meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Top 15 Saudi stadium projects

30 August 2024

 

Saudi Arabia formally kicked off its World Cup participation process in October last year after announcing that it planned to bid to host the event. The announcement was a culmination of Riyadh’s football-focused strategy launched two years before when a consortium led by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth vehicle, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), completed the full acquisition of UK football club Newcastle United from St James Holdings in 2021.

The move was further solidified when Saudi Arabia was effectively confirmed as the host after Australia, the only other bidder for the tournament, withdrew from the race in October last year.

This was followed by Saudi Arabia’s official bid campaign reveal and the submission of its bid to Fifa to host the World Cup 2034 event in July. The official selection of Saudi Arabia as the 2034 host is expected to be confirmed on 11 December.

Saudi Arabia will likely invest hundreds of billions of dollars in developing the required infrastructure to host the event. Experience from previous World Cups, including the most recent one in Qatar, has shown that hosting the tournament can transform a country’s economy.

The tournament brings in fans from around the world to enjoy a month-long festival of football. After the 2022 tournament, Qatar issued a statement saying that more than 1.4 million fans had visited the country during the event.

The decision to host the Fifa World Cup 2034 is a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia as it validates much of the social and economic change that the kingdom has embarked upon since Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman launched Vision 2030 back in 2016.

Building stadiums is the most prominent part of the bid to host the coveted Fifa World Cup.

According to the official bid book document submitted by Saudi Arabia in July, it will construct 11 new stadiums as part of its bid to host the Fifa World Cup 2034.

Eight out of the 15 stadiums are located in the capital, Riyadh, four in Jeddah and one each in Al-Khobar, Abha and Neom. 

The event requires a minimum of 14 all-seater stadiums, of which at least four should be existing structures. The capacity must be at least 80,000 seats for the opening and final matches, and for the semi-finals, there must be at least 60,000 seats. For all other matches, at least 40,000 seats are needed.

The kingdom has recently ramped up its announcements regarding building new stadiums across the country in preparation to host the event. 

1. King Salman Stadium

The King Salman Stadium will be the showpiece venue for the tournament. The US-based architectural firm Populous-designed stadium will cover an area of about 660,000 square metres (sq m) and have a seating capacity of over 92,000 spectators.

The stadium will host the opening and final games of the Fifa World Cup 2034 tournament. The construction of the stadium is expected to be completed by 2029.

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Opening and final games
2. King Fahad Sports City Stadium

The King Fahad Sports City Stadium is expected to be the venue for the semi-final. The stadium will be refurbished to increase its seating capacity from its current 58,000 seats to 70,200 seats.

The main contract bid submission process is ongoing and the project’s expansion works are expected to begin early next year. The stadium will also be a venue for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Semi-final
3. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, Qiddiya City

The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium will be built on top of a 200-metre-high Tuwaiq cliff located in the new sports and entertainment district of Qiddiya City.

The stadium will have a capacity to accommodate 46,979 spectators and will feature a fully combined retractable pitch, roof and LED wall. The construction works are expected to begin later this year. 

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: Qiddiya Investment Company, Populous
  • Match category: Third-place playoff
4. New Murabba Stadium

The New Murabba Stadium will have the capacity to accommodate 46,010 spectators and will be built as part of the New Murabba downtown project in Riyadh.

The construction of the stadium is expected to be completed by 2032.

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: New Murabba Development Company
  • Match category: Round of 32
5. Roshn Stadium

The Roshn stadium will be built in the southwest of Riyadh. The planned facility will have the capacity to accommodate 46,000 spectators and will span an area of over 450,000 sq m. 

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: Roshn
  • Match category: Round of 32
6. Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sports City Stadium

The Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Stadium is earmarked for an expansion that aims to increase its seating capacity from its current 22,188 seats to 46,865 seats. 

The facility will also host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

The refurbishment works will change the geometry of the seating bowl from an athletics stadium to a football stadium.

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Round of 32

Saudi World Cup bid bucks global trend for sporting events

7. South Riyadh Stadium

The Populous-designed stadium will be located in southwest Riyadh close to the Wadi Namar. The stadium will have the capacity to host 47,060 spectators. It is expected to be ready by 2032.

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Round of 32
8. King Saud University Stadium

The King Saud University Stadium, located on the university’s campus in the west of Riyadh, is one of the venues that will undergo expansion and refurbishment to host the event.

The expansion will increase the stadium’s capacity to 46,319 spectators and the construction works are expected to be completed by 2032.

  • Location: Riyadh
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Round of 32
9. King Abdullah Sports City Stadium

The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium is the home ground for the Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli football clubs. The venue will undergo expansion works that will increase its seating capacity to 58,432 people. The stadium will host the quarter-final games.

