Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has announced the construction of the King Salman Stadium, a colossal sports arena set to seat more than 90,000 spectators. Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029, this stadium will be one of the world’s largest and will serve as the headquarters for the Saudi national team while hosting major sporting events.
Located in the northern part of Riyadh along King Salman Road and adjacent to King Abdulaziz Park, the stadium’s prime location ensures easy access to key city landmarks, including King Khalid International Airport and the Riyadh Metro station.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) and the Ministry of Sport have shared that the stadium’s design was selected from proposals by six international firms. “Among several proposals submitted by six specialized international companies, the chosen design draws inspiration from the mountainous landscape, integrating with King Abdulaziz Park through a valley that intersects the surrounding stadium garden and green spaces. The companies worked on providing the best proposals to meet FIFA’s requirements and the standards of sustainability and architectural excellence,” the report said.
Reflecting the support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the stadium aims to cement Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier sports hub and support the development of athletes. The design of the stadium, inspired by local mountainous landscapes, will seamlessly blend with King Abdulaziz Park through a connecting valley, promoting environmental sustainability and green building standards.
The main stadium will feature green walls and ceilings covering over 96,500 square meters. “Sustainable cooling systems for the audience seats and stadium floor, along with extended indoor screens for spectators, indoor gardens, and a walking track with a scenic view of King Abdulaziz Park atop the stadium, will offer visitors an exceptional experience,” the report added.
Spanning over 660,000 square meters, the stadium complex will include facilities for various sports, commercial centers, and recreational areas. The main stadium will boast a seating capacity of 92,000, with additional provisions for a 150-seat royal suite, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats, and 2,200 dignitary seats.
The general plan covers over 360,000 square meters of surrounding sports facilities, including two training fields, fan zones, a closed sports hall, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an athletics track, and outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball, and padel tennis. Additionally, a 9-kilometer-long sports track surrounding King Abdulaziz Park will connect these facilities.
“The King Salman Stadium and its sporting facilities will enhance sports activities, fostering a generation of athletic individuals following a healthy lifestyle, competing regionally and globally, and excelling in various sports fields,” the report said.
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s sports objectives, the project aims to provide infrastructure that keeps pace with sporting developments. By hosting major global entertainment events and offering diverse investment opportunities, the stadium’s facilities are expected to drive significant economic contributions.
This ambitious construction project is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to empower athletes, enhance their performance, and solidify the Kingdom’s place in the global sports arena. Moreover, it is expected to improve the quality of life in Riyadh, elevating its global ranking as one of the best cities to live in.