As the countdown to the 2034 World Cup begins, Saudi Arabia is already laying the groundwork for an architectural marvel: the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. Nestled on a cliff that rises 650 feet above Riyadh, this ambitious project is poised to redefine the landscape of sports venues.
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<figcaption class="articlemedia-caption”><span class="articlemedia-span”>Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built into a cliff edge near Riyadh
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<figcaption class="articlemedia-caption”><span class="articlemedia-span”>The 45,000-seater stadium will cost more than £1 billion
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<figcaption class="articlemedia-caption”><span class="articlemedia-span”>The futuristic panelled cubes will act as an extension of the Tuwaiq cliffs
With an estimated cost exceeding £1 billion, the stadium is set to commence construction in 2026. This innovative venue will feature a retractable pitch and a man-made lake that will serve as a cooling system for the air conditioning. The design incorporates a massive LED wall, envisioned as a dynamic portal for live broadcasts and cinematic experiences, which will also reveal stunning views of the city when not in use.
The stadium will consist of three stands, with one side left open to provide a dramatic perspective of Qiddiya city. Its exterior will be composed of modular cubes, seamlessly blending into the Tuwaiq cliffs, creating a striking digital canvas that aims to connect the upper plateau with the Gaming and Esports District below.
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<figcaption class="articlemedia-caption”><span class="articlemedia-span”>An inside look at The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium
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<figcaption class="articlemedia-caption”><span class="articlemedia-span”>Al-Nassr’s new stadium will have a 45,000 capacity
Climate control will be ingeniously managed through a lake that collects rainwater, pre-cooling the air conditioning system. The stadium will also feature a retractable roof and a digital wall that can drop down to enhance the spectator experience. The anticipated completion date is set for 2029, with the ability to switch the playing surface from grass to artificial turf at the touch of a button.
Once completed, the stadium is expected to host matches for Cristiano Ronaldo’s current team, Al-Nassr. However, beneath the grandeur of such developments lies a complex narrative involving human rights concerns. Reports have surfaced regarding forced evictions and labor abuses associated with various construction projects, including the controversial £400 billion Neom Stadium initiative.
Despite these challenges, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium stands as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host the 2034 World Cup, marking the nation as the second Middle Eastern country to welcome this prestigious event, following Qatar. FIFA is expected to make an official announcement on December 11, confirming Saudi Arabia’s hosting rights.
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The stadium will be one of 11 new venues alongside four existing grounds, with another futuristic facility planned for Neom. This remarkable structure will be uniquely situated 350 meters above ground, making it inaccessible by car, in line with Neom’s vision of a sustainable, car-free urban environment.
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<figcaption class="articlemedia-caption”><span class="articlemedia-span”>The Neom Stadium will not be reachable by car
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<figcaption class="articlemedia-caption”><span class="articlemedia-span”>The new arena will sit atop the city of Neom
<h3 class="article-boxoutheadline t-s-border-color”>Full list of the stadiums with their capacities
Riyadh
- King Salman International Stadium – 92,760
- King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200
- Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979
- New Murabba Stadium – 46,010
- Roshn Stadium – 46,000
- Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865
- South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060
- King Saud University Stadium – 46,319
Jeddah
- King Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432
- Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096
- Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794
- King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700
Al Khobar
- Aramco Stadium – 46,096
Abha
- King Khalid University Stadium – 45,428
Neom
- Neom Stadium – 46,010
