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Doha, Qatar. November 20, 2022. The world will come to a standstill to watch the opening match of a date that has convulsed the football planet. The first World Cup in the Middle East. The first World Cup in autumn. The first World Cup in the full calendar of European leagues. There are only eight months left. It’s here.
The Qatari project began in January 2009. It was then that FIFA opened the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. There was a long time left, especially for the second of the appointments, but Qatar was clear. I wanted to qualify for the World Cup. He wanted to make himself known to the world and organize a spectacular, unique date.
The Qataris finally prevailed in the vote over the US (their main stumbling block), South Korea, Japan and Australia. Qatar’s triumph over the Americans was understood as a victory for emerging Middle Eastern money over the traditional Anglo-Saxon market. The conjectures and accusations of bribery soon began. FIFA itself had to intervene. He created the Garcia Report with which he tried to clarify the process. Still, the stain was always there.
With more than 10 years to prepare for the World Cup, Qatar gave its all to create an unrepeatable World Cup. It had considerable pitfalls. The commercial blockade of its neighbors, especially Saudi Arabia, slowed its momentum. Many considered it a strategy for the World Cup to spread to the entire region, which ultimately did not happen.
In addition, Infantino’s idea of expanding the tournament to 48 teams from 2022 made it almost unfeasible for it to be held only in Qatar. In the end, it did not happen and this decision was postponed to 2026. Qatar is a small territory, the smallest that has ever hosted a World Cup, with only 11,581 square km.drados of surface and barely 3 million inhabitants. There is also no great football roots. They had to build 7 stadiums and remodel another, the historic Al Khalifa. The financial outlay in search of excellence was not an impediment; Yes, the working conditions of the workers, the edge that the Anglo-Saxon world used to focus its criticism. FIFA ordered inspections and new legislation.
Thus, when the final stretch of this very atypical World Cup is faced, the backlights are finally seen. The European calendar was split in half to be able to fit the tournament in a time other than the Qatari summer, with temperatures of almost 50 degrees. In such a small country there will be no need for internal flights or changing hotels. Even the fans will be able to go to more than one game a day. Doha’s sprawling new metro network will allow it. Without a doubt, a different World Cup, incomparable, for which the days are finally counted…
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Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
It will host matches up to the round of 16 phase. Its most striking feature is a resplendent facade, made up of patterns that represent different aspects of the country: the importance of the family, the beauty of the desert, the native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. A fifth shape, a shield, brings together all the others, representing strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the city of Al Rayyan.
Many of the construction materials used in the project have been reused or recycled, with many coming from the old Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, which once stood on the site. This includes materials that were reused in public art installations. The trees surrounding the old headquarters were kept for replanting to minimize damage to the environment.
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Al Bayt Stadium
It will host the opening match as well as many other matches, including the semi-finals. The stadium takes its name from ‘bayt al sha’ar’, which are the tents historically used by the nomadic peoples of Qatar and the Gulf region. The design honors the country’s past and present, while keeping in mind the future of the community.
After Qatar 2022, the upper part of the stadium will be converted into various facilities. The VIP stands will be transformed into a 5-star hotel, while a shopping center, a restaurant area, a gym and a multipurpose room will be incorporated into the building. A branch of Qatar’s main sports medicine hospital, called Aspetar, will open, while the grounds will feature a park, jogging and cycling tracks, playgrounds, cafes and restaurants.
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Al Janoub Stadium
It will host matches up to the round of 16 phase. Inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats, in homage to Al Wakrah’s seafaring past. An innovative refrigeration system and the retractable roof mean the stadium will be used all year round. Designed by AECOM and Zaha Hadid Architects.
Al Janoub Stadium will benefit from innovative cooling technology designed and developed by Qatari experts. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system will cool spectator areas to approximately 18°C using under-seat supply terminals at low speeds.
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Al Thumama Stadium
It will host matches of the quarterfinals. The design of the stadium represents the gahfiya, a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys in the Middle East. The gahfiya forms a fundamental part of the traditional clothing of the region. It is also a symbol of dignity and independence.
