Al Thumama Stadium is a ready stadium for the 2022 Qatar Championship
Qatar's latest FIFA World Cup stadium was revealed on Friday evening when Al Thumama Stadium hosted the Amir Cup final between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd.
The stunning venue - designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Al Jaidah - was inaugurated in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, as the country was another milestone on the road to 2022.
The opening ceremony was held before the final match and was attended by local schoolchildren who celebrated the design of the stadium. On the pitch, Al Sadd won the final 5-4 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. It was a record 18th victory in the wolves competition.
Al Thumama Stadium was designed to resemble the "gahfiya" head covering worn by men and boys throughout the Arab world.
It is the first FIFA World Cup stadium designed by a Qatari architect. The 40,000-seat stadium will host matches up to the quarter-finals during Qatar 2022.
Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmed Bin Ali and Al Bayt are following in announcing their readiness to host matches during next year's championship.
Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “We are very proud to open the sixth stadium ready for the tournament ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Al Thumama is a very special place for everyone in Qatar. It pays homage to an important piece of clothing that men and boys proudly wear across the Arab world, and its unique design showcases the talent and innovation of our people.”
Al-Thawadi continued: “We are now close to the World Cup. Soon we will have one year to be very successful and host the FIFA World Cup
Which will give us a great opportunity to test all our plans for Qatar 2022. We are ready and ready to host an unforgettable World Cup for the benefit of Qatar, the region and the world.”
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said: “Qatar continues to amaze the world of football and will not stop until the curtain closes on the FIFA World Cup.
Al Thumama Stadium is another artwork that holds great significance for the country and the region. I can’t wait to see the first Arab football tournament held here in a few weeks, and to witness the first football World Cup in the Middle East just one year from now.”
“I am delighted to be here today, next to His Highness, and to have the opportunity to personally thank him for Qatar’s efforts, which go beyond delivering what will be the best World Cup ever in 2022,” Infantino added.
Al Thumama features the latest cooling technology, which will allow the venue to host events throughout the year. Its area includes a number of sports facilities, including cycling and running trails, and extensive green spaces, for the benefit of the local community.
Engineer Yasser El-Gamal, Head of the Operations Office of the Supreme Committee and Deputy Head of the Technical Delivery Office, said: “The stadium is amazing and the opening is another milestone in our preparations. Two more stadiums will be revealed - Al Bayt and Ras Abu Aboud
During the FIFA World Cup, followed by Lusail Stadium in 2022. We are now over 98% in our projects and remain in perfect shape ahead of next year’s World Cup.”
Al-Jamal continued, saying: The residents of Al-Thumama have been considered since the beginning of the project.
“We are proud that all of our halls will make a positive impact in their local communities,” said El Gamal. And it will be for the tamamah,
In particular, a major role to play in relation to sports facilities for the local population after the World Cup. It will become a focal point for the community and a lasting positive reminder of the first World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world.”