Aramco Stadium: The latest updates on the new Saudi Stadium

Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar is a new Saudi Stadium under construction alongside others in readiness for the 2034 World Cup. Also known as Dammam Stadium, it is set to be one of Saudi Arabia's showcase venues for football's biggest tournament.

This post will serve as a hub for regular updates on the progress of the new Saudi stadium, tracking its construction milestones, design features, and readiness for some of the world's biggest sporting events.

New Saudi stadium: What we know so far

Aramco Stadium, currently under construction in Al Khobar, Eastern Province, is one of the new venues being developed in Saudi Arabia in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Designed by the architectural firm Populous, the stadium will have a seating capacity of approximately 46,000 and will meet FIFA standards for major international football events.

The design of the stadium draws inspiration from the natural features of its coastal location, with architectural elements reflecting marine vortices and wave forms from the Arabian Gulf. The exterior facade will feature overlapping translucent sails that allow natural light to illuminate the interior. At the same time, spiralled ramps and walkways enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space.

In addition to the stadium itself, the project encompasses a larger master plan covering approximately 800,000 square meters. This will include community amenities, training pitches, entertainment and retail zones, public spaces, and necessary infrastructure to ensure the venue can function year-round and serve the local community, not just during major events.

The stadium is expected to be completed by 2026 and will serve as a venue for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup as well as one of the 2034 World Cup stadiums.

The Saudi Arabian Sports Ministry is the primary financier of the project. In May 2023, the government branch committed nearly $3 billion to developing new sporting facilities, including Aramco Stadium, and upgrading existing sports infrastructure over the next five years.

Its design includes several specifications that suit:
🌊 The region’s environment
👤 The fan experience
🤩 Aesthetic satisfaction

Set to be built soon, Dammam Stadium will be one of the new stadiums at #Saudi2027! 🏟️🇸🇦 https://t.co/oo4dvLHjYU

— Saudi 2027 (@saudi2027) February 1, 2023

Will the upgrades support Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid?

If all goes to plan, the new Aramco Stadium will be built in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup.

Apart from the AFC Asian Cup, a total of 15 stadiums will be used during the 2034 World Cup, across five host cities, namely Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Riyadh. Neom and Abha.

Provided FIFA deem the nation and its facilities acceptable ahead of the World Championship, Aramco Stadium is near-certain to host World Cup fixtures in ten years. The big question is: will the Saudi Pro League become one of the prominent leagues in the world by then?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the Saudi government is serious about investing in football. Saudi Pro League has not only become a budding ground for the country's football talents, but the fact that it continues to attract top European talents provides the country with the much-needed limelight ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.