The ecological design of the stadium ensures that 40% more fresh water is saved compared to a conventional stadium. Recycled water is used to irrigate green areas. The enclosure will have 50,000 m2 of parks, with native vegetation and almost 400 trees that cover 84% of the landscape.
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Education City Stadium
The stadium is prepared to host matches up to the quarterfinal stage. The stadium façade features triangles that form complex geometric diamond-shaped patterns, which appear to change color with the movement of the sun across the sky. Like diamonds, the stadium’s design represents quality, durability and strength, and will become something to be treasured, both for the memories it holds and its future value to the country.
The Ciudad de la Educación Stadium has state-of-the-art cooling technology for the benefit of fans, players and officials.
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Khalifa International Stadium
It will host matches up to the quarterfinals and the duel for third place. Built in 1976, the stadium has hosted historic events such as the Asian Games, the Gulf Cup, and the AFC Asian Cup. In 2019 it hosted the Athletics World Cup, as well as several FIFA Club World Cup™ matches. The stadium was remodeled for Qatar 2022.
The stadium’s double arches remained intact after the refurbishment and have now been complemented by a large canopy below which supports the integration of the stadium’s new cooling system. The new level added 12,000 seats to the capacity, while the stadium now features a new façade. New LED lighting adds a new dimension to the fan experience.
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Lusail Stadium
It will host the final, as well as other matches during all phases. It is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that characterizes the ‘fanar’ lantern. The shape and façade emulate the decorations on bowls and other vessels characteristic of the golden age of art, as well as crafts in the Arab and Islamic world.
The roof has been designed with sustainability in mind. A state-of-the-art material, called Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), protects the stadium from hot winds, keeps out dust and allows in enough light for the grass to grow while providing shade to reduce the load on the air conditioner.
40,000 viewers
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
It will host matches up to the round of 16. The stadium will be built using shipping containers and modular steel elements, echoing the nearby port and Doha’s marine history. The result will be a unique, colorful and modern stadium.
The temporary nature of the stadium and clever modular design means fewer materials will be required than in traditional stadium construction, helping to keep costs down. It will be the first fully removable stadium in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Sights
deserts and safaris
EXCURSIONS. Qatar offers its visitors activities for all tastes, from nature tourism and excursions that cover all aspects of local life.
In addition to its spectacular beaches and islands, Qatar is home to beautiful deserts and rocky terrain. Visitors can enjoy desert safaris, camel riding and camping under the stars in a Bedouin tent, or perhaps delight in viewing Khor Al Udayd, known as “the Inland Sea”, with its impressive dune formations. Another interesting place is Al Jassasiya, a splendid area of stone carvings where visitors can see examples of prehistoric sculptures.
The subway
A network to unite the stadiums
MODERNITY. The Doha Metro was inaugurated by Infantino and connects the eight World Cup venues. It is ready since 2020 and with its three lines finished..
The creation of the metro is one of the crown jewels of the World Cup. The three lines that cross the city will connect the eight stadiums. Five of them will have their own stop and the other three will be connected to the nearest station by a bus service. The five camps that will have metro at the gate are Lusail, Khalifa, Ras Abu Aboud, Education City and Al Rayyan. The Doha Metro has 79 kilometers of tracks, three lines (Red, Green and Gold) and 37 stops. It has 110 trains, all of them driverless, and reaches a top speed of more than 100 km/h.
Beaches
a paradise in the sun
RELAX. The World Cup will undoubtedly give football fans from all over the planet the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience in this country on the Persian Gulf.
Qatar has many wonderful resorts, where people can escape the bustle of daily life and relax. It is worth mentioning the Sealine Beach Resort, located on one of the most outstanding coastal strips in the vicinity of the capital. Another option for visitors is the Al Ghariya Resort, on the seafront, full of pedestrian areas, such as the Doha Corniche, a boardwalk that stretches for several kilometers bathed by Doha Bay, in the country’s capital. ..