Al-Bayt is a football stadium with a retractable roof (1,600 tons) in Al-Khor (Qatar), located 35 km north of Doha. It is the second-largest stadium and has also been nominated for the FIFA World Cup 2022. It covers an area of approximately 200,000 square meters.
Contractor and Interior
Qatari Contractor (Galfar Al Misnad) and Italian Contractors (Salini Impregilo Group and Cimolai) constructed the stadium and the energy center building designed by Dar Al-Handasah. Qatari contractors (Bin Omran Trading and Al Sulaiteen Agricultural & Industrial Complex) gave services in the landscaping and underground utility works. KEO International Consultants supervised the overall construction of the stadium.
The architectural design is taken from the traditional tents of the nomadic peoples of Qatar and the region. The stadium building is designed it keep cool in summer and warm in winter. The retractable roof has four stands which connect with a ventilation system that closes and opens in 20 minutes.
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The three tier-stands can accommodate 60,000 spectators, including 1000 seats of press representatives. Because of the World Cup, the upper level (28,000 seats) is expected to be dismantled into a shopping mall, a five-star hotel, a food court, a gym, and other sports facilities (running, cycling tracks, playing areas, and sports medicine hospital Aspetar).
Inauguration
On 30 November 2021, the stadium’s inauguration occurred during the opening ceremony for the FIFA Arab Cup 2021. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (The Emir of Qatar), FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and several heads of state attended this ceremony. The stadium hosted five tournaments, including the final of FIFA Arab Cup 2021, on 18 December 2021.
Plans
FIFA organization committee have confirmed that the opening match of the World Cup 2022 will kick off at Al Bayt Stadium with an audience of 60,000.
Upcoming matches in Al-Bayt Stadium:
| Date | Team 1 | Team 2 | Time | Round |
| 21 Nov 2022 | Qatar | Ecuador | 19:00 | Group A |
| 23 Nov 2022 | Morocco | Croatia | 13:00 | Group F |
| 25 Nov 2022 | England | United State | 22:00 | Group B |
| 27 Nov 2022 | Spain | Germany | 22:00 | Group E |
| 29 Nov 2022 | Netherland | Qatar | 18:00 | Group A |
| 02 Dec 2022 | Costa Rica | Germany | 22:00 | Group E |
| 04 Dec 2022 | Winners Group B | Runners-Up Group A | 22:00 | Round of 16 |
| 10 Dec 2022 | Winners Match 51 | Winners Match 52 | 22:00 | Quarter-Finals |
| 14 Dec 2022 | Winners Match 59 | Winners Match 60 | 22:00 | Semi-Finals |
Facts of stadium:
| Stadium Name | AL-Bayt |
| Location | Al Khor, Qatar |
| Capacity | 60,000 |
| Inauguration | 30 November 2021 |
| Record Attendance | 63,439 (Qatar-UAE, 10 December 2021) |
| Cost | € 770 million |
| Contact No | +974 3142 9003 |
Conclusion:
Al-Bayt Stadium in Al-Khor, located just a short drive from Doha, is a magnificent architectural feat that seamlessly merges Qatar’s rich cultural heritage with modern design and functionality. Constructed by a collaboration of Qatari and Italian contractors and covering an impressive 200,000 square meters, the stadium is a reflection of traditional nomadic tents, designed meticulously to withstand the region’s climate variations. With a unique retractable roof and a capacity for 60,000 spectators, it not only served as a pivotal venue for the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 but is also poised to play a significant role in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. Beyond the games, the stadium’s innovative design ensures it has a sustainable future, with provisions to transform portions into commercial and recreational facilities. Al-Bayt stands as a testament to Qatar’s commitment to world-class infrastructure and its respect for tradition and heritage.
