Qatar's promised Fifa World Cup stadiums

This is what Qatar has promised to provide for the Fifa World Cup 2022, for which they won the hosting rights on December 2. A staggering $100 billion will be ploughed in over the next five years on infrastructure, which includes nine new stadia, new airport, new deep water seaport as well as road and rail projects. All stadiums will provide an air conditioned environment for the players and spectators. Gulf News takes you on a guided tour of what will be on offer, visualised through artists' impressions.

 Doha Port Stadium
The new Doha Port Stadium will be a completely modular stadium with 44,950 seats. The stadium, which will sit on an artificial peninsula in the Gulf, is designed to evoke its marine setting. Water from the Gulf will run over its outer facade, aiding in the cooling process and adding to its visual allure. Fans will have the option of arriving on a water taxi or ferry. After the World Cup, the stadium will be disassembled and the seats sent to developing countries to further their football development.

 Lusail Iconic Stadium
The new Lusail Iconic Stadium, with a capacity of 86,250, will host the opening and final matches of the Fifa World Cup. Located in Lusail City, the stadium takes its inspiration from the sail of a traditional dhow boat and is surrounded by water. After the showpiece, the stadium will be used to host other sporting and cultural events.

Qatar University Stadium
Replacing an existing track and field stadium on Qatar University's campus, this stadium will have 43,520 seats. The stadium's gold facade blends traditional Arabic geometric patterns with free-form open surfaces, conjuring both past and future. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 23,500, will be used by student athletes following the Fifa World Cup.

 

Khalifa International Stadium Redesigned for Qatar's successful hosting of the 2006 Asian Games, the stadium's current capacity of 50,000 will be expanded to 68,030 for the 2022 Fifa event. The stadium, which includes sweeping arcs and partially covered stands, is the centrepiece of Aspire Zone, a sports complex that includes the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, Aspetar Sports Medicine Hospital and many other sporting venues.

Al Rayyan Stadium
The existing Al Rayyan Stadium with a seating capacity of 21,282 will be expanded to 44,740 seats using modular elements to form an upper tier. The stadium is designed with a special "media membrane" façade that acts as a screen for projecting news, updates and current matches. The stadium will be downsized to its current capacity after the tournament.

 
Al Wakrah Stadium
Al Wakrah is one of Qatar's oldest cities, with a long history of commercial fishing and pearl diving. The stadium, with a capacity of 45,120, takes its cues from the sea that has played such an important role in the city's history. After the Fifa World Cup, the stadium's capacity will be reduced to 25,500 seats.