Al Thumama Stadium is the first stadium designed by a Qatari architect, Ibrahim Mohammed Jaidah drew inspiration from the Gahfiya, traditional headwear in Qatar and across MENA. The stadium’s white cladding mimics the complex design of the gahfiya, a head piece worn by young boys before they reach adulthood, at which point ghutras are added atop the gahfiya.
Al Thumama Stadium is one of eight stadiums, built for the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022. Located near Hamad International Airport, it is a joint venture between Al Jaber Engineering of Qatar and Tekfen Construction of Turkey significantly involved in the construction work. The architectural design, by the Chief Architect of Arab Engineering Bureau Ibrahim Jaidah,takes inspiration from the traditional taqiyah hat, a traditional cap which worn by men and boys across the Middle East. A 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft) public park will surround the stadium having a capacity of 40,000 seats. Half of the stadium's seats will be removed and donated to other countries, post the World Cup event.
