How Qatar is Prepared for FIFA World Cup 2022?
The smallest country to host the FIFA World Cup is Qatar. The three-million-person nation will host 1.5 million tourists from other countries. If you travel to Qatar, you will land at one of two airports in the city of Doha.
During the 29-day competition, Hamad International Airport (HIA), the nation’s principal airport, is anticipated to handle up to 10,000 passengers per hour.
The second airport in Qatar, Doha International Airport, will be used by 13 airlines. Both are only a short drive from the heart of Doha.
How to Travel Around Qatar – Guide for Tourists
With a total area of 11,636 square kilometres, Qatar is a small nation. If you are to travel from East to west cross-country then it takes roughly an hour, while north to south travel takes about two hours. The easternmost city in the nation, Doha, is home to more than 80% of its residents.
Public transportation like the metro, tram, and bus networks, rental automobiles, Karwa taxis, and popular and convenient ride services like Uber and Careem are all options for getting around.
Well, here is good news for you. Between November 11 and December 23, football fans with Digital Hayya cards can ride the public transportation system for free. Isn’t it amazing?
Qatar Stadiums for FIFA World Cup 2022
All the stadiums for FIFA world cup 2022 in Qatar are less than an hour’s drive apart. This will allow supporters to support their preferred team in a single day. So why not keep one team at Al Wakrah Stadium in Doha in the afternoon and then enjoy the atmosphere at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City in northern Qatar for the evening match?
All hotels, from affordable options to fancy ones, will be conveniently located near the tournament locations. Football fans will have the convenience and wide choice at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, allowing them to plan their own experiences.
Khalifa International Stadium
The first location prepared for Qatar 2022 was Khalifa International Stadium, close to Aspire Park and Villagio Mall.
Khalifa International was initially opened in 1976 but underwent a complete renovation for the World Cup 2022. The dual arches and large roof that help keep the 40,000-seat stadium cool throughout the year make it the stadium with the best reputation.
Design inspiration: Dual Arches
Matches: Up to the quarter-final stage
Capacity: 40,000
Legacy: Home stadium of Qatar’s national team
Legacy capacity: 40,000
Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City
On 20 November at 7 o’clock (16:00 GMT), Qatar and Ecuador will play in the opening match at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
It was created by the Middle Eastern design company Dar al-Handasah and had a capacity of 60,000 people. Its shape is modelled after the conventional “Bayt al-Shaar” tent used throughout the region. Nine games will be played in Al Bayt, including the semi-final game on 14 December.
Design inspiration: The Bayt al-sha’ar of nomadic peoples who have lived in Qatar’s deserts for millennia
Matches: Up to the semi-final stage
Capacity: 60,000
Legacy: Home of Al Khor Sports Club
Legacy capacity: 32,000
Al Janoub Stadium
Al Janoub Stadium, which can hold 40,000 people, was the first Qatar 2022 location to be constructed from scratch, and it was opened in May 2019.
The late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid created the building and honoured the traditional dhow sailboats used for trade and cargo transportation.
Al Janoub is situated in Al Wakra, Qatar’s second-largest city, roughly 20 kilometres south of Doha.
Design inspiration: The wined-fills sails of traditional dhow boats
Matches: Up to the quarter-final stage
Capacity: 40,000
Legacy: Home of Al Wakrah Sports Club
Legacy capacity: 20,000
Al Rayyan Stadium
The British company BDP Pattern created the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, also known as Al Rayyan Stadium. It was opened on 18 December 2020 to commemorate two years until the World Cup 2022 final.
The stadium is close to the Mall of Qatar and can be accessed by riding the green metro line. It was created to mimic the dunes of the desert.
Seven games up to and including the round of 16 will be played at the 40,000-capacity stadium.
Design inspiration: Qatar’s story – the importance of family, beauty of the desert, and native flora and fauna
Matches: Up to the quarter-final stage
Capacity: 40,000
Legacy: Home of Al Rayyan Sports Club
Legacy capacity: 20,000
Education City Stadium
The Spanish firm Fenwick Iribarren Architects created the Education City Stadium, which will play host to eight games, including a quarterfinal match on 9 December.
On 15 June 2020, it was officially opened in a virtual ceremony to honour the front-line healthcare professionals battling the coronavirus epidemic.
Design inspiration: Inspired by Diamonds
Matches: Up to the quarter-final stage
Capacity: 40,000
Legacy: Facilities for the Qatar Foundation community and public
Legacy capacity: 20,000
Al Thumama Stadium
Less than 15 kilometres from Hamad International Airport, Al Thumama Stadium is also influenced by Middle Eastern culture, including the Gahfiya, a traditional openwork skullcap worn by Arab males.
In a recent interview, the building’s architect from Qatar, Ibrahim M. Jaidah, stated that in addition to being “used to cover one’s head from the heat, the shape is also used to protect spectators from the sun”.
Up until the quarterfinals, games will be played in the 40,000-seat stadium.
Design inspiration: The Gahfiya (traditional woven cap) worn by men and boys in the Middle East
Matches: Up to the quarter-final stage
Capacity: 40,000
Legacy: Home of a local football club
Legacy capacity: 20,000
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium, also known as Stadium 974, is regarded as the first entirely demountable stadium in the history of World Cup competitions.
The 40,000-seat stadium, which Fenwick Iribarren Architects also created, is called after Qatar’s international three-digit dialling code, +974, and the number of shipping containers utilised in its construction.
Design inspiration: A beacon of innovation and sustainability on the shores of the Gulf
Matches: Up to the quarter-final stage
Capacity: 40,000
Legacy: A seafront development on the stadium site and multiple sporting facilities around Qatar
Legacy capacity: 0 (fully demountable stadium)
Lusail Stadium
Lusail Stadium, Qatar’s largest stadium, will host the tournament final on 18 December and nine other matches throughout the event.
The stadium’s design, by British firm Foster + Partners, is inspired by the “Fanar” lantern’s interplay of light and shadow.
The 80,000-capacity stadium in Lusail City will be reduced to 40,000 following the competition. Other land areas will be redeveloped to include health centres, schools, and residences.
Design inspiration: The Fanar Lantern
Matches: Matches throughout the tournament, including the opening game and final
Capacity: 80,000
Legacy: A unique community hub of schools, housing, shops, cafes and health clinics
Conclusion
Prepare for the most exciting and magnificent FIFA World Cup ever! Get everything ready, and if you’re travelling to Qatar at the end of the year, start looking for a suitable place to stay so you don’t miss any games.