Education City Stadium is a football stadium situated in Al Rayyan, Qatar. It was constructed as a venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar. The stadium is located within the Qatar Foundation’s Education City, surrounded by various university campuses.
It is located approximately 7 km northwest of Doha. The Education City Stadium was designed not only for the FIFA World Cup but also with a vision for post-tournament use. After the World Cup, the stadium will be adapted to retain 25,000 seats for university athletic teams.
On 3rd September 2020, the stadium hosted its inaugural official match, part of the 2020–21 Qatar Stars League season. The stadium was given the nickname of “Diamond in the Desert”.
As one of the selected World Cup stadiums, Education City Stadium represents the collaborative effort of the Qatar Foundation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to utilise the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a catalyst for social and human development.
Being located within a hub of education and knowledge aimed at nurturing future leaders, the stadium is set to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during the FIFA World Cup 2022. It has been designed to meet the needs of sustainable, green, and healthy living for the future.
Design of the Stadium
The Education City Stadium, designed to meet the rigorous standards set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and FIFA, hosted matches up to the quarter-finals stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Post-tournament, the stadium’s seating capacity was reduced from 40,000 to 20,000. The extra seats were donated to aid in the construction of stadiums in developing countries. This initiative aimed to promote and foster a passion for football globally.
The stadium’s design is inspired by the rich history of Islamic architecture, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. Its facade features intricate triangular patterns, reminiscent of diamonds, symbolizing quality, durability, and resilience.
The geometric patterns on the facade create a stunning visual effect, appearing to change colour with the movement of the sun across the sky. This unique feature adds to the stadium’s allure and makes it a remarkable architectural marvel.
With its design, the Education City Stadium not only serves as a venue for world-class sporting events but also stands as a symbol of cultural heritage and innovation. It is a testament to Qatar’s commitment to hosting a memorable and impactful FIFA World Cup.
Construction Overview
The stadium is located on the outskirts of the capital city, Doha. It boasts a seating capacity of 40,000. Recognized as one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable stadiums, it incorporates green building materials, which constitute 20 percent of its construction.
In May 2019, Education City Stadium received a prestigious five-star GSAS rating for its sustainability efforts.
JPAC JV oversaw the construction of the stadium, with Pattern Design serving as the lead design architect and Buro Happold handling the engineering design.
In March 2022, FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Qatar’s Minister of Labor, Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, during his visit to Doha. They discussed the labour reforms in progress. Infantino commended Qatar’s commitment to implementing these reforms, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the labour market, particularly benefiting migrant workers.
Further validation came in November 2022 when the International Labor Organization (ILO) acknowledged Qatar’s comprehensive labour reforms, which improved the conditions of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers.
These reforms included a nondiscriminatory minimum wage, the removal of job change barriers, and the establishment of a worker compensation fund in 2018, which has already paid out $350 million.
Foreign Policy also reported on these reforms, highlighting Qatar’s efforts to address past criticisms regarding its treatment of migrant workers.
The Sustainability and Legacy of the Stadium
The Education City Stadium, located within the Education City campus, reflects Qatar’s dedication to sustainability. The campus itself is a shining example of this commitment.
It is designed with a focus on promoting a green and healthy future. Surrounded by parklands, the campus is home to LEED-certified buildings.
These buildings showcase green architecture at its finest. Sustainability at Education City goes beyond just its structures. It is a hub for various sustainable initiatives. The Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) are located there.
These institutions work tirelessly to research and promote sustainable practices. They ensure that Education City remains at the forefront of green innovation.
The stadium earned an impressive five-star design and build rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). It was equipped with state-of-the-art cooling technology to ensure the comfort of fans, players, and officials.
One of its unique features was the modular upper tier, designed to be removed after the tournament. The seats from this tier were donated to a country lacking sporting infrastructure, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to global sports development.
A Community Hub for Sports and Education
The Qatar stadium, selected as a central venue for the FIFA World Cup 2022, is destined to remain an integral part of the community long after the tournament concludes. Its vision extends beyond mere sporting events.
The stadium aims to establish itself as a hub for both students and neighbouring communities. It boasts three state-of-the-art sporting pavilions which cater to a diverse range of activities including swimming, indoor sports, and track and field. These pavilions are designed not only for elite athletes but also for enthusiasts and beginners alike, promoting inclusivity and participation.
Moreover, the stadium is complemented by training pitches and additional sporting facilities that are strategically arranged around the stadium. This layout ensures convenient access for the local academic community, facilitating engagement and fostering a culture of physical activity and well-being. Beyond sports, the stadium aims to host various community events, further integrating itself into the fabric of everyday life.
By offering such comprehensive amenities and opportunities, this stadium seeks to leave a lasting legacy, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike while contributing to the development of Qatar’s sporting and educational landscape.
The Accessibility of the Education City Stadium
The stadium’s location within Education City was carefully selected with accessibility in mind, especially for fans with disabilities. Whether arriving by metro, tram, or bike, fans found it easy to reach their seats. Once inside, they only had to travel a short distance along shaded, tree-lined paths, allowing them to enjoy a spectacular view of the venue.
Even before arriving at the stadium, visitors noticed the environmentally friendly focus of Education City. They could take the Doha Metro directly to Education City and then hop on trams that took them straight to the stadium. This reduced the number of cars on the road on match days, decreasing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Moreover, Education City features cycle paths and bike racks throughout, encouraging people to choose eco-friendly transportation options. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes a healthier lifestyle for visitors. With convenient and sustainable transportation options, fans can focus on enjoying the game without worrying about transportation hassles.
To Sum Up
The Education City Stadium was a significant addition to the infrastructure of Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Completed in June 2020, it was the third stadium to be finished for the tournament. With a seating capacity of 40,000 during the World Cup, it hosted matches up to the quarter-finals stage, meeting the rigorous standards set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and FIFA.
After the tournament, the stadium’s seating capacity was reduced to 20,000, and the extra seats were donated to aid in the construction of stadiums in developing countries. This initiative aimed to promote and foster a passion for football globally.
Inspired by the rich history of Islamic architecture, the stadium seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Its facade features intricate triangular patterns reminiscent of diamonds reflecting the quality, durability, and resilience. This architectural marvel not only served as a venue for the World Cup but also contributed to the global football community through its post-tournament initiatives, making it a symbol of sporting excellence and international solidarity.
