King Salman Stadium to boost Riyadh position as sporting hub

Article posted by Coliseum, October 29^th, 2026

Image: Ministry of Sport and Populous

Saudi Arabia has issued the early works tender for the 92,760-seat King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh as the Kingdom prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup™, according to a news report.

The above venue will consolidate Riyadh’s position as a sporting hub.

‘zawya.com’ stated that the Ministry of Sports issued the tender on October 11^th with a submission deadline of November 19^th.

The 2034 FIFA World Cup™ will be the 25^th FIFA World Cup™, a quadrennial international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of FIFA. In December 2024, Saudi Arabia was formally confirmed as the host nation by FIFA following an uncontested bidding process. It will be the third tournament hosted in Asia after South Korea and Japan in 2002 and Qatar in 2022, the third in the Arab world after Qatar in 2022 and Morocco in 2030 and the first since 2022 to be hosted by one nation. Saudi Arabia will be the second host nation from the Arabian Peninsula in the span of 12 years.

Scope of Work

‘zawya.com’ further stated that the scope of work includes the enabling works, site preparation and the initial construction activities.

Populous is the stadium’s Lead Architect. Construction is anticipated to be completed by 2029, the report said.

Procurement Process

The King Salman International Stadium works in Riyadh are advancing through Saudi Arabia’s procurement process thus bringing the Kingdom closer to delivering a landmark venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup™ final. The development will create one of the world’s largest football stadiums combining a 92,7600-seat arena with extensive sports and recreational infrastructure.

Sporting Destination

Moreover, the project will strengthen Riyadh’s position as a major international sporting destination. The latest tendering activity signals another important step towards delivering the stadium before the tournament.

Sports Infrastructure Expansion

The stadium forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader program to expand its sports infrastructure under Vision 2030. In addition, its development will support the Kingdom’s preparations to host the major international sporting events. The project’s estimated investment stands at approximately $2 billion.

The Ministry of Sport oversees the project alongside the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

Sporting Disciplines

The King Salman International Stadium will occupy approximately 660,000 square meters in Northern Riyadh, next to the King Abdulaziz Park. Furthermore, the development will integrate the sports facilities covering more than 360,000 square meters. These facilities will accommodate different sporting disciplines, recreational activities and training requirements.

Design-and-Build Contract

The Ministry of Sport initiated the main construction procurement process in November 2025. It invited the experienced contractors to prequalify for the stadium’s main design-and-build contract. Subsequently, the companies submitted their prequalification statements in February 2026.

Preliminary Construction Works

In April 2026, the Ministry also invited the contractors to prequalify for the preliminary construction works. The submission deadline fell on April 28^th, 2026. This process established another procurement stage ahead of the stadium’s major construction activities.

Premium Hospitality Facilities

The King Salman International Stadium’s design incorporates several premium hospitality facilities. These include a 150-seat royal suite, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats, and 2,200 dignitary seats. Additionally, the venue will serve as the Saudi national football team’s main headquarters.

Wider Development

Beyond the main arena, the wider development will include two training fields and the dedicated fan zones. It will also feature a closed sports hall, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an athletics track. Furthermore, the outdoor courts will accommodate volleyball, basketball and padel.

Extensive Sports Complex

These facilities will support the year-round sporting activities beyond the World Cup. Consequently, the project will provide Riyadh with an extensive sports complex rather than a standalone football venue.

Recreational Infrastructure

The stadium’s location beside the King Abdulaziz Park will also connect the development with Riyadh’s wider recreational infrastructure. Meanwhile, its architectural design will incorporate the surrounding landscape into the visitor experience.

Central Component

Saudi Arabia expects to complete the stadium by 2029 thus leaving several years before the 2034 World Cup. The King Salman International Stadium will host the tournament’s final thus making it a central component of the Kingdom’s hosting preparations.

New Stadia

Saudi Arabia plans to construct 11 new stadiums and refurbish the four existing facilities for the tournament. Riyadh will accommodate eight of the planned stadiums while Jeddah will receive four. Additionally, Al-Khobar, Abha and NEOM will each host one stadium.

Training Sites

The Kingdom also plans 134 training sites across its cities. These will include 61 existing facilities and 73 new venues. Therefore, the King Salman Stadium forms part of a much larger national construction program.

Contract Disclosures

The stadium’s progression through procurement will remain important for the contractors, the suppliers and the infrastructure stakeholders. As tendering advances further contract disclosures should clarify the construction packages, the delivery responsibilities and the implementation schedule.

Upgrading Sporting Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup™ also include upgrading the existing sporting infrastructure. In Jeddah, the planned renovation of the 62,000-seat King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will complement Riyadh’s new stadium development. Together, the projects highlight the Kingdom’s strategy of combining new construction with the existing venue upgrades to meet the tournament requirements.

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