Saudi Arabia Reveals Vision For FIFA World Cup 2034: 15 Innovative Stadiums Across Five Cities
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Saudi Arabia has announced plans to host the FIFA 2034 World Cup with 15 innovative stadiums across Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. The new and upgraded venues will feature modern designs and sustainable technologies, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to advancing sports infrastructure and community development.
Saudi Arabia is poised to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with plans to construct 11 new stadiums and refurbish four existing ones. The proposed host cities include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and the future city of Neom, a 170-kilometre-long linear development along the Red Sea coast. The initiative also includes 134 training sites across the country, with 73 of these newly built.
FIFA has released the official Bid Book for Saudi Arabia, detailing the vision and strategy for the tournament, including the 15 stadiums designated for the event. As the sole bidder for the World Cup, Saudi Arabia is anticipated to be officially confirmed as the host by FIFA in December. The bid, encapsulated by the slogan "Growing. Together.", promises a blend of new designs and refurbished existing sites, ensuring a remarkable experience for all participants and spectators.
Cutting-Edge Stadiums Across Key Cities
Riyadh
Riyadh, the capital city, will host several notable venues:
King Salman International Stadium: King Salman International Stadium is set to become the largest-capacity stadium in Saudi Arabia, designed to accommodate 92,000 spectators. The design, created by Populous, aims to host the opening and final matches of the FIFA World Cup 2034. The stadium's architecture integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, incorporating local terrain and natural habitat into its roof, offering effective shading and ventilation suited to the desert environment. Located just northeast of Riyadh, near the airport, the stadium will ensure convenient access for both local and international visitors. As the country’s premier national stadium, it will host major national events, including large-scale concerts and sports tournaments.
King Fahad Sports City Stadium: King Fahad Sports City Stadium is distinguished by its unique fabric roof, inspired by traditional tents, and its elegant podium. Currently serving as the home for the Saudi Arabian national football team and hosting Saudi Professional League (SPL) matches, the stadium has a seating capacity of over 58,000 and averages around 23,000 attendees at major events. It has also hosted international sports tournaments, concerts, and motorsports, and is scheduled to be a venue for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027. Populous’ refurbishment plans will expand the stadium’s capacity to over 70,000, transforming it into a comprehensive football hub. Located near Wadi As-Sulai and the planned Sports Boulevard, the stadium will be well-integrated into the city’s green spaces and natural surroundings. Post-World Cup, King Fahad Sports City Stadium will continue to function as a versatile venue, hosting sports events, concerts, festivals, and other large-scale events.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium: Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity exceeding 46,000. Designed by Populous, the stadium features a distinctive three-sided bowl offering panoramic views of the Tuwaiq cliffs. Its futuristic design incorporates iridescent glass, LED screens, solar panels, and perforated metal. Located approximately 35 km southwest of Riyadh, the stadium is a key component of the Qiddiya development, which will include various sports facilities, luxury accommodations, and 58 additional attractions, establishing it as a major sports hub for the city. An extensive public transportation network, including buses and rail systems, will provide convenient access from Riyadh and within Qiddiya. Post-event, the stadium will serve as a versatile entertainment venue, accommodating professional football matches, other sports events, concerts, esports competitions, and more, thanks to its retractable pitch. Additionally, the venue will house an Olympic Museum, celebrating the nation’s Olympic and Paralympic achievements.
New Murabba Stadium: The New Murabba Stadium, with a seating capacity of over 45,000, draws inspiration from the layered and textured bark of the native acacia tree. It will incorporate advanced technology to deliver a personalised fan experience, including digital signage for customizable and immersive zones. Situated in northwest Riyadh, the stadium will be accessible and community-friendly, featuring illuminated entry points that lead to shaded ground-level areas. The roof will offer sheltered spaces for gatherings and circulation. In the future, the stadium will host concerts, gaming events, and more, while the surrounding shaded areas will provide outdoor seating and dining options.
ROSHN Stadium: The new ROSHN Stadium, situated in southwest Riyadh, will accommodate over 45,000 spectators. Its saddle-shaped seating bowl and varying stand heights are designed for comfort, shade, and cross-ventilation. The parabolic shape of the bowl will enhance acoustics, providing an immersive experience for fans. Unlike conventional sports venues, the stadium will seamlessly integrate into the urban environment, inviting community engagement. A central plaza will be surrounded by a lattice-like 'crystalline' structure, which will light up the night sky.
Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sports City Stadium: Designed by Populous, the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium in Riyadh will embody a blend of traditional Salmani architecture and modernism. Built with locally sourced materials and featuring extensive solar panels, the stadium will have a capacity of over 45,000. It will be situated within a larger park site master plan, serving as a central hub for community sports and green spaces. Conveniently located near two metro lines and a bus network, it will offer excellent transportation access. Post-FIFA World Cup 2034, the stadium will host a professional football club, major matches, concerts, international events, and various sports tournaments, with the surrounding green spaces available for community leisure activities.
