Saudi Arabia has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a series of cutting-edge stadiums in preparation for hosting the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer. One of the standout venues is a 46,000-seat stadium located in the Neom megaproject along the Red Sea coast. This futuristic stadium is designed to be a landmark, with a unique feature of being 350 meters above ground. The Neom stadium will be connected to a network of tram-like vehicles running at various heights above the ground, providing innovative transportation options.
Another striking stadium in the works is set to be perched atop a 200-meter cliff near the capital city of Riyadh. This stadium will offer panoramic views of the city, with an entire wall of LED screens enhancing the spectator experience. Riyadh is slated to host eight out of the 15 stadiums, with additional venues planned for cities such as Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom.
The final match of the tournament is scheduled to take place in a 92,000-seat stadium in Riyadh, one of the eight stadiums that are currently in the design phase. The construction scale of these projects is expected to cost hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and society.
Hosting the World Cup is a key component of this vision, aimed at providing a diverse tourism, cultural, and sports experience. The crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman, emphasized the importance of showcasing the country's historical and civilizational heritage through these events.
While Saudi Arabia is set to host the entire tournament, there is speculation that neighboring countries may also be involved in hosting some games. The bid document submitted by Saudi Arabia includes commitments to engage with state agencies and international organizations to ensure fair labor practices and working conditions for all individuals involved in the World Cup preparations.
These plans come in the wake of FIFA's requirement for host countries to have a human rights strategy for the tournament, a criterion that Saudi Arabia has addressed in its bid document. The kingdom's efforts to deliver a successful World Cup reflect its aspirations for economic and social development on the global stage.
