Here, we’ll delve into the visionary stadiums under development, exploring their architectural inspiration, urban integration, and role in shaping the sports landscape of Saudi Arabia.
ROSHN Stadium: A New Era for Sports Infrastructure
ROSHN, the Kingdom’s leading national real estate developer and a PIF company, has now ventured into the sports sector, unveiling the striking ROSHN Stadium in Riyadh. According to Waleed Bawaked, Senior Director Strategy, ROSHN, the stadium's angular crystalline design is deeply symbolic, drawing inspiration from the vernacular aesthetics of historic Arabic towns. The stadium, which will have a capacity of 45,000 seats, and cover an area of over 450,000 m², embraces a layered, mosaic-like fabric that integrates commercial and communal elements leading up to the stadium, creating a seamless neighbourhood experience.
Beyond its design, ROSHN Stadium aims to deliver an immersive experience for spectators. The stadium will not only host major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup but will also serve as a year-round entertainment hub with restaurants, leisure areas, and community engagement spaces.
Additionally, ROSHN has announced its collaboration with Aramco to develop a State-of-the-Art 47,000-Seat Stadium in Khobar, in the Eastern Province, set to further solidifying Saudi Arabia's commitment to world-class sports infrastructure.
The stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026, and will host both national and international events, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup that will take place in Saudi Arabia in January of that year.
New Murabba Stadium: A Fusion of Nature and Modernity
New Murabba Stadium, another groundbreaking project, presents a striking layered design inspired by the acacia tree, known as "Shajarat al- Talh" in Arabic. This tree, which thrives in the harsh Saudi climate and possesses self-healing properties, symbolizes resilience and adaptation. Ashwak Albabtain, one of the key figures behind the stadium’s development, emphasized that the design not only reflects Riyadh's natural landscape but also ensures the stadium is a fully integrated component of the New Murabba urban district.
The stadium's architectural approach extends beyond aesthetics. From a pedestrian perspective, the materials used will reinforce its connection to the surrounding community, ensuring that the venue is an organic part of the urban fabric rather than an isolated structure. This thoughtful integration aims to make New Murabba Stadium a dynamic space that functions beyond major sporting events, fostering year-round engagement with residents and visitors.
This architectural marvel with a capacity of over 45,000 seats, will be a central pillar of “New Murabba” the transformative downtown destination in Riyadh City.
THE LINE’s Elevated Stadium: A Bold Architectural Feat
One of the most ambitious stadium projects in Saudi Arabia is the stadium within THE LINE—a revolutionary urban development in NEOM. Tarek Qaddumi, Executive Director, THE LINE Design, highlighted the unprecedented challenge of designing a stadium situated 350 meters above ground. This stadium will be part of THE LINE’s first phase, which will house nine million residents along a 170-kilometer stretch.
The design of THE LINE’s stadium is centered around accessibility and community engagement. Unlike traditional stadiums where fans drive to a remote location, this venue is seamlessly integrated into a walkable city. Within a 10–15-minute radius, residents can reach the stadium on foot, enhancing the pre-game experience with shops, parades, and street activities reminiscent of the vibrant atmosphere seen in university towns.
This design philosophy aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision of promoting sustainable, pedestrian-friendly urban environments.
Moreover, the stadium is positioned between multiple ground planes in THE LINE’s three-dimensional cityscape. With access points at different elevations, it offers a unique spectator experience that breaks away from conventional stadium designs. This innovation reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to redefine sports infrastructure by merging architectural brilliance with cutting-edge urban planning.
Creating Year-Round Community Hubs
A key focus of Saudi Arabia’s stadium developments is ensuring that these venues remain vibrant hubs beyond major events. For ROSHN Stadium, the goal is to transform the venue into a destination that serves local communities daily, offering entertainment, dining, and recreational facilities. Similarly, New Murabba Stadium is designed to be more than just an architectural landmark; it is envisioned as an active community space that fosters engagement and inclusivity.
By embedding stadiums within mixed-use urban developments, Saudi Arabia is redefining how sports venues function. These projects are not just about hosting world-class sporting events; they are about creating sustainable, multi-purpose spaces that contribute to the kingdom’s long- term vision for urban development.
A Bold Future for Sports Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s mega projects in sports infrastructure are a testament to the country’s ambition to become a global leader in sports and urban innovation. From the symbolic design of ROSHN Stadium to the nature- inspired New Murabba Stadium and the groundbreaking architectural marvel of THE LINE’s elevated stadium, these projects showcase the kingdom’s commitment to blending heritage with sustainability and futuristic urban spaces.
Cityscape Global 2024 saw key figures shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s architectural and sports infrastructure. With an estimated 200,000 visitors attending the event, the conversation around the kingdom's mega projects was more relevant than ever. As the premier real estate and investment platform, Cityscape Global serves as the gateway to accessing opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic market, connecting investors, developers, and industry leaders with the region’s most transformative projects.
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