The Middle East is home to some of the world’s most impressive and unique infrastructure, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building; the $47.7 million Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which is among the world’s largest indoor theme parks; and the 600-meter-high Mecca Royal Clock Tower in Saudi Arabia. The region, especially Qatar, also boasts some of the world’s largest and most impressive stadiums.
Since being awarded the FIFA 2022 World Cup in 2010, Qatar has gone about developing several world-class stadiums with climate control technology. Matches at the event, which takes place from November 21 to December 18, will be played at eight stadiums, including the 86,000-seat Lusail Iconic Stadium. This is the largest stadium in all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and one of the largest in the world.
Below is a look at five other spectacular stadiums in the Middle East.
Khalifa International Stadium (Qatar)
Prior to the completion of the Lusail Iconic Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium was the largest stadium in Qatar. Also known as the National Stadium, it was constructed by Al Rayyan in 1976 and has a capacity of 40,000 spectators. It has, however, exceeded that number in the past. More than 50,000 people gathered at the stadium in 2010 to watch an international friendly football match between Argentina and Brazil.
The stadium was upgraded in 2005 in advance of the 2006 Asian Games and, more recently, was renovated to install cooling technology for the 2022 World Cup. The dome-shaped structure now has a roof covering the seating areas, in addition to a new east wing that includes food courts, VIP lounges, multi-purpose rooms, and a health center.
King Fahd International Stadium (Saudi Arabia)
Affectionately known as the “Pearl of Stadiums,” King Fahd International Stadium is the largest stadium in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of more than 67,000 spectators. Located in Riyadh, the 500,000-square-meter, multi-purpose stadium was inaugurated in 1987 with construction costing $510 million. The beautifully designed complex is best known for the 24 large white tents along its exterior that combine to resemble the shape of a flower.
Since its completion, King Fahd International Stadium has hosted premier events such as the 1992 and 1995 King Fahd Cup and the first Confederation Cup in 1997. It also hosted the finals of the 1988, 2002, and 2014 Arab Gulf Cups. It is now the home stadium of Riyadh football clubs Al-Shabab, Al Nassr, and Al-Hilal.
Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium (Lebanon)
The Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium is Lebanon’s largest stadium with a capacity of 57,500 spectators. Operated by the Lebanese government, the multi-purpose stadium was inaugurated in 1957 by the Lebanese Ministry of Youth & Fine Arts under the direction of President Camille Chamoun. It has a rich history of hosting football matches and athletics events, including the 1959 Mediterranean Games, 2000 AFC Asian Cup, and the sixth Jeux de la Francophonie in 2009.
The stadium was destroyed in 1982 during the Israeli Invasion, but former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri led efforts to rebuild the stadium with the goal of hosting the 2000 AFC Asian Cup. It was rebuilt ahead of schedule and hosted the 1997 Pan-Arab Games.
“From Lebanon we say to the world: the Lebanese have returned to their heritage and unity, they have returned to build a Lebanon for heroes, youth, and peace,” exclaimed President Elias El Hrawi during a speech at the Games.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium (Kuwait)
The 64,000-seat Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium is the largest sports center in Kuwait and is the home stadium of the Kuwaiti national football team. Construction began in Kuwait City in late 2004 and was expected to be completed by 2006, but didn’t officially open until 2010. However, this wasn’t the end of delays. The stadium closed shortly after opening as significant structural repairs were required. It reopened following renovations in 2014-15 and has since hosted the Kuwait Cup Finals, as well as other major domestic and international football matches.
Designed by Wiedleplan Consulting GmbH and constructed by Al-Kharafi Group, the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium stands out aesthetically for its concrete superstructure, which includes 52 dynamically formed pillars shaped to resemble razors along its exterior. These pillars also serve a structural purpose and support the stands and the 44,500-square-meter PFTE canopy atop the stadium.
Zayed Sports City Stadium (UAE)
With a capacity of around 44,000 spectators, Zayed Sports City Stadium is among the most iconic stadiums in the GCC and the largest stadium in the United Arab Emirates. The stadium, which hosted its first football match in 1980 and has since hosted FIFA Club World Cup matches and other premier events, is part of a larger five-venue complex that also includes a 5,000-seat International Tennis Centre stadium as well as facilities for bowling and ice skating.