  • Location: Jeddah
  • Companies involved: Arup
  • Match category: Quarter-final
10. Qiddiya Coast Stadium, Jeddah

The Populous-designed stadium will be situated at the heart of the Qiddiya Coast development in Jeddah. The multi-purpose stadium will have a 46,096 seating capacity and will be one of the venues for the round of 16 matches.

  • Location: Jeddah
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Round of 16
11. Jeddah Central Stadium, Jeddah

The already under-construction football stadium is part of the Jeddah Central Project in Jeddah and has a seating capacity of 45,794 spectators. The stadium is expected to be completed by 2027.

  • Location: Jeddah
  • Companies involved: Jeddah Central Development Company, Khatib & Alami, Gerkan Marg & Partner, China Railway Construction Corporation, Sama Construction for Trading & Contracting, Geoharbour
  • Match category: Round of 32
12. King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, Jeddah

The planned stadium will have a seating capacity of 45,700 and will be built in the King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea Coast, north of Jeddah.

  • Location: Jeddah
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Round of 32
13. Aramco Stadium

The Aramco Stadium in Al-Khobar is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026. The stadium will have a capacity of 46,096 seats.

  • Location: Al-Khobar
  • Companies involved: Saudi Aramco, Roshn, Foster + Partners, Populous, Besix, Albawani, Al-Osais International Holding
  • Match category: Round of 16
14. King Khalid University Stadium

The stadium will undergo expansion works that will see its capacity raised to 45,428 seats. The facility is expected to be ready by 2032.

  • Location: Abha
  • Companies involved: Populous
  • Match category: Round of 16
15. Neom Stadium

The 46,010-seat stadium in Neom is “designed to stand out among the world’s most iconic landmarks”, according to the bid book. It is planned to be built 350 metres above ground level within The Line project at Neom. 

The stadium is expected to be ready by 2032.

  • Location: Neom
  • Companies involved: Neom
  • Match category: Quarter-final
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12432451/main.gif
Yasir Iqbal

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Kuwait grants loan for GCC grid extension study

    8 September 2026

    The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has signed a KD200,000 ($647,000) grant agreement with the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) to finance a feasibility study on extending the Gulf power grid to electricity networks outside the GCC.

    The agreement was signed on 3 September by Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Ibrahim, CEO of the GCCIA, and Kuwait Fund acting director general Rashid Al-Bader.

    The study will assess opportunities to expand the GCC power interconnection system to neighbouring countries. It will examine their electricity requirements and the technical and economic feasibility of connecting their national grids to the Gulf network.

    The Kuwait Fund did not identify the countries or potential interconnection routes. However, it is understood that the study will identify potential phases for future expansion, determine priority projects and assess the most appropriate interconnection options based on technical and economic criteria.

    It will cover the proposed project’s main components, costs, implementation arrangements and expected timeframe. The study will also assess the potential economic and social benefits for GCC member states and connected countries, as well as how the GCC network would operate alongside neighbouring national grids.

    A preliminary assessment of the project’s potential environmental and social impacts will also be carried out, together with proposed mitigation measures.

    The Kuwait Fund has previously provided three loans worth a combined KD78m ($252m) to GCCIA to support expansion of the GCC power interconnection system and its connection to southern Iraq’s electricity grid.

    In August 2025, the fund announced two loans worth KD70m ($224m) for the expansion of the Gulf Power Interconnection Project. The financing included support for the Al-Wafra 400kV substation and infrastructure connecting Kuwait’s grid with Iraq. 

    The Al-Wafra substation facilitates electricity exchanges and enables Kuwait to access surplus power available through the GCC interconnection system.

    READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Nuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19461053/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Chinese firm to set up $300m anode facility in the UAE

    8 September 2026

    Beijing-headquartered Sunstone Development has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UAE Ministry of Investment to develop an anode production facility in the UAE, with an estimated investment of about $300m.

    The MoU follows Sunstone’s December 2025 joint-venture agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) to build the project.

    Upon completion, the plant is expected to replace most of EGA’s current anode imports and support the UAE’s ambition to become one of a limited number of global anode-exporting countries, aligning with the Make It In The Emirates initiative and Operation 300bn.

    The ministry said the agreement reflects its role in helping strategic investors navigate the UAE’s investment ecosystem and convert commitments into long-term operations, in line with the National Investment Strategy 2031.

    By localising a key stage in the aluminium value chain, the facility will reduce reliance on imported anodes, enhance the competitiveness of the UAE aluminium sector and support wider economic diversification.

    The Ministry of Investment and Sunstone will establish a joint working group, chaired by the ministry, to oversee project delivery.

    The project is expected to create skilled employment opportunities for UAE nationals and residents, while strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and industrial capabilities.

    READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Nuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19461120/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Riyadh tenders Expo 2030 Souq areas package

    8 September 2026

     

    Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), responsible for delivering the Expo 2030 Riyadh venue, has tendered a contract to deliver the Souq areas within the Expo site.

