Saudi Arabia’s £3bn flagship 2034 World Cup stadium takes major step forward in Qiddiya

Saudi Arabia's ambitious Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is progressing, with a major mechanical engineering contract marking another milestone in the construction of its futuristic venue.

The impressive project is being built into a dramatic cliffside in Qiddiya and is set to become one of the headline stadiums for the 2034 World Cup.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is making progress

Developed by Qiddiya Investment Company, the stadium is being constructed on a 200-metre-high cliff edge in the Tuwaiq Mountains, around 40 minutes southwest of Riyadh.

Ground was broken in December 2024, with excavation largely completed and foundation works well advanced. Spanish contractor FCC Construction and Saudi firm Nesma & Partners are leading the main construction under a contract valued at approximately £3bn.

The latest milestone came in September, when Qatar-based Estithmar Holding's subsidiary Elegancia Arabia Trading secured an SAR829m mechanical engineering package.

The work covers heating, ventilation, air conditioning, fire protection, public health systems and building management technology, with completion scheduled for May 2030.

Designed by Tottenham Hotspur Stadium architects Populous, the stadium will accommodate more than 46,000 spectators for football and over 60,900 for concerts and other events.

It is planned to feature a retractable roof, retractable pitch and a giant LED wall, allowing the venue to adapt to different events throughout the year.

An underground cooling lake is also reportedly planned to help improve energy efficiency by using collected rainwater to pre-cool air-conditioning systems.

The stadium is expected to host World Cup 2034 quarter-final matches and the third-place playoff, while also serving as a home for Saudi Pro League teams.

More than 50,000 square metres of retail, dining and entertainment space will form part of the wider development, which is projected to attract 7.6 million visitors annually.

FGG says: Saudi's futuristic stadium is an enormous undertaking

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium promises to be one of the most distinctive venues built for the 2034 World Cup, with its cliffside setting and retractable features setting it apart from conventional grounds.

However, delivering such an ambitious design presents significant engineering and operational challenges, particularly when climate control and complex moving structures are involved.

This latest milestone is an important step, but successful delivery will depend on keeping construction and infrastructure plans on schedule well before the tournament begins.