With almost three weeks to go until Qatar hosts the much-anticipated FIFA Arab Cup 2021, the country has been preparing to officially inaugurate two of the Qatar 2022 stadiums.
The Al Bayt and Ras Abu Aboud stadiums will be launched on November 30, the opening day of the first pan-Arab international tournament to be held under the FIFA umbrella.
Bringing together 16 of the region's best national teams, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 is seen as a golden opportunity to test preparations for the World Cup set to take place in the same timeslot next year.
The tournament will run over 19 days, with the final taking place on December 18. There will be 32 matches and fans will have the opportunity to attend more than one match per day, just like during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Here are more details about the six FIFA Arab Cup stadiums.
Al Bayt Stadium
Capacity: 60,000
Inauguration date: November 30, 2021
Designed to replicate a giant tent structure historically used by nomadic people in Qatar and the region, the stunning Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening match, where it will be inaugurated with a special opening ceremony. The venue, which will be the largest stadium used during the FIFA Arab Cup™, will also stage the final on 18 December.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Inauguration date: November 30, 2021
Constructed using shipping containers and modular blocks, Ras Abu Aboud Stadium will set a new standard in terms of sustainability for mega-event hosts. The venue will stage six matches during the FIFA Arab Cup, including the first game of the tournament and the third-place play-off. It is the first fully-demountable stadium in FIFA World Cup history. After 2022, its parts will be repurposed into sporting facilities in Qatar and overseas.
Al Thumama Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Inauguration date: October 22, 2021
Inaugurated during this year’s Amir Cup final, Al Thumama Stadium will host matches up to the semi-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup. Its design is inspired by the ‘gahfiya’ – a traditional headpiece worn by men across the region. The 40,000-capacity stadium is the first FIFA World Cup™ venue to be designed by a Qatari architect – Ibrahim M. Jaidah.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Inauguration date: December 18, 2020
Home to Al Rayyan Sports Club, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium is located adjacent to the Mall of Qatar. It was inaugurated last year, when it hosted the 2020 Amir Cup final. The 40,000-capacity venue will host group stage matches during the FIFA Arab Cup.
Education City Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Inauguration date: June 15, 2020
Surrounded by the region’s top universities, Education City Stadium will benefit the needs of students and faculty as part of its legacy plan. The venue will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup. Earlier this year, the stadium hosted the FIFA Club World Cup final between Bayern Munich and Tigres UANL.
Al Janoub Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Inauguration date: May 16, 2019
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, Al Janoub Stadium’s façade was inspired by traditional dhow boats, which were traditionally used for pearl diving, a former cornerstone of the Qatari economy. Located in Al Wakrah, this architectural gem will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during the FIFA Arab Cup.
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