Saudi Arabia reveals high-tech Stadium design atop cliff for 2034 World Cup

By Fathimath Nasli - January 16, 2024

Saudi Arabia has unveiled the stunning Prince Mohammad bin Salman Stadium

Saudi Arabia unveiled plans on Monday for an advanced stadium situated on a 200-meter high cliff near Riyadh, where the country intends to host matches during the 2034 World Cup.

Named Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium after the crown prince, the 45,000-seat facility features a retractable roof and field, along with an LED wall spanning hundreds of meters to offer an immersive fan experience, according to a statement from the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

Described as a futuristic venue aiming to reimagine the traditional stadium concept, the stadium is a focal point of the Qiddiya City project, set to be an entertainment, gaming, and sports hub located 45 kilometers from downtown Riyadh.

The QIC, fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, which is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, oversees around $700 billion in Saudi sovereign wealth and has investments in various projects, including the LIV Golf initiative and English Premier League club Newcastle.

The new stadium is intended to serve as the home venue for Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, Riyadh clubs that secured the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar last year. Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the hosting rights of the 2034 men's World Cup, with FIFA expected to confirm the selection later this year through a vote by over 200 national soccer federations.

FIFA's bid requirements outline the need for 14 stadiums for the 48-team tournament, and the futuristic Neom city is also likely to be part of the World Cup project. Concerns about the environmental impact of massive construction projects in Saudi Arabia have led to plans for a lake beneath the Qiddiya stadium, utilizing rainwater capture to cool the air conditioning system.

Saudi officials, gearing up to host the 2027 Asian Cup, expressed their ambition to host all 104 games of the 2034 World Cup on their soil. While the United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 edition, a consortium of six countries across three continents has emerged as FIFA's sole candidate for the 2030 tournament. Architectural firm Populous, known for its work on Olympic stadiums, is attached to the new Saudi stadium project.

Source: The Associated Press