Al Rayyan Stadium has been highly commended for its sustainability features by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD).

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ tournament venue achieved excellent sustainability ratings for its design, construction, management and energy efficiency in line with the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). The following certificates were awarded after the stadium’s final audit: GSAS Design & Build Certification (four-star rating), GSAS Construction Management Certification (Class A*) and GSAS Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Compliance Certificate.

The 40,000-capacity stadium will be one of eight venues used during Qatar 2022. It is in the final stages of construction and will soon become the fourth venue to officially open following Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City. The remaining four stadiums – Al Bayt, Al Thumama, Ras Abu Aboud and Lusail – are all set to open well in advance of the tournament, which will kick off on 21 November 2022.

Built on the site of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan will host seven matches during Qatar 2022. After the tournament, the stadium’s capacity will be reduced to 20,000 following the removal of the modular upper tier. The excess seats will be donated to a football project overseas. The stadium will also become the home of popular Qatar Stars League team Al Rayyan Sports Club.

The materials from the demolished stadium were either used in the construction of the new venue or recycled. Construction and demolition waste were kept to a minimum, with the project achieving a landfill diversion rate above 90%. In addition, the stadium is just a short walk from Al Riffa station on the green line of Doha Metro, making it easy for fans to get to and from the venue.

Engineer Jassim Telefat, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) Competition Venues Executive Director, said: “We are very pleased to receive these GSAS sustainability certifications from GORD. These awards highlight our ongoing commitment to sustainability and our goal to leave a lasting legacy in this field as a result of Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup. I offer huge congratulations to everyone involved in the design and construction of this striking venue.”

Engineer Bodour Al Meer, the SC’s Sustainability & Environment Senior Manager, said: “Sustainability has been at the heart of the Al Rayyan Stadium project right from the very start. We were committed to reusing and recycling the material from the old venue and are proud to have included much of those materials in the new stadium. In addition, this project – like others related to Qatar 2022 – has prioritised the procurement of locally registered subcontractors and the use of recycled content.”

More than 50% of the project in terms of cost was delivered by local contractors, while 15% of the total materials were derived from recycled sources. Energy efficiency strategies mean the stadium is 20% more efficient than comparable venues. In addition, the stadium is using 20% less water due to low-flow fixtures, recycled water for irrigation and landscaping with native plants that require minimal water.

Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, said: “Once considered sources of entertainment only, today’s sporting tournaments are increasingly seen as transformative tools uplifting communities and driving social, economic and sustainable development. Qatar 2022 is a shining example demonstrating how hosting nations can effectively achieve sustainability goals. With these awards, the stadium epitomizes Qatar’s commitment to environmental sustainability in setting new benchmarks for sporting facilities worldwide."

During legacy mode, Al Rayyan will be home to recreational facilities for the local community, including sports facilities, cafes and walkways.

Al Rayyan’s glowing façade is comprised of patterns that characterise different aspects of Qatar: the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, the native flora and fauna, as well as local and international trade. A fifth shape, a shield, brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the proud desert city of Al Rayyan.

Click here for further information about Al Rayyan Stadium.

Click here for further information about the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Sustainability Programme.