house a new branch of Aspetar — the sports medicine hospital. There will be approximately 3,400 parking spaces in legacy mode.
New Al Rayyan Members Club to include bowling alley, billiards room, gymnasium, changing rooms and administration offices.
Companies responsible for early works and deconstruction: Manco International General Contracting W.L.L. (a joint venture between Manco W.L.L. and Buckingham Group Contracting Limited).
Project manager: AECOM.
Design consultant: The design is being undertaken by Ramboll and Pattern.
Design: The design draws on the history of Al Rayyan and is focused on Qatari tradition. The design will resonate with the location and culture where the stadium is placed and will be a valuable addition to the architecture of the municipality of Al Rayyan.
Sustainability: The design will actively reduce the carbon footprint of the stadium and precinct through renewable energy generation, lightweight building design, careful selection of materials and energy and water efficiency measures. The stadium is designed with the goal of certification under both the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings.
Stadium features: The hospitality and service areas will be partially located outside the stadium in dune-like structures which resemble the sand dunes that surround traditional desert tents.
Legacy: The development of Al Rayyan Stadium and precinct marks a new era for the local community. In 2019,Al Rayyan Sports Club will have a world-class football stadium capable of hosting major events.
Al Rayyan Stadium will be a symbol of tradition, culture and progressive innovation, embodied in a unique architectural expression. It will become a landmark for Al Rayyan that promotes well-being, leisure and engagement at all levels of sport.
What progress is being made by the SC regarding other stadium developments?
Al Rayyan Stadium is the fifth stadium design that the SC has unveiled. Work is now underway across the following five stadiums: Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium — Al Khor City, Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar Foundation Stadium and Al Rayyan Stadium.
