Market Insight

Contracts to construct sports stadiums were put out by Saudi Arabia's Sport Ministry as part of its capital projects program at SR10.1 billion ($2.7 billion). The renovations are expected to be finished in time for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

• The biggest and most recent is the renovation of five current football stadiums and the building of a new stadium north of Riyadh. These are the following:
• King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh will hold 92,000 spectators.
• Raising Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium's seating capacity to 45,000.
• Raising the number of seats at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Al-Khair to 45,000; expanding the capacity of Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium to 30,000.
• The building of thirty additional training grounds and amenities close to the stadiums utilized for the competition in 2027 is the next major component.

It is anticipated that work on the projects will begin in July 2024. In all, eighteen facilities will be prepared for the AFC Women's Cup in 2026.

Revival of the Qiddiya Project: International Sports City Concept

The Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, which includes Saudi Arabia's grandiose Qiddiya project, is quickly turning the outskirts of Riyadh into a major global sports hub.

Qiddiya is expected to have a multitude of attractions and be the world's most popular tourist destination by 2030. It has a Formula 1 racetrack, golf courses, a racing complex, and an esports hub.

The goal of Qiddiya's development is to enhance home spending and strengthen the local economy while wisely preserving the roughly $30 billion that Saudis spend elsewhere each year.

Populous Unveils Plans for Saudi Arabia's Newest Gaming and Esports Arena

The arena aims to become the focal point of the world's first mixed-use gaming and esports district. The 5,155-seat multipurpose facility has a unique architectural character designed by Populous, which consists of six tapering forms woven with neon lights. The arena is expected to be Qiddiya City's first construction. Four esports-specific venues are to be located there, with the goal of drawing in up to 10 million visitors annually.

Advanced audiovisual systems will be used to enhance the entire experience and reinforce the city's "Play Life" philosophy. Large displays and 4D haptic seats will be available.

The main auditorium's seating arrangement is ideal, and the screen positions are specified using parametric design techniques. The end product is a "digital chandelier" that is positioned in the middle of the seating bowl.

A golf course at Diriyah giga-project rises out of the desert

As part of the Diriyah giga-project, Saudi Arabia is building a posh golf and equestrian resort south of Riyadh. This golf course is said to be unusual, and it was developed by golf celebrity Greg Norman.

The golf course is equipped with sophisticated irrigation systems and night lighting to take advantage of the milder evening temperatures in the Gulf area, even if summers there are severe. According to Philip Vaughan, chief development officer of Diriyah Company, the course is made to highlight and make use of the region's remarkable topography.

It will have a unique attraction because it is a championship course. By 2025, the course is probably going to be ready to host the Saudi Open.