Lusail Iconic Stadium
As the World Cup in Russia reaches its climax, Construction Manager takes a look at the eight stadia playing host to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Of the eight, seven will be newly built, while the Khalifa International stadium in Doha has already received a £70m renovation. The Lusail Iconic stadium, which plays host to the World Cup final, is being built as part of the entirely new city of Lusail, a $45bn (£34bn) development.
1) Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor)
Image: Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
The primary roof steel structure has been completed and the installation of the inner and outer façade membrane made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) continues.
Cost: €770m (£681m)
Architect: Albert Speer
Contractor: Galfar Al Misnad, with Salini Impregilo Group and Cimolai
Expected completion: 2018
The stadium takes its name from bayt al sha’ar – tents historically used by nomadic peoples in Qatar and the Gulf region. With a 60,000 capacity, the top tier of the stadium will be removed after the World Cup, leaving only 32,000 seats for local club Al Khor SC. Construction is underway with the steel roof structure now almost complete
2) Al Rayyan Stadium
Image: Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
Installation of the 32,700m2 roof, which will be supported by 48 steel columns along the outer perimeter of the pitch, is already underway.
Cost: Not known
Design: Aecom, Ramboll, Pattern Design
Contractor: Qatari contractor Al Balagh Trading & Contracting and India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Expected completion: 2019
Built on the site of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, the new Al Rayyan Stadium will incorporate symbols of Qatari culture into its undulating façade. The facilities surrounding the venue will also mirror the country, with sand dune-shaped structures recalling the wild lands to the west. The 40,000 capacity stadium will be delivered using environmentally friendly building practices.
3) Al Thumama Stadium
Image: Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
Cost: Not known
Design: Ibrahim M. Jaidah (Arab Engineering Bureau), Heerim
Contractor: JV between Qatar’s AlJaber Engineering (JEC) and Turkey’s Tekfen Construction
Expected completion: 2020
Designed to represent the gahfiya, a traditional cap worn by males across the Arab world, the new Al Thumama stadium will have a capacity of 40,000. A boutique hotel will replace the upper stands after the World Cup.
4) Al Wakrah
Image: Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
The final piece of the roof structure was installed at Al Wakra earlier this year. Weighing 378 tonnes and measuring 92 metres, the steel structure – known as an ‘oculus beam’ – sits 50 metres above pitch level.
Cost: €587.3m (£519m)
Design: Aecom, Zaha Hadid Architects
Contractor: Midmac in joint venture with Porr Qatar
Expected completion: End of 2018
The 40,000-capacity Al Wakrah stadium aims to bring long-term benefits to the local community with schools, wedding hall, tennis courts, basketball courts, restaurants, swimming pool, gym and marketplace. After 2022, it will be the home of Al Wakrah Sports Club and 20,000 seats will be donated to football development projects overseas.
5) Education City Stadium (Doha)
Image: Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
More than 186,000m³ of reinforced concrete has been used at Education City Stadium, whose construction is reported to be on track.
Cost: Not known
Design: Fenwick Irribaren Architects
Contractor: Joint venture between J&P Qatar WLL, Conspel Qatar WLL, J& P‐Avax S.A and J&P (Overseas)
Expected completion: 2019
The Education City Stadium is part of an area that is home to the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, home to eight branch campuses of different universities from around the world. It will have a 40,000 capacity, reduced to 25,000 after the tournament with 20,000 seats donated to stadiums in developing countries. Facilities will include football training pitches, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, an aquatics centre, golf course, health clinic, hotels and shops.
6) Khalifa International Stadium
Image: Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
Cost: £70m
Design: Dar Al-Handasah
Contractor: Midmac Contracting, Six Construct
Completed: 2017
Originally built in 1976, this 40,000-capacity stadium in Doha has been renovated and reopened. It features dual arches that represent continuity and the idea of embracing fans from all over the globe. Inside the stadium, all seating areas are protected from the elements by a canopy, with further climate control delivered by advanced cooling technologies. Attached to the stadium via a walkway is the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.
7) Lusail Iconic Stadium
Image: Qatar 2022 bid
Cost: $767m (£579m)
Architect: Manica Architecture, Foster and Partners
Contractor: HBK Contracting China Railway Construction Corporation
Expected completion: 2020
The entire city of Lusail is in the process of being built and its 80,000-capacity stadium with a fully retractable roof will host the World Cup final. Lusail is expected to be home to 450,000 people and will cover 38 square miles. Its development will cost an estimated $45bn (£34bn).
8) Ras Abu Aboud
Image: Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy
Cost: Not known
Design: Fenwick Irribaren Architects
Contractor: HBK Contracting Company
Expected completion: 2020
Constructed using shipping containers, removable seats and modular "building blocks", the 40,000 capacity stadium on the shores of the Gulf will be dismantled and repurposed after the World Cup. Its parts will be used in other sporting and non-sporting projects and the site will become a waterfront development.
