Hats off to Qatar: Fifth 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium inaugurated
Doha, Qatar - Qatar inaugurated the fifth stadium that will host FIFA World Cup matches in 2022 with a domestic cup tie on Friday watched by thousands who either recently recovered from coronavirus or received vaccinations.
Al Thumama stadium, designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Jaidah, is 12km south of central Doha, and inspired by the lace-like Islamic gahfiya cap, will seat 40,000 fans.
Since being selected in 2010, Qatar has faced bad headlines and searing criticism of its record on everything from women's rights and labour issues to treatment of LGBT people and its political system. The nation of 2.5mn people, only 333,000 of whom are Qataris, has insisted that it has done more than any country in the region to openly address the issues and tackle criticism constructively.
"Since we won the World Cup (rights) we have received a lot of criticism. There is constructive criticism that we tried to take on board," said Fatma al Nuaimi, head of communications at the Supreme Committee that is organising the 2022 tournament.
"We also try not to let this criticism stop us."
World Cup ready
The inaugural fixture, the Amir Cup, is in honour of the nation's all-powerful ruler Emir Sheikh
Tamim bin Hamad al Thani who attended Friday's fixture along with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
It saw Al Sadd, under former Spain legend Xavi Hernandez, take on Al Rayyan, coached by former France boss Laurent Blanc, with Al-Sadd winning 5-4 after a penalty shootout.
In addition to Al Thumama, Qatar has so far inaugurated new-build Ahmad Bin Ali, Al Janoub and Education City stadiums alongside the refurbished Khalifa ground.
Ras Abu Aboud, Al Bayt, and Lusail, which will host the final in 14 months, are yet be opened.