Understand why the stadium where Flamengo competes in the Intercontinental is considered the “gateway to the desert” in Qatar

Ahmad bin Ali was inaugurated in December 2020 and was named in honor of the emir who ruled Qatar between 1960 and 1972. The stadium is 20 km from the center of Doha, in Al Rayyan Municipality. The owner of the house is the club of the same name, coached by the Portuguese Artur Jorge, formerly of Botafogo.

The arena where Flamengo participates in the World Cup is located exactly on the border between the urban area and the Qatari desert, which is why it is considered a gateway to it. The Al Rayyan region is known for visiting remote places, such as villages, caves and other natural formations.

In fact, the illuminated facade references the beauty of the desert and certain aspects of the local flora and fauna. The importance of family and commerce, important symbols of Qatari culture, are also emphasized in modern construction. Everything is brought together in a kind of shield which symbolizes the strength and unity of the city.

Ahmad bin Ali’s project had environmental concerns and more than 90% of the construction materials were reused or recycled. Part of them came from the previous stadium, located in the same location and demolished in 2015 to make way for the World Cup arena complex. The country also preserved the trees that were on site for future replanting.

Inside, what bodes well for Flamengo fans is that the stands are all red and black, like those of Al Rayyan.

In the middle of the week, Ahmad ben Ali only received 7,108 supporters during the victory of the red and black against Cruz Azul. The main event in Doha at the moment is the Arab Cup, a tournament for national teams which is drawing to a close, but, even with a timid movement of Brazilians, a larger crowd is expected this Saturday.