Viral Buzz vs. Real Investment
The idea of a Sky Stadium in Saudi perched atop a skyscraper captured imaginations worldwide after a viral video circulated online. Yet the reality is more grounded and ambitious. Saudi Arabia has committed billions in sports infrastructure investment by 2028, focusing on new stadiums and renovations across Riyadh and the Eastern Province. These projects are designed not only as venues for competition but as cultural landmarks that inspire athletes, welcome fans, and showcase the Kingdom’s transformation into a global sports hub.
$2.7 Billion Allocated for Facilities by 2028
Saudi Arabia has earmarked $2.7 billion (SR10.1bn) for sports infrastructure by 2028, focused on projects overseen by the Ministry of Sport. This program covers the construction and renovation of five stadiums in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, alongside new training facilities designed to strengthen professional clubs and grassroots development. The investment is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about creating venues that inspire athletes, welcome fans, and anchor Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global sports hub.
King Salman International Stadium: A 92,000-Seat Landmark
Separate from the Ministry’s $2.7B program, the King Salman International Stadium represents one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious megaprojects. Planned to seat 92,000 spectators and cover 660,000 square meters, it will serve as the national team’s headquarters and host the opening and final matches of the FIFA 2034 World Cup. Scheduled for completion in 2029, the stadium is strategically located in northern Riyadh, near King Abdulaziz Park, and connected to the Riyadh Metro and King Khalid International Airport.
NEOM Stadium: 46,000 Seats, 350 Meters Above Ground
The futuristic NEOM Stadium adds another layer of ambition. Integrated into The Line, Saudi Arabia’s smart city project, the venue will seat 46,000 fans and technically rise 350 meters above ground within a five‑tier megastructure. Construction begins in 2027 and finishes by 2032, making it one of 15 host stadiums for FIFA 2034. Unlike the $2.7 billion Ministry of Sport program, NEOM is funded through the Public Investment Fund’s gigaprojects, alongside Jeddah Central and Qiddiya. This distinction highlights how Saudi Arabia’s sports construction plan spans multiple funding streams, each reinforcing the narrative of transformation.
Progress Toward the 2034 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s sports investment is already reshaping the landscape ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Since 2019, the Kingdom has staged more than 100 international events across 40 sports, from Formula 1 in Jeddah to the FIFA Club World Cup, building momentum toward hosting football’s biggest tournament. These facilities are projected to generate 100,000 jobs by 2030 in construction, operations, and event management, while grassroots participation has surged — rising from 13% in 2015 to 50% in 2023, with women’s involvement up 400% and 97 female coaches registered last year.
Professional football has advanced in parallel, as the Public Investment Fund (PIF) secured 75% ownership of Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad, ensuring upgraded stadiums, training grounds, and financial stability that align domestic leagues with international standards. Together, these milestones reflect both the progress and grassroots impact of Saudi Arabia’s sports construction plan, positioning the Kingdom to deliver a world‑class experience in 2034.
The Bigger Picture
Saudi Arabia’s sports construction plan is both ambitious and measurable. By 2028, the Ministry of Sport will deliver $2.7 billion in new and upgraded stadiums, while PIF gigaprojects such as the 92,000‑seat King Salman International Stadium, NEOM’s 46,000‑seat venue, Jeddah Central, and Qiddiya redefine what modern sports infrastructure can look like. Together, these projects form a multi‑layered ecosystem that blends sustainability, culture, and global ambition.
Whether it’s the imagined Sky Stadium in Saudi or the real megaprojects like King Salman International Stadium and NEOM, the scale of what’s being built is still nothing short of amazing.
Also Read: The Saudi Arabia’s Mega Construction Projects Shaping the Future
