All the Saudi FIFA World Cup 2034 stadiums to look out for
Footie fans, look alive..
In an official bid submitted to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Saudi Arabia revealed multiple new planned stadiums in its proposed host cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. And these are the Saudi FIFA World Cup 2034 stadiums to look out for.
Riyadh
King Salman Stadium
Set to seat nearly 92,000 people, the stadium will be located in the north of Riyadh on King Salman Road next to King Abdulaziz Park.
Scheduled for completion by 2029’s Q4, the stadium has been approved by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). It will also serve as the headquarters of the Saudi national team.
The general plan and design are inspired by the “mountainous land” and integrate themselves into the design of King Abdulaziz Park. The two are linked through the valley that runs through the park surrounding the stadium and the green spaces.
Visit: spa.gov.sa
New Murabba Stadium
Catering to a capacity of over 45,000, the stadium will be a central pillar of New Murabba, the transformative downtown destination in Riyadh City. Inspired by the layered overlapping planes and peeling planar texture of the native Acacia tree. Innovation is also at the heart of the operation, so the design reflects a fusion of both aspects.
Expected to be finished by the end of 2032, the venue is expected to become a representation of Riyadh’s metamorphosis, drawing tourists, encouraging a sense of community, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global leader in entertainment and sports.
Visit: newmurabba.com
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium
This iconic new multi-use venue is anticipated to host some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest sports, entertainment, and cultural events. The Prince Mohammad bin Salman Stadium will be located in Qiddiya City at the top of the breathtaking 200-meter-high Tuwaiq Cliff, and just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this futuristic venue is anticipated to become a must-visit destination.
The stadium will be created by renowned international architectural firm Populous, and it will be the first fully integrated venue in the world with a retractable roof, pitch, and LED wall, which will allow the space to transform into different ‘event modes” in a matter of minutes.
Visit: qiddiya.com
ROSHN Stadium
ROSHN Group just revealed a jaw-dropping 45,000-seat stadium spanning over 450,000 square meters in Southwest Riyadh. The ROSHN stadium will be a mixed-use project that will encompass a wide range of shops, restaurants, and hospitality venues. A distinguishing feature of the new stadium is its modern crystalline design emerging into the sky from the surrounding district inspired by the urban fabric and architectural features.
Visit: spa.gov.sa
South Riyadh Stadium
Set to open its doors in 2032, at the moment, little is known about the new stadium but we do know that the South Riyadh Stadium will seat 47,000 people.
Khobar
Aramco Stadium
Set to accommodate 47,000 spectators in the city of Khobar in the Eastern Province, the stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. The stadium will host many local and international events, including the Asian Cup, which the Kingdom is scheduled to host in 2027.
Visit: spa.gov.sa
NEOM
NEOM Stadium
The NEOM Stadium is expected to be one of the most iconic stadiums. Situated within THE LINE, more than 350 meters above ground, the stadium will be run entirely on renewable energy, generated primarily from wind and solar sources.
Jeddah
Jeddah Central Development Stadium
A new Jeddah Central Development Stadium is being built. It will feature an architectural design inspired by the area’s rich, local heritage and traditional wooden architecture from the historic Jeddah Al-Balad area.
Qiddiya Coast Stadium
Set to open its doors in 2032, the Qiddiya Coast Stadium will be seating 45,000 people and will be open in Jeddah just in time for the Saudi FIFA World Cup 2034.
King Abdullah Economic City Stadium
The coastal King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will feature a natural design inspired by the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea.
AlJawhara Stadium
Another one set to open its doors in 2032, AlJawhara will be able to accommodate up to 58,000 people. Located 19 minutes away from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and is also close by the King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Sports City.
Abha
King Khalid University Stadium
In Abha, the King Khalid University Stadium (which is currently being used by the university) will undergo a temporary expansion that will increase its capacity to over 45,000 spectators during the tournament.
Images: Provided/ SPA/ @SaudiProject