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The design launch of Al Thumama Stadium the sixth proposed venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a proud moment for Doha-born architect Ibrahim M Jaideh, one which he hopes can spread understanding of Arab culture around the world.
The design of Al Thumama Stadium is inspired by the ghafiya a recognisable headpiece worn by Arab men across the region. Something which Jaideh says was very important to him throughout the process.
In his interview with www.sc.qa, Jaidej expressed his delight at being a part of a historic moment in local and regional history.
"I am very proud and delighted to contribute in designing one of the stadia which is going to host the first World Cup in the Arab region," he said.
"The fact that the stadium's design is inspired from the Arab culture shows how much Qatar is keen to promote the Arab culture through staging this universal event."
Jaideh designed the stadium on behalf of the Arab Engineering Bureau, the oldest architectural and engineering consulting firm in Qatar.
Already renowned throughout the region, he has made his mark on the landscape of his country through projects such as the Ministry of Interior building, the Fire Station Museum and the previous Qatar Foundation building, which is printed on QR100 notes.
Surroundings, he says, continue to inspire him.
"The fact that I grew up in Alhasra area at the heart of Doha has deeply influenced my works and designs," he continued.
"After my higher education journey in the UK and the US my curiosity brought me to exploring the depths of Qatari architecture and its details.
"As a result of that I felt responsible for adopting the Qatari design style in my works. I also worked on documenting Qatar's architecture through my book 'History of architecture in Qatar'."
Jaideh said the Al Thumama Stadium project said was one of his greatest undertakings, but also likely to become the source of his greatest joy taking him on a journey to his childhood.
"The biggest challenge in the design was how to merge the details of the traditional ghafiya with the modern design and construction style," he explained.
"We worked hard together with 13 partners to come up with the current design. During the design and conception phase, a lot of childhood memories came alive, remembering walking around the Aljasra area wearing our traditional cloths including thawb and ghafiya."