    The tender was floated on 30 July, with a submission deadline of 9 October.

    The Souq areas are divided into five distinct precincts, with a total development area of about 300,000 square metres (sq m).

    The scope includes the five precincts and their associated vertical elements, infrastructure and public realm works. 

    The precincts comprise:

    • Precinct 1 – The Icon: 41,417 sq m
    • Precinct 2 – Place & Planet: 62,306 sq m 
    • Precinct 3 – Culture of Wisdom: 67,112 sq m  
    • Precinct 4 – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 45,967 sq m  
    • Precinct 5 – Adaptation & Innovation: 82,358 sq m

    The package will interface with three public parks. It will also tie into the Natural Corridor, including bridges.

    The Souq areas will form a mixed-use destination at the centre of Expo 2030 Riyadh, providing a central connection between the site’s iconic and thematic assets.

    The development will include rented and partnership pavilions, alongside a range of food and beverage, retail and visitor-experience offerings.

    Site progress

    Construction activity at the Expo site is accelerating, with Riyadh moving to award its first major vertical contracts and advancing infrastructure works across the programme.

    Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) awarded a design-and-build contract for the construction of a new metro station catering to the Expo 2030 site.

    In April, ERC awarded two contracts for the next phase of infrastructure works at the site to local firm Alyamama Company.

    The scope covered the construction of road networks and infrastructure for water, sewage, electricity, telecommunications and electric vehicle charging.

    These awards followed ERC’s January award of an estimated SR1bn ($267m) contract for initial infrastructure works at the site to local firm Nesma & Partners.

    That scope covered about 50 kilometres of integrated infrastructure networks, including internal roads and essential utilities such as water, sewage, electrical and communications systems, and electric vehicle charging stations.

    The masterplan covers 6 square kilometres, making it one of the largest sites ever designated for a World Expo event. Situated to the north of the Saudi capital, the site will be located near the future King Salman International airport and will provide direct access to landmarks within Riyadh.

    The Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth vehicle, launched ERC – a wholly owned subsidiary – in June 2025 to build and operate facilities for Expo 2030.

    READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Nuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19457171/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Powering the next chapter with nuclear energy

    8 September 2026

    Commentary
    Colin Foreman
    Editor

    Nuclear energy is increasingly being viewed as essential around the world. It offers a non-CO2-emitting, steady baseload at a time when governments have made net-zero commitments. 

    In the Gulf, the UAE has spent the past 15 years building the Middle East’s first commercial nuclear plant, now supplying about a quarter of the country’s electricity. What is new is the breadth of ambition beyond Abu Dhabi. The civil nuclear cooperation deal signed between Saudi Arabia and the US in July is the most significant step in the kingdom’s nuclear programme for several years, and it lands as the region moves decisively towards atomic power.

    The logic is clear. Electricity demand from industry, desalination and digital infrastructure is climbing, and governments want reliable low-carbon supply to meet it. Saudi Arabia is targeting up to 17GW of nuclear capacity by 2040. Its first plant at Khor Duwaiheen, comprising two 1.4GW reactors, represents only about a sixth of that goal, which points to a programme rather than a one-off.

    What is new is the breadth of ambition beyond Abu Dhabi

    The opportunity extends well beyond reactors. The UAE’s nuclear programme shows the scale of the economic impact. More than 2,000 local firms secured contracts worth over $6.7bn supporting construction, operations and maintenance. 

    Saudi Arabia’s ambitions reach further still, into small modular reactors, domestic uranium and elements of the fuel cycle. At the same time, Bahrain is studying a modular plant to power its industrial base, and Egypt’s 4.8GW El-Dabaa project is already under construction, with first generation expected in 2028.

    For contractors, engineers and financiers, this is the beginning of a projects market that will unfold over decades. The reactor awards will grab the headlines, but the supporting ecosystem, from regulation and fuel supply to workforce development, is where much of the value lies.

    READ THE SEPTEMBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Nuclear power ambitions gather pace; Kuwait keeps dealmaking alive despite war; Region invests in raising gas processing capacity.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the September 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19461185/main.gif
    Colin Foreman
  • WEBINAR: Mena Water & Wastewater Projects Market 2026

    8 September 2026

    Webinar: Mena Water & Wastewater Projects Market 2026
    Thursday 24 September 2026 | 11:00 AM GST  |  Register now

    Agenda:

    • GCC water projects outlook
    • Key water projects and contracts awarded year to date
    • Market trends, opportunities and challenges
    • Key tenders and awards over the next 18 months
    • Long-term capital expenditure outlays and forecasts
    • Top contractors and clients
    • Spending by segment: desalination, storage, transmission and treatment
    • Evolution of PPP models in water projects
    • Key drivers and challenges going forward
    • Audience Q&A

    Hosted by: Mark Dowdall, MEED’s power & water editor

    Click here to register

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/19459896/main.gif
    Mark Dowdall