Designs for $390m Aramco Stadium in Saudi Arabia unveiled

The 47,000-seat stadium is scheduled to host football (soccer) games in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and could also serve as a potential venue for the 2034 World Cup.

The stadium will comply with FIFA’s requirements, which means that it could host World Cup matches up to the quarter final stage.

The stadium and surrounding masterplan, which includes community sports facilities, retail areas, and entertainment zones, will cover an area of 800,000 square metres.

Image: Populous

The venue’s exterior has been designed to incorporate waves and spiral motifs found in nature, drawing inspiration from Al Khobar’s location on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

It will feature a cooling system for players and spectators in the seating bowl and in certain concourse areas. Its maximum capacity can also be extended to 55,000 for concerts and other entertainment events.

Rhys Courtney, Populous senior principal and lead architect for the project, said, “This world-class stadium development spans nearly a square kilometre, creating a seamless connection between the venue and the Sports City district.

“It will support elite-level sports, grassroots sporting activities and leisure opportunities. In terms of scale and facility offerings, this project is one of the most ambitious of its kind globally, underpinning Saudi Arabia’s ambition to make Al Khobar one of the world’s premier sporting destinations.”

Image: Populous