Saudi Arabia sets Q3 deadline for stadiums

29 May 2024

 

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Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ministry is expected to receive bids in the third quarter of this year for the construction of two stadiums as part of the kingdom’s plan to build sports stadiums under its SR10.1bn ($2.7bn) capital projects programme.

The bids for the expansion of Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh are expected by 18 July. 

The expansion aims to increase the stadium’s seating capacity to about 45,000 spectators by 2027, when it will host the AFC Asian Cup. The existing capacity is 22,188 seats.

Bids for the King Fahd International Stadium Riyadh expansion are due on 12 August. The expansion seeks to increase the stadium capacity from 68,752 seats to 92,000.

The client issued the request for proposals on 8 April.

Capital projects

In July last year, the ministry invited construction companies to submit prequalification documents for the main construction contracts for the schemes, which are part of the capital projects programme.

The projects, which are set for completion before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, include:

  • Increasing the capacity of King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh to 92,000 seats
  • Expanding the seating capacity of Riyadh’s Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium to 45,000
  • Increasing the capacity of Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium to 30,000 seats
  • An increase in seating capacity for the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium in Al Khair to 45,000
  • The construction of a sustainable New Riyadh Stadium in the north of Riyadh with 45,000 seats

The next main element of the ministry’s projects programme is the construction of 30 new training grounds and facilities in proximity to the stadiums that will be used for the 2027 competition.

Construction on the schemes is expected to start this year and be completed by December 2025. A total of 18 facilities will be ready in time for the 2026 AFC Women’s Cup.


MEED's April 2024 special report on Saudi Arabia includes:

> GVT & ECONOMY: Saudi Arabia seeks diversification amid regional tensions
> BANKING: Saudi lenders gear up for corporate growth
> UPSTREAM: Aramco spending drawdown to jolt oil projects
> DOWNSTREAM: Master Gas System spending stimulates Saudi downstream sector

> POWER: Riyadh to sustain power spending
> WATER: Growth inevitable for the Saudi water sector
> CONSTRUCTION: Saudi gigaprojects propel construction sector
> TRANSPORT: Saudi Arabia’s transport sector offers prospects

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Yasir Iqbal
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