Al Bayt Stadium – Design, Capacity, and Legacy Guide

Al Bayt Stadium is one of the most remarkable places that can be found in Qatar because it is constructed to accommodate major matches of the FIFA world cup 2022 including the opening match. It is a stadium with a unique design to resemble the traditional Bedouin tent in the city of Al Khor to mark Qatari hospitality and heritage. During the FIFA World Cup 2022, Al Bayt Stadium accommodated 68,895 spectators. Following the tournament, the temporary upper tier was dismantled, reducing the capacity to about 32,000 for legacy use.

Find out more about Al Bayt Stadium

Overview of Al Bayt Stadium

Al Bayt Stadium is a landmark venue in Al Khor, Qatar, known for its unique tent-inspired design and World Cup legacy.

Location

Al Bayt Stadium is located in Al Khor City, approximately 35–45 kilometers (22–28 miles) north of Doha, the capital of Qatar. This strategic location places the stadium near Qatar’s northeastern coastline. Key location details include:

• City: Al Khor
• Distance from Doha: ~35–45 km (30–40 minutes by car)
• Nearby landmarks: Al Bayt Park, Al Khor Corniche
• Accessibility: By car, taxi (Karwa/Uber), or via Lusail Metro + shuttle bus

The stadium’s location balances convenience for visitors with a cultural connection to Qatar’s coastal heritage.

Entrance fee and open hours

If you intend to visit Al Bayt Stadium, you need to understand the ticketing process and how patrons and tourists can access the venue. A brief guide is provided below:

Ticket prices:

• Ticket prices vary by event and seating category; for FIFA World Cup matches, prices ranged from around $11 (QAR 40) to $220 (QAR 800).
• Guided tours are possible outside of the events and again their prices vary with the operator and the time.

Opening hours:

• The gates open 2 hours before kick off on event days.
• The hours differ in the case of non-event visits, visit official websites or tour providers.

Note: Access is ticket-based only with security checks at all entrances.

Accessibility

The accessibility at Al Bayt Stadium is inclusive and easy to visit: modern accessibility has been created so that everyone can visit:

• Public transport: Metro through the Lusail QNB station to shuttle buses and walk to the stadium.
• Distinctive parking areas and drop off areas: There are specific areas of parking such as cars, shuttle bus, taxis and buses together with accessible lots that are located accessible to the main entrances.
• Accessible to wheelchairs: They have ramps, wheelchair-accessible seating, restrooms, braille signs, lowered counters and mobility service.
• Accessibility ticketing: Wheelchair and sensory provision, companion tickets are free of charge where applicable to the fan.

Al Bayt Stadium is easily accessible and visitor-friendly

Reason to visit

Al Bayt stadium will not be a mere football stadium, but a must-see in Qatar due to the following reasons:

• Architectural distinctiveness: It was created as an imitation of traditional Bedouin tents (Bayt al Sha’ar), a combination of culture and modernity.
• World cup history: Guest to the first match and major games of FIFA world cup 2022.
• Family-friendly setting: The site is enclosed by Al Bayt Park which presents playgrounds, walking tracks, and picnic areas.
• Sustainability attention: Green design, a removable upper level and green building code.
• Cultural significance: It will reflect the Qatari history and welcome via adornment and mood.

History of Al Bayt Stadium

Al bayt stadium is among the most beautiful stadiums constructed in Qatar in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022. It is situated in Al Khor City, and its architectural design is based on the Bedouin tent (bayt al sha’ar), which represents Qatari hospitality and history. Advance plans were announced back in 2014, and construction started in late 2015. The architecture of the stadium was designed by the renowned architectural firm Dar Al-Handasah, with a focus on legacy, sustainability, and cultural relevance

On 30 November 2021, the official inaugural game of the first FIFA Arab Cup, between Qatar and Bahrain, took place at Al Bayt Stadium. It also held the final which was won by Algeria against Tunisia. It is the first international event that the stadium hosted.

The most notable aspect of this stadium is the retractable roof that takes 20 minutes to open up or to be closed. Its interior portrays traditional Bedouin colors such as red, black and white which is another enhancement of the style and culture.

The stadium was designed with a total capacity of 68,895 seats for the FIFA World Cup 2022, including around 28,000 temporary seats in the upper tier. The removable upper tier consisted of around 28,000 seats, which were designed to be dismantled and repurposed after the World Cup. After the tournament, the temporary section was removed, leaving a legacy capacity of approximately 32,000. It was one of the major stadiums that hosted some important matches such as the first match and also it was an opportunity to showcase the heritage and the aspiration of Qatar.

Al Bayt Stadium is a legacy today that demonstrates the capability of Qatar to balance between tradition and innovation, leaving a mark of the home of sport infrastructure and national image.

The legacy of Al Bayt Stadium

Architecture of Al Bayt Stadium

The design of Al Bayt stadium is a bold reference to the Qatari culture that was evoked by the Baity al Shaar tents of Archaic Bedouins. Such an original construction is a terrific mix of cultural referrals and contemporary building, which makes the stadium one of the most remarkable constructions to be made during the FIFA World Cup 2022.

