In a Monday revelation, further details have emerged about the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, a cutting-edge multi-purpose venue integral to Qiddiya, a major project forming part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 masterplan.
Situated in Qiddiya City, atop the 200-meter-high Tuwaiq cliff near Riyadh, the 45,000-seat stadium is hailed as "futuristic" and designed to host prominent sports, entertainment, and cultural events. The stadium is slated to become the home ground for Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, and it is a proposed venue for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Qiddiya envisions the stadium playing a key role in Riyadh's hosting of the 2034 Asian Games and the 2027 Asian Cup, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's presence on the global sports stage.
Designed by the renowned global architectural firm Populous, the stadium boasts an immersive design and groundbreaking technological features geared towards enhancing the fan experience. Qiddiya claims it will be the world's first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable roof, pitch, and LED wall.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium stands out with its capability to transform into different 'event modes' within hours. The LED wall is designed to showcase live event broadcasts, HD films, and laser shows, providing an unparalleled viewing experience.
One of the remarkable features of the stadium is its year-round usability, facilitated by climate-controlled facilities, including an eco-friendly cooling lake beneath the venue. The lake will utilize rainwater captured from the stadium and its surroundings to pre-cool the air conditioning system.
This unveiling follows Qiddiya's recent announcement of plans for a groundbreaking gaming and esports district within Qiddiya City, with direct access provided by the new stadium. The gaming district, also designed by Populous, aims to position Saudi Arabia as the global epicenter of the gaming and esports sector.
Qiddiya anticipates the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium attracting an estimated 7.6 million annual visitors, making it a focal point in Qiddiya City's mission to become a global destination for entertainment, sports, and culture. Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, emphasized the stadium's role in embodying Qiddiya's "Power of Play philosophy."
As construction progresses on Qiddiya City, with contracts worth SAR10 billion already awarded, more announcements are expected in the coming weeks. The visionary project seeks to redefine entertainment and lifestyle experiences and is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to diversifying its economy through transformative initiatives.
In response to recent claims of 'sportswashing,' Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed his focus on boosting GDP through significant investments in sports events and properties, dismissing concerns about the label. With Saudi Arabia positioned as the sole country interested in hosting the 2034 World Cup, the Kingdom is poised to secure the rights for this prestigious global event.