King Saud University Stadium: King Saud University Stadium, situated on the university's campus west of Riyadh, currently serves as the home ground for Al Nassr FC. With a capacity of approximately 27,000, it has hosted SPL games, the Spanish Super Cup, and AFC Champions League matches, with an average attendance of around 17,000 for major events in recent years. The stadium is set to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 and will undergo temporary expansion by Populous for the FIFA World Cup 2034, increasing its capacity to 46,000. The refurbishment will include a new elliptical lightweight spoke wheel roof and upgraded amenities to meet FIFA standards.
Jeddah
Jeddah will feature several stadiums designed to reflect the city’s unique coastal environment:
Qiddiya Coast Stadium: Designed by Populous, the Qiddiya Coast Stadium will boast a capacity of over 45,000 and is inspired by the dynamic interaction between people, water, energy, and matter. Its design features flowing forms and a vibrant colour scheme that evokes the ripple effect of a ‘Mexican wave.’ Located on the northern shore of Jeddah along the Red Sea, within the Qiddiya Coast Development, the stadium will be part of a larger precinct including additional sports facilities and hotels within a 1km radius. The area will offer interconnected spaces with ample gathering areas for fans and communities outside the stadium.
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium: The King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, built in 2014 by Arup consultancy, is Saudi Arabia's second-largest stadium, accommodating over 57,000 spectators. Home to the Al Ittihad and Al Ahli football clubs, it attracts around 46,000 attendees for major events. The stadium, also known as ‘The Shining Jewel’ for its distinctive geometric design, will host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 and was a key venue for the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023, with an average attendance of 50,000. Located north of central Jeddah near the airport, the stadium is surrounded by extensive sports and recreational facilities, including outdoor football pitches, an athletics track, tennis courts, a multi-purpose sports hall, and a theatre.
Jeddah Central Development Stadium: The Jeddah Central Development (JCD) Stadium, designed by German firm GMP Architecten, will be situated in the coastal Al Andalus area of southwest Jeddah. With a capacity of over 45,000 spectators, the stadium’s design merges traditional Al Balad architecture with modern technology. It features a three-tiered structure, an outer concourse connected to four surrounding 'villages' (fan, leisure, retail, and educational/medical), a fully covered bowl with a semi-translucent roof, a retractable inner roof, and a 360° LED screen. Serving as the centrepiece of the Sports Park District within JCD, the stadium will host two professional football clubs and a range of sporting events, conferences, exhibitions, and concerts after the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Al Khobar
Aramco Stadium: The new Aramco Stadium, designed by Foster + Partners, will feature a capacity of over 45,000 and is set to be built on the Arabian Gulf's shore. Its design, inspired by the local Dawwama whirlpool phenomenon, incorporates overlapping sail shapes and wave motifs that blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape. Located in northern Al Khobar near the Corniche, the stadium will be easily accessible via public transport, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways. It will host both the FIFA World Cup 2034 and the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Post-World Cup, the stadium will become the home of a professional football club, offering training facilities along with commercial and retail spaces. Its distinctive design and prime location will ensure it becomes a prominent city landmark.
Abha
King Khalid University Stadium: King Khalid University Stadium, currently operational and averaging around 22,000 attendees for events, will undergo significant upgrades in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2034. Populous' refurbishment plans include expanding the stadium to over 45,000 seats, and modernising infrastructure while preserving its historical character. Enhancements will feature a new permanent west stand and upgraded technology. The surrounding area will also be improved to accommodate increased foot traffic, ensuring a vibrant and efficient environment.
Sustainable and innovative features
Each stadium is being designed with sustainability and advanced technology in mind. NEOM Stadium, for example, will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources and feature cutting-edge technology such as e-ticket gates and 4K Ultra HD broadcasting. Similarly, the South Riyadh Stadium will incorporate drought-resistant plants and rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
These new and refurbished stadiums represent a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and a bold step towards establishing the Kingdom as a global centre for sports and entertainment. As the countdown to FIFA World Cup 2034 begins, these venues are set to transform the football landscape and provide memorable experiences for fans and players alike.
Shikha Negi is a Content Writer at ztudium with expertise in writing and proofreading content. Having created more than 500 articles encompassing a diverse range of educational topics, from breaking news to in-depth analysis and long-form content, Shikha has a deep understanding of emerging trends in business, technology (including AI, blockchain, and the metaverse), and societal shifts, As the author at Sarvgyan News, Shikha has demonstrated expertise in crafting engaging and informative content tailored for various audiences, including students, educators, and professionals.