• Tent like form: The design of the stadium exterior is similar to that of a giant black and white Bedouin tent which is a symbol of hospitality and refuge.
• Retractable roof: Opens or closes within a matter of 20 minutes, which gives it flexibility in terms of the events in several weather conditions.
• Color palette: The colors of the interior, red, black, and white, consist of classic tent designs.
• Sustainable design: constructed so as to meet the requirements of GSAS 5 stars using the modular sitting and high-level cooling devices.

The form of the architecture designed by the international company Dar takes into account the roots of the cultural tradition but also helps in long term legacy objectives by combining aesthetics, functionality, and ecological responsibility.

Stadium specs and features

Al Bayt Stadium is one of Qatar’s most advanced and iconic venues, designed to host major international sporting events with comfort, sustainability, and capacity in mind. Below are its key specifications and features:

• Seating capacity: 60,000 spectators
• Total stadium area: 200,000 square meters
• Architectural design: Inspired by the traditional Bedouin tent (bayt al sha’ar), reflecting Qatari culture
• Sustainability focus: Al Bayt Stadium uses recycling activities, and 20% of materials used are of recycled content. It obtained two GSAS certifications, and was one of the Projects characterized as the Best Practice Project in Sustainability, reflecting the interest in the green standards.
• State-of-the-art facilities: It boasts of a covered facility, leveled seating to get good views and good lighting and sound facilities. It has a layout that facilitates easy movement of masses and is completely accessible to people, therefore, the visitors remain in utmost comfort and easy access to the museum.

One of Qatar’s leading and most iconic stadiums

Major event hosted

One of the most famous sports venues in the country, Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor, Qatar. It has since then done a number of high profile international and national events, and it boasts of world class facilities and relevance to our cultures.

• FIFA World Cup 2022 opening match: The opening match was played in this stadium between Qatar and Ecuador on 20 November 2022.
• FIFA World Cup 2022 matches venue: Participated in 9 world cup matches including group stage, round of 16 and semi-final matches.
• Arab Cup 2021: Hosted some of the major matches such as the opening match and final.
• Local tournaments: Held Qatar local matches, as well as cup final.
• Cultural events: Utilised secondarily when national celebrations and gatherings of people are needed.

Al Bayt Stadium is considered one of the achievements of Qatar as a country, identified by its customary tent-like appearance and international value.

Major matches and events at Al Bayt Stadium

Relax, refuel & rest by Al Bayt Stadium

Al Bayt Stadium belongs to a new development on the southern outskirts of Al Khor, and the possible options, available to tourists who choose to live there to relax, eat or sleep, are rather scarce yet sufficient.

• Food: There are some simple eat outlets serving fast food present in the stadium complex.
• Amusement places: There are parks and walking space nearby to relax after or before any event.
• Accommodation: There are just a few hotels present in Al Khor, and none of them are right next to the stadium.
• Travel tip: The majority of the visitors travel to Doha as local options are scarce.

How to get there

Al Bayt Stadium is situated on the south-eastern edge of Al Khor City, about 40 km north of Doha. It is the only FIFA World Cup stadium outside the greater Doha area. Here’s how to get there:

• By shuttle bus: During major events, shuttle buses operate from Lusail QNB Metro Station (Red Line), connecting fans to the stadium.
• By taxi: A direct taxi ride from Doha takes around 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Metro access: Al Khor is not on the Doha Metro network; the nearest access is via the Red Line to Lusail.
• By car: Private transport is also a common option, with parking available during events.

Ways to reach the location

FAQs about Al Bayt Stadium

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Al Bayt Stadium, covering location, access, facilities, and post-event plans.

Is there parking at Al Bayt Stadium?

Yes, Al Bayt Stadium offers extensive parking facilities. The site includes space for around 6,000 cars, 350 buses, and designated areas for taxis and water transport, especially during major events like the FIFA World Cup.

What are the sustainability features of Al Bayt Stadium?

Al Bayt Stadium will also be designed sustainably, with a roof that can be closed during the World Cup, energy saving technologies and the use of local materials. It is a five-star GSAS project rated to achieve sustainability in design, construction, and operations and this has been an example to green stadiums.

Does Al Bayt Stadium offer guided tours or visitor facilities?

Yes, guided tours of Al Bayt Stadium may be available outside major events, but availability and schedules depend on official announcements or local tour operators. Other amenities, such as cafes, souvenir shops and landscaped Al Bayt Park are also not far away, so the visitor can have a good time here too.

In conclusion

Al Bayt Stadium is one of the world-class stadiums characterized by its distinctive design, sustainability, and participation in such transnational events as FIFA World Cup. Based in Al Khor, it is an unforgettable event to the sports fans and the visitors. Visiting Al Bayt Stadium and discovering Qatar, travelers can simply and easily get the Qatar e-visa with the help of the official Qatar Immigration Service using the site on the Internet, and it will be a convenient and fast way to enter this country.