Saudi Arabia unveils plans for three major stadiums amid World Cup bid

Saudi Arabia has announced plans for three significant stadium projects within days of submitting its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, signalling the kingdom's ambitious sports infrastructure development.

Saudi Aramco revealed on Wednesday it has begun construction of a 47,000-seat "Aramco Stadium" in the eastern city of Khobar, set for completion by 2026. The venue, inspired by the whirlpool shape seen on Khobar's shores, will serve as the main ground for Aramco-owned Al-Qadsiah club and a key venue for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Aramco is collaborating with Roshn, a leading national real estate developer and Public Investment Fund company, to build the football stadium incorporating the latest global technologies and integrated cooling systems.

"Aramco sees sports as playing an effective role in creating opportunities, improving quality of life, and positively impacting society," said Nabeel Al-Jama, Aramco's executive vice president of Human Resources and Support Services. The project aims to develop health programmes, encourage sports participation, expand community engagement, and contribute to social development, Al-Jama added.

The stadium is expected to become a premier destination for sports and entertainment events in the Eastern Province, featuring VIP sections and facilities designed for community needs and people with disabilities.

A day earlier, Roshn announced plans to construct an iconic 45,000-seat stadium southwest of Riyadh, covering an area of over 450,000 square metres. The multi-purpose "Roshn Stadium" will feature a wide range of shops, restaurants, and hospitality areas, centred around a main pitch for sports events and activities.

Roshn's acting CEO, Dr Khalid Jaohar, said, "The Roshn Stadium project embodies Roshn's strategic direction towards becoming a multi-asset real estate developer. We are proud to present this ambitious project that will contribute to improving the quality of life and provide a great experience for Riyadh's residents."

On July 29, Saudi developers revealed plans for a new 92,000-seat stadium in Riyadh, further strengthening its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The state-of-the-art facility, to be named after King Salman, is designed to host major international events and will serve as the primary venue for the Saudi national team. It forms part of a larger sports complex that will include an indoor sports hall and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

These announcements follow Saudi Arabia's bid submission for the 2034 World Cup on July 29 in Paris, doubling down the kingdom's commitment to becoming a major player in global sports and its ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil through major investments in sports and entertainment infrastructure.