Al Janoub Stadium – Qatar 2022
Located in the southern city of Al Wakrah, the 40,000-capacity Al Janoub Stadium opened on 16 May 2019 with the Amir Cup final.
One of Qatar’s oldest continuously inhabited areas, Al Wakrah was long a centre for pearl diving and fishing. The traditional dhow boats used in these pursuits inspired the design of Al Janoub Stadium. At its inauguration, a stunning pre-match show paid tribute to Al Wakrah’s heritage and to Zaha Hadid, the architect whose firm designed the stadium’s boldly futuristic shape.
Al Janoub Stadium – History and description
Al Janoub Stadium, also known as Al Wakrah Stadium, is a recently opened new stadium in the town of Al Wakrah that was built to serve as one of the playing venues of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The stadium was part of Qatar’s bid to host the World Cup, and in 2013 definite plans were presented. First preparations to make the site ready for construction were started in 2014, but it took until 2016 for proper construction works to commence.
The stadium was scheduled to be completed in the last quarter of 2018, but some delays pushed that back to 2019. Al Janoub Stadium officially opened on 16 May 2019 with a match between Al-Duhail and Al-Sadd (4-1).
Al Janoub Stadium has been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Its design was inspired by the hulls of the traditional dhow pearl fishing boats, further reflected by the use of timber and traditional materials. The symmetrical roof composed of three shells is the standout feature. Following the release of the designs, people soon starting noting the resemblance of the roof to female genitalia, but Zaha Hadid denied any comparisons.
The stadium is eligible to host World Cup matches up to the quarter-final. After the tournament, the stadium will be scaled down by removing the second tier to a capacity of 20,000 seats.
How to get to Al Janoub Stadium
Al Janoub Stadium is located just east of the town of Al Wakrah on the way to the village of Al Wukair. The stadium lies about 5 kilometres east from the central Souq and coast in Al Wakrah.
Al Wakrah lies a little over 10 kilometres south from Doha on the Persian Gulf coast. The distance to central Doha and The Corniche is just over 20 kilometres.
The metro red line connects Doha to Al Wakrah, though the line currently stops upon entering the town whereas the stadium lies a further 5 kilometres down.
Location of Al janoub Stadium
Eat, drink, and sleep near Al Janoub Stadium
Al Janoub Stadium is located just outside the town of Al Wakrah. Surrounded by large roads, parking lots, and residential neighbourhoods, there is little to do around the stadium and most will stay, eat, and drink in central Doha.
If you do wish to stay close to the stadium, there are a few hotels in central Al Wakrah, though still a taxi ride away from the stadium.
Al Janoub Stadium surroundins
An extraordinary stadium for an adventurous city.
As football fans approach the stadium, they will be greeted by beautiful parkland and the arena’s elegant architecture.
There’s also plenty for fans to do around Al Wakrah before and after matches. Visitors can take a stroll along the waterfront, buy unique local wares at the souq or discover the area’s rich history at a museum.
It’s not just visitors from overseas who can enjoy this wonderful venue. A school; wedding hall; cycling, horse riding and running tracks; restaurants; marketplaces; gyms; and parkland are just some of the new amenities that are being developed to accompany Al Janoub Stadium. Residents will see great long-term benefits from the project, which will bring their tightly knit community even closer together.
Al Janoub Stadium Design
The distinctive form of Al Janoub Stadium is instantly recognised by all who see it – and won’t be easily forgotten. Its graceful lines and flowing curves were inspired by traditional dhow boats weaving through the currents of the Gulf.
The view from inside the stadium is just as stunning, where bowed beams hold up the roof, resembling a ship’s hull and allowing light to flood into the arena.
Plenty of light doesn’t mean too much heat though. Alongside an innovative cooling system, ingenious design plays a part in keeping fans, players and officials comfortable. Detailed micro-climate analysis informed the arena’s shape, with aerodynamics and optimal shading from the roof (which incorporates a minimal amount of glass) making a significant contribution to temperature control.
Where is the Al Wakrah stadium?
QatarAl Janoub Stadium, also known as Al Wakrah Stadium, is a recently opened new stadium in the town of Al Wakrah that was built to serve as one of the playing venues of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The stadium was part of Qatar’s bid to host the World Cup, and in 2013 definite plans were presented.
What is the shape of Al janoub Stadium?
dhow boatThe Al Janoub Stadium structure looks like a traditional dhow boat. Every curve and bent in the design of the arena presents a big highlight of dhow boats to the visitors.
Who designed Al janoub Stadium in Qatar?
Zaha HadidAl Wakrah Sports Complex / Architect
Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid DBE RA was an Iraqi-British architect, artist and designer, recognised as a major figure in architecture of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
What is the capacity of Al Janoub Stadium?
Located in the southern city of Al Wakrah, the 40,000-capacity Al Janoub Stadium opened on 16 May 2019 with the Amir Cup final.
What is the meaning of janoub?
Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani tweeted on his verified account ahead of kick-off that the ground’s name would be changed to “Al Janoub Stadium” meaning “stadium of the south“.