In a bold move to showcase dominance and innovation, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to build a cutting-edge 45,000-seat stadium atop a 200-meter cliff for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The state-of-the-art arena, designed by renowned architectural firm Populous, will feature a retractable roof, and a colossal LED wall, and is strategically located just 40 minutes from Riyadh in Qiddiya City.
This visionary project, officially named the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, aims not only to redefine stadium design but also to revolutionize the global sports and entertainment experience. Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, expressed the ambition for Qiddiya City to become a global hub for entertainment, sports, and culture, with the iconic stadium at its core.
The design focuses on putting spectators at the center of the experience, offering a fusion of state-of-the-art technology and innovative design.
Designed by Populous, the firm renowned for Las Vegas’ MSG Sphere, the stadium will boast a massive LED wall reminiscent of The Sphere. This dynamic screen will display live event broadcasts, high-definition films, and laser shows, transforming the venue into a spectacle. The stadium’s multi-purpose use will encompass sports such as football, boxing, and esports, as well as hosting concerts and theater performances.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future, the stadium forms part of broader plans, including the world’s first gaming and esports district, and it is expected to be a focal point for major events. The climate-controlled venue will be home to Saudi Pro League football clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr and is proposed as a venue for the Kingdom’s 2034 FIFA World Cup bid. Notably, the stadium’s eco-friendly design incorporates a cooling lake beneath it, contributing to reduced energy consumption.
As Saudi Arabia vies for the 2034 World Cup bid, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium remains a conceptual masterpiece. FIFA’s decision on Saudi Arabia’s bid, expected at the end of 2024, will determine whether this ambitious infrastructural project becomes a reality.
Reports indicate that key figures in European football are being approached for support, with Neom and the futuristic Trojena Ski Resort also being considered as potential venues for hosting the prestigious tournament. If selected, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium promises to be a groundbreaking symbol of ambition and innovation on the global stage.
