Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, also known as Al-Rayyan Stadium, is situated in Rawdat Al Jahhaniya, Qatar, around 9 kilometers northwest of central Al Rayyan.
It’s mainly used for football matches and serves as the home ground for Al-Rayyan Sports Club, hosting up to 45,032 people.
The stadium’s design resembles a tent in the desert, making it a striking landmark against the backdrop of the dunes.
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is designed to be inclusive, offering an exciting football experience for everyone, including those with disabilities.
The surrounding area includes facilities such as cricket pitches, football fields, a children’s playground, outdoor gym areas, an aquatics center, tennis courts, a skate park, and an athletics track.
Visitors can also enjoy landscaped parks, cafes, and walkways, with the Mall of Qatar, opened in 2016, conveniently close by.
Historical Background
The original Ahmad bin Ali Stadium after Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar from 1960 to 1972. It was built in 2003 and had a seating capacity of 21,282.
However, the authorities decided to demolish the old stadium in 2015 to meet future demands and align with aspirations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
A joint venture between Al-Balagh and Larsen & Toubro spearheaded the construction of the new stadium, which began in early 2016.
The modernized structure, which is purposefully designed to be a key venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has a substantially increased seating capacity to accommodate 45,032 spectators.
The grand inauguration of the stadium coincided with Qatar’s National Day on December 18, 2020, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s sporting history.
The Design of the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
The design of Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium’s facade embodies the rich local culture and Islamic architecture.
Its intricate patterns, known as Naquish, reflect Qatari heritage, showcasing values like family, the allure of the desert, and the region’s flora and fauna, as well as its engagement in international trade.
These elements converge within a shield motif, symbolizing strength and unity. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the facade serves a practical purpose by aiding in the cooling of the building.
The stadium’s interior showcases a tribute to Al Rayyan Sports Club fans. Red and black seats are chosen to mirror the team’s colors and reflect their nickname, “The Fierce.”
These design choices create an immersive experience for spectators, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among supporters.
The combination of these elements makes Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium not just a sporting venue but also a cultural landmark that celebrates Qatar’s rich heritage and the passion of its football enthusiasts.
Construction and Sustainability
The construction of Ahmad bin Ali Stadium commenced in early 2016, replacing the former stadium named after Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar from 1960 to 1972.
Designed by the UK architecture studio Pattern Design, the project cost approximately $360 million. Inaugurated on December 18, 2020, coinciding with Qatar’s National Day and two years before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament, the stadium serves as a landmark for those entering or leaving the city.
Al Rayyan, known as the gateway to the desert, prioritizes environmental sustainability. Therefore, the new stadium was meticulously designed with sustainability in mind.
Over 90% of materials from the previous stadium, built in 2003 and demolished in 2015, were reused or recycled. Following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the upper tier and nearly half of the 40,000 seats were repurposed to support football development projects worldwide.
Sustainability was a core focus during the construction. More than 90% of the materials from the demolished stadium were reused or recycled.
This included incorporating some materials into public art installations around the new complex. Trees that surrounded the old venue were preserved for replanting, minimizing environmental impact.
The stadium also features energy and water efficiency measures, further reducing its carbon footprint.
Key Features of the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
Sustainable Stadium Design: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium proudly holds the FIFA Sustainability Award, recognizing its commitment to eco-friendly practices and minimizing its environmental footprint.
Inclusive Football: The stadium is thoughtfully designed to cater to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, ensuring that football matches are accessible and enjoyable for all.
Desert Oasis: Despite being located as the “gateway to the desert,” the stadium is surrounded by lush green spaces, inviting walking trails, and a diverse range of entertainment options, offering visitors a refreshing oasis amidst the desert landscape.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is more than just a football venue, it is a comprehensive sports precinct.
The surrounding area includes a variety of sporting facilities such as cricket pitches, football pitches, a children’s playground, outdoor gym facilities, an aquatics center, tennis courts, a skate park, and an athletics track.
Additionally, landscaped parks, cafes, and walkways, alongside the adjacent Mall of Qatar, provide numerous entertainment options for visitors.
Media Facade
One of the notable additions is the massive ‘media façade’ equipped with a membrane that acts as a screen for projections, news, commercials, sports updates, and live match information.
This innovative feature enhances the stadium’s role as a hub for sports and community events.
Hosting Major Events
The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium has played a significant role in Qatar’s recent sporting history.
It was one of the eight venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing the nation’s ability to host large-scale international events.
The stadium was inaugurated with the Amir Cup final on December 18, 2020, marking its official entry into Qatar’s football infrastructure.
In 2021, the stadium hosted four matches during the FIFA Arab Cup, further solidifying its reputation as a premier football venue.
It also hosted the 2021 Turkish Super Cup and was one of two venues for the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup.
Recently, on February 23, 2024, the stadium hosted the charity match “Match For Hope,” which garnered over 300,000 online concurrent viewers.
The match featured big stars such as Kaká, Eden Hazard, IShowSpeed, and Chunkz, with Team Chunkz triumphing over Team Aboflah 7-5.
This event raised more than $8.85 million for charity, highlighting the stadium’s role in community and philanthropic efforts.
Accessibility of the Stadium
Fans can easily reach Ahmad bin Ali Stadium using the Doha Metro.
The Al Riffa station on the Green Line is within walking distance, ensuring convenient and sustainable transportation to and from the venue.
Post-World Cup Legacy
After the World Cup, the stadium continues to serve as the home of Al Rayyan Sports Club.
The modular upper tier has been removed, reducing the seating capacity to 21,000. These removed seats have been repurposed into sporting facilities both in Qatar and abroad, aiding in the development of football infrastructure globally.
The stadium’s legacy extends beyond sports. The precinct features 125,000 square meters of green space, including native, low-water consumption plants, providing a green oasis for the community.
This dedication to sustainability has earned the stadium the prestigious FIFA Sustainability Award, recognizing its efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Also Read:-
- Education City Stadium: Qatar’s Sustainable Football Marvel
- Al Janoub Stadium: A Guide to Qatar’s Architectural Marvel
To Sum up
The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is a shining example of Qatar’s commitment to sports, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Its inception, grand inauguration, and ongoing operation epitomize excellence in design, functionality, and inclusivity.
The stadium’s striking façade, which resembles a desert tent, stands out against the backdrop of the dunes, symbolizing Qatar’s rich cultural tapestry.
The interior of the stadium is adorned with red and black seats, paying homage to Al Rayyan Sports Club and fostering a sense of belonging among fans.
The stadium’s commitment to sustainability is commendable, with over 90% of materials from the previous structure repurposed for future use.
Its legacy extends far beyond sports, as it plays host to major international events and contributes to community and philanthropic endeavors.
