Riyadh seeks contractors for World Cup training facilities

28 January 2026

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Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ministry has issued a notice inviting companies to prequalify for the construction and upgrade of 68 training sites, which will include both new-build facilities and refurbishment works.

The training sites will be developed as part of preparations to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup.

The notice was issued on 27 January with a submission deadline of 26 February.

The scope includes building changing rooms, medical areas, media zones, operational offices and spectator amenities, along with other associated infrastructure such as multisport halls and outdoor courts and aquatic centres.

World Cup plans

The kingdom was officially selected to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup through an online convention of Fifa member associations at the Fifa Congress on 11 December 2024.

In August 2024, MEED reported that Saudi Arabia plans to build 11 new stadiums to host the event. Eight stadiums will be located in Riyadh, four in Jeddah and one each in Al-Khobar, Abha and Neom.

An additional 10 cities will host training bases. These are Al-Baha, Jazan, Taif, Medina, Alula, Umluj, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Ahsa and Buraidah.

There are expected to be 134 training sites in the kingdom, including 61 existing facilities and 73 new training venues.

Procurement is under way for King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh. In November last year, Saudi Arabia's Sports Ministry issued a notice inviting companies to prequalify for a contract to design and build the venue.

The notice was issued on 26 November with a prequalification deadline of 16 February.

The stadium will cover an area of about 660,000 square metres (sq m) and will have a seating capacity of 92,000.

The stadium will feature a 150-seat royal suite, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats and 2,200 dignitary seats.

The plan also includes several sports facilities covering more than 360,000 sq m, including two training fields and fan zones; a closed sports hall; an Olympic-sized swimming pool; an athletics track; and outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball and padel.

The new stadium, located next to King Abdulaziz Park, will host the final of the 2034 Fifa World Cup and will serve as the Saudi national football team’s main headquarters.

Construction of the stadium is expected to be completed by 2029.

Construction works on other new stadiums are also progressing. These include Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya, Jeddah Central Stadium, Aramco Stadium in Al-Khobar and King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh.


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Yasir Iqbal
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