Riyadh is sparing no expense on the global sporting stage. Set to be the cornerstone of the city’s latest downtown development, New Murabba, the design for the 45,000 capacity New Murabba Stadium has been unveiled.
The state-of-the-art stadium due to be completed by the 2032 will combine traditional Saudi aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Inspired by the native Acacia tree of Wadi Hanifa, the design encapsulates the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern architectural innovation.
Its flexible spaces are intended for sports, entertainment, and cultural activities, making it a vibrant community hub for locals and tourists alike. Thanks to the integration of the latest sporting technologies, the stadium also aims to provide an immersive and personalised fan experience.
Saudi sets sights on sports tourism
This stadium is timely, given the increasing momentum of sports tourism in the MENA region, and the announcement that Saudi Arabia will be hosting the inaugural Esports Olympic games. Alongside its investment of more than $2.3 billion in football in 2022, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a major player with a vision to increase sports tourism and attract professional athletes.
The wider New Murabba development
Supporting the tourism created by the stadium, the wider New Murabba development aims to combine technology and sustainability – putting nature at the forefront of the design and ensuring easy access to greenery and outdoor amenities to protect flora and fauna.
Meanwhile, new technology innovations aim to create the unique experiences that modern tourists seek. Public transport access and plenty of amenities, including retail outlets, also mean this new development can cater to the increasing sports tourism.
Redefining Riyadh’s skyline with The Mukaab
A standout feature of the New Murabba development is The Mukaab. This cube-shaped landmark has 2 million sqm or floor space and stands at 400m high which is the tallest in Riyadh. Designed to offer immersive experiences through advanced technology, blending the virtual and real worlds, The Mukaab features luxury shopping, dining, and cultural venues, positioning itself as a premier destination within Riyadh.
“New Murabba isn’t just about transforming a region in Riyadh – we’re redefining the entire concept of a modern downtown,” said Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba. “Our vision is to create a place where vibrant communities live, work, and thrive, where everything is within easy reach. New Murabba has become so much more than a typical urban development by focusing on quality of life and a better future whilst acting as a gateway to another world.”
