Saudi Arabia is not just a hub for megaprojects; it’s slowly becoming the epicenter of world class sporting venues. While the world eagerly anticipates the sporting events that will be hosted by the Kingdom, I am particularly thrilled to witness the grand stadiums and OTT venues coming to life. Among these architectural marvels is the Aramco Stadium, a shining gem set to dazzle during the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The global architecture studio Populous has been commissioned to infuse this 47,000-seat stadium (with a maximum capacity of 55,000 for concerts) with luxury, grandeur, and jaw-dropping features. Situated in Al Khobar, this venue is not only gearing up to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup but also the prestigious 2034 FIFA World Cup.
What makes the Aramco Stadium stand out is its spiral form with wave-like undulations, a design element that ensures it is instantly recognizable. The translucent sails, gracefully overlap to form a dynamic, swirling facade, allowing ample sunlight to dance through strategic openings. This iconic quality is also present in other world-class stadiums like King Fahd Sports City in Riyadh and another Populous creation, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, which is planned to perch atop a 200-meter-high Tuwaiq cliff in Qiddiya.
The Aramco Stadium spans a colossal 800,000 square meters, ready to become a football icon, attracting fans from all corners of the globe. The massive development will cover an entire square kilometer, transforming Al Khobar into one of the world’s premier sporting destinations.
The architecture firm from Kansas city expertise has crafted a stadium with a seating bowl that ensures every seat offers an epic view of the pitch. The design also allows for a cooling system, with strategic gaps providing ventilation, making the experience of watching and playing a game seamless.
The master plan also includes community amenities and facilities that blend sporting and entertainment experiences. Features such as digital sports and e-gaming hubs, as well as a sports training center with two football pitches, will enhance athlete training, competition, and recovery, offering additional perks for sports enthusiasts
Shireen Hamdan, Senior Principal and General Manager of Populous KSA, remarked, “The Aramco Stadium development will create a world-class football venue capable of hosting top-tier international tournaments. The venue’s stunning setting on the shores of the Arabian Gulf has allowed us to develop a distinctive building form that is instantly and uniquely recognizable. The building’s open design invites the community to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories, making it a symbol of Al Khobar’s rich heritage and vibrant future.”
Populus is aiming for a LEED Gold certification, the second-highest recognition awarded by the international green building program LEED, for this project. The construction aligns with Saudi Crown Prince MBS’s vision. The ambitious royal has officially submitted a bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and is leaving no stone unturned to ensure it becomes one of the most iconic sporting events in an even more breathtaking location.
