Saudi Arabia has unveiled the design for the highly anticipated King Salman Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility with a seating capacity of 92,000, set to be the centerpiece of the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Located in Riyadh, this architectural marvel is expected to become a landmark not just for Saudi football but for global sports and entertainment.
The Saudi Ministry of Sports recently released a visually stunning promotional video showcasing the stadium’s futuristic design. Scheduled for completion in late 2029, the venue will be the home ground for the Saudi national football team and serve as the crown jewel of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. This transformative plan aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global cultural and sporting hub.
The King Salman Stadium will feature a Royal Box and 300 VVIP seats for dignitaries, along with 2,200 VIP seats. Hospitality lounges and luxury suites will encircle the seating bowl, providing premium experiences for attendees. The stadium’s eco-friendly design integrates green roofs and walls, emphasizing sustainability while offering a unique aesthetic. Rooftop gardens and a walking path will provide panoramic views of the surrounding King Abdulaziz Park.
Envisioned as a complete sports and entertainment complex, the stadium will house an indoor sports hall, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and other state-of-the-art amenities designed to foster both community engagement and world-class competition. These facilities aim to create an environment that supports both recreational and professional sports activities.
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The stadium’s design emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the venue. The facility will feature barrier-free access and amenities designed to cater to the needs of all spectators.
Although FIFA has yet to formally confirm Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup, the kingdom remains the only country to have submitted a bid before last year’s deadline, making its selection a near certainty. As construction begins on the King Salman Stadium, it is seen as a statement of the nation’s growing influence in global sports. With its advanced design and capacity to host monumental events, the stadium is poised to leave a lasting legacy for football fans worldwide.
Designed by renowned global architectural firm Populous, the King Salman Stadium draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s striking natural landscapes. The stadium’s shape is likened to seeds germinating and breaking through the earth, symbolizing the country’s commitment to nurturing sports talent and embracing sustainable development principles. This innovative design concept reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision for growth, sustainability, and inclusivity.
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Shireen Hamdan, General Manager of Populous KSA, explained, “Beyond creating advanced sports facilities, the King Salman Stadium aims to unite athleticism and the environment, inspiring all who engage with it. The design philosophy reflects a commitment to cutting-edge infrastructure while paying tribute to the intrinsic connection between sustainable development, human activity, and the natural world.”
The King Salman Stadium will offer over 92,000 seats, ensuring an exceptional experience for spectators. The venue will feature a compact seating bowl that enhances the atmosphere, creating an intimate environment for fans while meeting FIFA’s high standards. Internal screens, gardens, and a rooftop walking path offering panoramic views of King Abdulaziz Park will further enrich the spectator experience.
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The stadium’s design also focuses on spectator engagement, with vibrant landscaped walkways connecting the venue to surrounding commercial spaces. These walkways will transform into dynamic spaces featuring retail and leisure activities on non-match days, ensuring the stadium remains a hub of activity year-round.
The King Salman Stadium is not just a sports venue but a comprehensive hub designed to serve the community. The surrounding masterplan includes various sports and community facilities, such as an athletics stadium and football training fields for professional athletes, an aquatics centre featuring an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a community sports park offering amenities for volleyball, basketball, and padel.
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Additionally, the site will feature fan zones and landscaped areas, as well as year-round retail, leisure, and commercial spaces, making the stadium a place for people to visit even on non-event days. This integration of community engagement with major sporting events aims to position Riyadh as a leading global sporting destination.
Sustainability is at the heart of the stadium’s design. Green walls, rooftop gardens, and a connecting valley integrate the stadium with King Abdulaziz Park, reflecting the country’s commitment to environmental consciousness. The landscape features help to blend the stadium with its surroundings, creating a harmonious space that respects both nature and human activity.
Mark Craine, Senior Principal at Populous, said, “The King Salman Stadium has been designed to meet FIFA’s highest standards while accommodating diverse event types. It’s a venue where architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a unique sporting hub for Riyadh.”
