Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambitious Stadium Plans for 2034 World Cup Bid
In a bold move that underscores its burgeoning interest in global sports, Saudi Arabia has announced its ambitious vision to construct 11 state-of-the-art stadiums, with one strikingly positioned 350 meters above ground. This announcement is part of the kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, marking a significant leap in its venture to diversify beyond oil.
The most remarkable among these planned venues is located in Neom, a futuristic city in the making in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. This city promises to redefine spectator experience with access exclusively via high-speed elevators and autonomous vehicles. The stadium, set to be a jewel in ‘The Line’ project’s crown, is designed to transition the kingdom’s economy towards sustainable energy sources and is expected to host a quarter-final match of the tournament.
Saudi Arabia’s plan for the 2034 World Cup, still unchallenged, is in the final stages with the bid submission deadline set for October. Among the proposed stadiums, eight are to be built in the capital, Riyadh, featuring the King Salman International Stadium with a capacity for 92,760 fans, slated for the opening and final matches of the tournament.
Other cities like Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Abha have also been chosen as hosts, promising a nation-wide celebration of football. This event is poised to be historic as it will be the first 48-team tournament hosted by a single country, a significant expansion in the competition’s format.
The decision on the host nation is eagerly awaited, with an announcement expected at the FIFA congress on December 11. However, the ambitious Neom city, including the innovative stadium, still requires considerable development. Positioned as a sustainable city, ‘The Line’ is designed to have minimal environmental impact, extending 170 kilometers while being only 200 meters wide. Only a section of this mega project is predicted to be ready by the 2030 target date.
Alongside these developments, a strong commitment to renewable energy sources for the new stadium is anticipated, with plans to harness wind and solar power extensively. A new international airport is also on the cards, expected to handle 12 million visitors by 2034, bolstering the sports and tourism infrastructure substantially.
Preparations include upgrades to existing airports, especially in Riyadh, to manage the surge in visitor numbers, and the expansion of Abha airport to increase its capacity to 8 million passengers annually.
Projected to occur during the cooler months from October to April, the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia intends to sidestep the scorching summer heat, offering more favorable conditions for players and fans alike.
Since 2021, Saudi Arabia’s massive investments in sports, hosting high-profile events across various disciplines and expanding its influence through the ownership of sports franchises, have not gone unnoticed. However, these efforts have triggered debates about “sportswashing,” a term highlighting how such investments might be aimed at improving the nation’s image amidst concerns over human rights issues.
In the backdrop of these discussions, Saudi officials, including sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, defend the strategic investments in sports as a pathway to economic growth and increased tourism, brushing off “sportswashing” criticisms as “very shallow.” They argue these global sporting events present an opportunity for the kingdom to showcase its commitment to progress and reform.
With FIFA’s stringent human rights standards for bidding nations, Saudi Arabia is at a pivotal point, demonstrating its intent to not only expand its global sports footprint but also embrace the transformative power of hosting such a prestigious global event.
