It has been revealed that Saudi’s plans for the 2034 World Cup will take place in five cities and involve 15 very futuristic looking stadiums.
In their ‘bid-book‘ to FIFA, information on the Kingdom’s development goals and timelines were shared in detail, including the building of 11 new stadiums and the refurbishment of four existing ones, new hotels offering an additional 185,000 rooms, and a brand new city.
Locations and connections
The proposal is for Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and Neom (currenty under construction) to host the events, with the opening and final matches taking place in the capital.
In terms of air connectivity, Saudi has assured that all five host cities will have modern airports; and by 2030, the Kingdom will have a countrywide airport capacity of more than 300 million passengers and offer flights to 250 destinations.
In Riyadh, plans are in place to develop King Salman International Airport, which would become one of the worldβs largest airports before 2034. Incorporating the existing terminals of King Khalid International Airport, the airport is expected to accommodate up to 100 million passengers per year before 2034, a 170% increase from 2023.
Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, currently the largest in the country by passenger capacity and number of direct routes, will have a new terminal as part of a wider expansion that would increase capacity to 90 million passengers before 2034.
Capacity at Al Khobar’s King Fahd International Airport is planned to increase to accommodate 20 million passengers a year, while A new 65,000 sqm terminal at the Abha International Airport will raise annual capacity to accommodate 90,000 flights and 10 million passengers.
Over at NEOM, the Neom International Airport, will be Saudi’s newest airport and the primary conduit for the World Cup. Before 2034, the airport will offer flights to 29 international and five domestic destinations and be able to accommodate 20 million passengers per year. Demands are expected to reach 12 million passengers per year before 2034.
Stadiums
The 11 new stadiums to be built and four to be refurbished include:
Riyadh
The 92,000 capacity King Salman International Stadium, due to complete in 2029 will become Saudi’s official national stadium. The plan is for the opening and final matches of the 2034 World Cup to be hosted here.
To be refurbished by 2026, the 70,000+ capacity King Fahad Sports City Stadium, which is currently home of the Saudi Arabian national football team, will also be used for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Located in the broader Qiddiya development, the 46,000+ capacity Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium due to complete by 2029 will also contain an Olympic Museum, showcasing the Olympic and Paralympic legacies of the Kingdom.
The 45,000+ capacity New Murabba Stadium due to complete in 2032 will integrate the latest sporting venue
technology, creating personalized fan experience zones.
Due to complete by 2032, the ROSHN Stadium will seat 45,000+ guests. Post the World Cup, the stadium will serve as a walkable community with green spaces, public squares and amenities.
The 45-000 capacity Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium is due to complete in 2027. After the World Cup games, the stadium will be home to a professional football club and used to host major matches.
The 45,000+ capacity South Riyadh Stadium due to complete in 2032 will be connected to the Wadi Namar and its future development as part of Green Riyadh Project.
The King Saud University Stadium will be refurbished to increase seating capacity from 27,000 to more than 46,000 by 2032; and will also be used for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.
Jeddah
Planned refurbishments for the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium due to complete in 2032 will seat 57,000+ spectators and feature new technologies. The stadium will be used for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.
Located on the Red Sea, the 45,000+ capacity Qiddiya Coast Stadium due to complete in 2032 is designed to reflect “the vibrant relationship between people and water, energy and matter,” according to the bid book.
Located in Jeddah’s Al Andalus area, the 45,000+ capacity Jeddah Central Development Stadium due to complete in 2027 will be surrounded by four integrated villages offering a host of amenities and experiences.
THe 45,000+ capacity King Abdullah Economic City Stadium due to complete in 2032 will feature a precinct that emphasises on community spaces with expansive green areas.
Al Khobar
Located in the north of Al Khobar, close to the Corniche, the 46,000+ capacity Aramco Stadium due to complete in 2026 will also be used for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.
Abha
The King Khalid University Stadium will be refurbished by 2032 to seat more than 45,000 spectators. According to the bid book, key improvements will include upgraded technological infrastructure and additional amenities to
accommodate more foot traffic.
Neom
Perched 350m above ground, the outher-worldy 45,000+ capacity Neom Stadium due for completion in 2032 is set to be signature landmark of The Line.
