Al Rayyan Stadium Preps up for a National Day Launch

A fourth stadium located in Al Rayyan will be inaugurated on Qatar National Day, December 18, exactly two years before the country hosts the FIFA World Cup, according to the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Qatar.

 

The stadium – which will become the new home of Al Rayyan Sports Club – is the fourth Qatar 2022 tournament venue to open following Khalifa International, Al Janoub, and Education City. Earlier this year, it was announced that the venue would host seven matches up to the round of 16 stages during the World Cup. The 40,000-capacity stadium is adjacent to the Mall of Qatar and within walking distance of Al Riffa Station – on Doha Metro’s Green Line.

The stadium’s most striking feature is a glowing façade, comprised of patterns that characterise different aspects of Qatar: the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. A fifth shape – a shield – brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the city of Al Rayyan. A bowl-like seating facility that makes the experience of the game much more animated and exciting, advanced cooling technology, a light-weight canopy, are all factors that are unique to the stadium.

Any new materials required for the construction were carefully chosen for their environmentally-friendly qualities.
Built on the site of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, the new Al Rayyan Stadium will incorporate symbols of Qatari culture into its spectacular undulating façade. The facilities surrounding the venue will also mirror the country, with sand dune-shaped structures recalling the beautiful wildlands to the west.

Many of the materials from the deconstructed Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium that once occupied this site will be used throughout the new stadium complex – and some will even find a place in public art installations. Over 80% of the construction materials are being reused or recycled. Trees that once surrounded the old venue have been retained for future replanting, minimising damage to the natural environment.

The stadium is completed by a greenbelt land surrounding the stadium complex, serving as a further reminder of the central place that nature occupies in Al Rayyan, Qatar, and the FIFA World Cup 2022™.

Ramboll designed the main structure while Pattern Architects went on to become the Lead Designer and Architect for the Stadium, training facilities, and the master plan surrounding the 69-hectare precinct and AECOM is the project manager for the stadium.

According to Pattern, “The key feature of the stadium is its elegant, ornate facade: a contemporary interpretation of traditional Naquish patterns specific to Qatari culture. This builds on our interest in how patterns are powerful symbols embedded in the local culture, yet with a universal appeal. The stadium’s distinctive façade was created using the cutting-edge parametric design so that the facade also plays an important role in cooling the building. The result is a landmark for Qatar that works effectively both as a world-stage for sport and, we hope, something that is genuinely meaningful and welcoming locally.”

Complementary to the Al Rayyan Stadium, Pattern also designed the stadium and external dune interiors. “Wishing to stay true to the original intent of designing a string of welcoming family-friendly environments, the practice incorporated traditional materials and methods to instill a sense of place and heritage. A carefully considered palette of materials and spatial arrangements, in conjunction with an integrated lighting design, ensures a cohesive design experience for visitors from the point of arrival in the precinct to the moment they take their seat inside a lounge or within the Stadium bowl.”

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the SC, said: “The inauguration of this stadium is another major milestone on the road to 2022. This stunning venue and the surrounding precinct will leave a fantastic legacy for Al Rayyan Sports Club and everyone who lives in this proud city.”

“This event also marks the two-year countdown to the biggest match in Qatar’s history: the FIFA World Cup final,” added Al Thawadi. “We are proud that our World Cup preparations remain on track, with 90% of infrastructure projects completed. We look forward to unveiling more stadiums next year as we ensure that all tournament venues are delivered well in advance of the big    kick-off.”