Zaha Hadid unveils concept design of Quatar FIFA world cup stadium

AECOM, in association with Zaha Hadid Architects, have developed the new, innovative design under the guidance of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.

Al Wakrah – famous for its fishing and seafaring heritage – is the proposed southern-most Host City for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Located approximately fifteen kilometres south of Doha, Al Wakrah has served as a vital commercial port and a gateway to the capital throughout Qatar’s history. Al Wakrah’s tradition is reflected in the stadium design, which captures the essence of the traditional dhow, an Arabian pearl fishing boat.

The design of the stadium and the development of an approx. 585,000 m² precinct area surrounding it will embrace the cultural heritage of Al Wakrah and the adjacent historical settlement of Al Wukair. The stadium will have a gross capacity of 40,000. The top-tiers of the stadium will be modular, allowing the stadium’s capacity to be lowered to 20,000.

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, said: 

Today’s announcement constitutes the first in an upcoming series of progress-related events and initiatives as we enter the early phase of delivering the promises we made to FIFA and the international football community during the bid. We are proud to reveal what we believe is a truly unique stadium design and surrounding precinct that will serve the population and act as a social hub for the community of Al Wakrah, and Qatar as a whole, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and for the years to follow. The stadium reflects what our country stands for from a cultural perspective.  It is modern, futuristic and functional.  But importantly, it remains true to Qatari heritage with the design and materials inspired by the traditional dhow boat.

He added: "We are at an advanced stage in our planning. Al Wakrah is the first of six stadiums already in the latter stages of the design process. Our committee has issued ten major tenders to the market encompassing project and design managers and stadium-operation consultants."

In 2014, tenders will be issued for early works, enabling works and main contractors for five stadiums.  These stadia will be in different construction stages by the fourth quarter.

More info: Zaha Hadid.