Al Janoub Stadium
Al Wakrah
Al Janoub Stadium, located in Al Wakrah, Qatar, is a state-of-the-art retractable-roof football stadium inaugurated in May 2019. Designed by the renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and her firm, the stadium showcases a curvilinear postmodern and neo-futurist design inspired by the sails of traditional dhows used by regional pearl divers. The structure's roof, supported by bowed beams resembling a ship's hull, creates a unique visual impression akin to upturned dhow hulls arranged together, offering shade and shelter. The stadium originally had a capacity of 40,000, which was later reduced to 20,000 seats post-World Cup to better suit local league matches. It features advanced cooling technology to maintain comfortable temperatures for spectators and players despite Qatar's hot climate. Al Janoub Stadium serves as the home ground for Al-Wakrah SC and has hosted significant events such as the 2020 AFC Champions League Final, the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup semifinals, the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, and multiple matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The surrounding sports complex includes facilities like swimming pools, spas, and plans for community amenities such as schools and marketplaces, integrating the stadium into the urban fabric of Al Wakrah.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during cooler months to avoid Qatar's intense summer heat. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for major football matches and tournaments. The stadium's location 22 km south of Doha is accessible by car and public transport, and exploring the nearby urban extension with its planned community facilities can enrich the visit. Post-World Cup, seating capacity is smaller, offering a more intimate viewing experience for local league games. Discounts may be available for group bookings or local residents. Check official schedules ahead of time, as the stadium hosts various sporting and cultural events.
Interesting facts
- •The stadium's roof design is inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats used by pearl divers in the Persian Gulf region.
- •Al Janoub Stadium was designed by the late Zaha Hadid, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect known for her futuristic and curvilinear designs.
- •The stadium features a retractable roof made of pleated PTFE fabric and cables with arches extending 230 meters long.
- •Its cooling system can lower spectator area temperatures to 18°C and the playing field to 20°C, essential for Qatar's hot climate.
- •After the 2022 FIFA World Cup, half of the stadium's seats were planned to be donated to developing countries needing sporting infrastructure.
History
Al Janoub Stadium was inaugurated on 16 May 2019, becoming the second stadium completed for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after Khalifa International Stadium.
Qatar's 2010 selection as the World Cup host prompted the construction of eight new stadiums to meet FIFA standards.
The stadium's design by Zaha Hadid Architects reflects Qatar's maritime heritage, inspired by traditional dhow sails.
It hosted the 2019 Amir Cup final attended by Qatar's Emir and later major tournaments including the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, the 2020 AFC Champions League Final, the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, and matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Following the World Cup, the stadium was downsized to a 20,000-seat capacity to serve as the home venue for Al-Wakrah SC in Qatar's domestic league.
Place Guide
Main Stadium Bowl2019
The central seating area of Al Janoub Stadium, originally designed to hold 40,000 spectators during the World Cup, now reduced to 20,000 for domestic league matches. The bowl's design ensures excellent sightlines and integrates the stadium's cooling technology to provide comfort.
Retractable Roof2019
A distinctive feature of the stadium, the retractable roof is constructed from pleated PTFE fabric stretched over 230-meter-long arches. It provides shade and shelter, enabling events to proceed regardless of weather conditions while contributing to temperature control.
Cooling System2019
An advanced climate control system capable of cooling spectator areas to 18°C and the playing field to 20°C, crucial for maintaining comfort in Qatar's hot and arid environment. This system uses aerodynamics and shading optimized through detailed micro-climate analysis.
Surrounding Sports Complex
The stadium is part of a larger complex that includes multipurpose rooms, swimming pools, spas, and a shopping center with green roofs. Plans include additional community facilities such as schools, wedding halls, cycling and running tracks, restaurants, marketplaces, and gyms, integrating the stadium into the urban fabric.
Contact
Phone: 4464 1010
