Al Rayyan Stadium

Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, popularly known as the Al Rayyan Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar that is home to Al-Rayyan Sports Club and Al-Kharitiyath Sports Club. The stadium, built in 2003, had a seating capacity of 21,282.

Al Rayyan Stadium is located just outside the city limits, north-west of Doha on the edge of the desert, at roughly 20 kilometers from central Doha.

General information

Arena capacity: 21,282 spectators

Address: Umm Al Afaei, Al Rayyan, Qatar

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 25°19′47″N 51°20′32″E

Year of construction: 2003

Construction cost: $600 million

Field: grass lawn

Al Rayyan Stadium design

Designed to reflect the history and tradition of Al Rayyan and Qatar, the stadium adds value to the local architecture and culture of the region.

Al Rayyan is known in Qatar as the gateway to desert, and the stadium has been designed to honor its surroundings by featuring sand dune-like structures on its grounds. These structures are used as hospitality areas, concessions and other services.

The stadium has been designed as a large tent in a desert landscape in accordance with the desert theme using circle packing geometry. A bowl cooling system has been designed for the comfort of the players and spectators, along with two giant screens and multi-function hospitality spaces.

Façade details of Al Rayyan Stadium

The stadium’s façade is formed by the seamless integration of seven patterns that represent the Qatari culture. Based on decorative motifs of Islamic architecture, these patterns reflect abstract shapes.

The patterns have been selected to represent different aspects such as the family values in Qatari culture, beauty of the desert, flora and fauna that grows there, and international trade that is a pillar of the country’s economy. All the aspects are merged by a shield pattern that symbolizes loyalty, unity and perseverance, which are some of the key qualities of a successful football team.

Facilities available at Al Rayyan Stadium

Area around the stadium features a number of facilities, including a mosque, aquatics canter, athletics track, cricket pitch, tennis courts and hockey pitch.

Floodlights and cooling facilities for the football training pitches are available throughout the year. Landscaped grounds house a skate park, cycling track, running track and outdoor fitness equipment and features winding cooled, covered walkways.

The region’s premier sports medical facility Aspetar and a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence were constructed as part of the stadium’s outdoor facilities.

A metro link currently connects the Al Rayyan stadium to the Mall of Qatar in less than 5min.

Sustainable features of Al Rayyan Stadium

Different features have been incorporated in the design of the stadium to reduce the carbon footprint, such as renewable energy generation, lightweight building design, careful selection of materials, and energy and water-efficiency measures.

Recycled materials from the deconstructed Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium were used to construct the stadium, while some of the recycled materials were also be used to create and install public art.

The stadium was vying for certification from both the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®).

Contractors involved

A consortium of Ramboll and Pattern Design was selected as the design consultant for the project. AECOM was the project manager for the stadium construction.

A joint venture of Manco W.L.L. and Buckingham Group Contracting was contracted for early works and deconstruction activities.