Al Janoub Stadium | FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

One of the stadiums that will be used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is the Al Janoub Stadium. Formerly known as the Al-Wakrah Stadium, this traditional dhow boat-shaped venue will host several football matches.

Zaha Hadid took inspiration to the design of the dhow boats which are found in the Gulf Region.1 The architect then combines the traditional look of the boat with the futuristic shape of the arena. The result was a stunning stadium witnessed by thousands of football fans. 

The stadium is located in the southern city of Al Wakrah and will have a seating capacity of 40,000. It was inaugurated on May 16, 2019, since it was started in 2014. It was one of the few stadiums to have been completed ahead of its schedule. 

The Global Sustainability System or GSAS gave the Al Janoub Stadium a Class A Rating for its design and features. Roads and highways were also upgraded to accommodate the influx of vehicles that are expected for each match. However, to cut off carbon footprints, more buses will be deployed which can carry more people as compared to cars. 

Interesting Facts About The Al Janoub Stadium

Al Janoub Stadium will host 16 matches on the group stage. 

The structure is shaped like a traditional dhow boat. The curves and bends in the design of the stadium highlight what the traditional water vessel looks like to the visitors.

A beautiful park will greet footballing fans before they get to the stadium. Spaces have been maximized into green areas where people can visit before and after each game. More than 800 trees were planted to provide shade and offer comfort to football fans.

The stadium has an advanced cooling system giving football fans a comfortable temperature. Thanks to its retractable roof, the inside of the stadium gets a better temperature.

The design although copied from the traditional Dhow Boats showcases clever aerodynamics and advanced engineering. This design provides better airflow.

The Al Janoub Stadium After the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Unlike in most countries after hosting the world cup, Qatar has revolutionized stadium’s sustainability. They believe that infrastructure has to be as efficient and effective even after the event it was built for is done. One of these stadiums is the Al Janoub Stadium. It will showcase the beauty of Qatar through its design and the technology that was employed during its construction. And just like most of their stadiums, it will be retrofitted, refurbished, and reconstructed into a more manageable stadium. 

From a 40,000 seater stadium, it will be converted into a 40,000 seater arena.2 The 20,000 seats will be donated to several countries to help promote football and show the country’s innovative nature not to mention its capacity to connect with other nations.  

Its designers believe that this stadium will be a boon not only to the country but to the very city it sits. It will be turned into a hub in the region where other international activities can be held.

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