The stadium features a curvilinear postmodernist and neo-futurist design. The appearance of the roof was inspired by the sails of traditional dhows used by pearl divers from the region, weaving through currents of the Persian Gulf.[6]
It is the official headquarters of the football club Al-Wakrah SC, where the matches of the Qatar Stars League are held. The capacity of the stadium is 20,000; the capacity was 40,000 before the World Cup.[7]
The stadium is located about 22 km south of Doha.[8]
History
Interior view of the stadium during a visit by Jair Bolsonaro in October 2019.
Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2010, becoming the first Muslim country and the first country in the Middle East to host the World Cup.[9] Qatar previously did not have the sporting capability for the Cup, and 8 new stadiums were built for the Cup.[10]
Stadium exterior in 2022.The stadium's facade near completion. January 2019.
The stadium was designed by the architect Zaha Hadid, and her architectural firm, Zaha Hadid Architects.[17] Zaha Hadid Architects stated that “The stadium was designed in conjunction with a new precinct so that it sits at the heart of an urban extension of the city, creating community-based activities in and around the stadium on non-event days.”[18]
According to the designers, the stadium's exterior was inspired by the sails of traditional Dhow boats, used by pearl divers from the region, weaving through currents of the Persian Gulf.[6][19] The curvilinear roof and exterior references Al Wakrah's history of seafaring, additionally giving spectators the feeling on being on a ship.[20] Bowed beams hold up the roof, resembling a ship's hull.[21] The building is meant to resemble upturned dhow hulls arranged in a huddle to provide shade and shelter. Many observers have pointed out that the design resembles female genitalia—a claim Zaha Hadid dismissed as "embarrassing" and "ridiculous."[22] The roof of the stadium is retractable, and is made from pleated PTFE fabric and cables, with the roof arches being 230 meters long.[23]
The cooling system prevents the stadium's users from overheating, due to Qatar's hot and arid climate. It is capable of cooling the spectator areas to 18°C and the field of play to 20°C.[24] According to Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), "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."[21]
Facilities
The sports complex includes a multipurpose room, with swimming pools and spas and a shopping center with green roofs. The entrance to the stadium will be on a wooded square.
A school, wedding hall, cycling, horse riding and running tracks, restaurants, marketplaces and gyms within the vicinity are planned to be built to accompany Al Janoub Stadium.[21]
Proposed renovations
After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Al Janoub Stadium is the Al-Wakrah SC's home, instead of the current Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium. The seating capacity is planned to be halved from 40,000 to 20,000 and used for Qatar Stars League matches.[7] Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy has claimed that the remaining half of the stadium's seats will be donated to developing countries in need of sporting infrastructure.[25][26]
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