Saudi Arabia is attracting global attention with its bold plans to host the World Cup. One of the key elements of this vision is Neom Stadium. However, there are questions as to whether such ambitious plans are even feasible by the deadline.

Visionary The Line

Neom stadium project promises to be a true revolution. The stadium is to be built on top of the urban complex The Line, some 350 metres above ground level. Visualisations show the roof of the stadium, arranged in a honeycomb shape to harmonise with the upper level of the city.

With seating for more than 45,000 spectators, the stadium is to be not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a sports centre powered solely by renewable energy. According to the plans, the facility is to be accessible from different levels of the city to facilitate communication and accessibility. The planned completion date for the stadium is 2032, which theoretically gives enough time to prepare for the 2034 World Cup.

© Ministry of Sport

Uncertainties surrounding city itself

Although the Neom stadium project sounds like a vision of the future, its implementation raises considerable doubts. The main concerns relate to the pace of construction of The Line itself - the city that is to be home to this impressive stadium. Announced in 2017, the project to build this giant desert city, measuring 500 metres high, 200 metres wide and 170 kilometres long, has been controversial from the start. Many have questioned whether it is even possible to realise such a huge undertaking within the scope and timeframe set.

Since the start of The Line project, little is known about the actual progress of the construction work. Although the project company Neom regularly publishes visualisations and videos, actual photos from the construction site are limited to a few drone shots showing foundation work. This sparse information does not give a clear picture of what stage the construction of the city is at, let alone the stadium that is supposed to be its centrepiece.

Ambitious plans versus reality

Many experts question whether Neom's stadium construction schedule is realistic. It is worth noting that The Line is not the only project Saudi Arabia is currently working on. Projects such as the Sindalah luxury hotel complex and the modern port city of Oxagon are being developed simultaneously. While it is technically possible to complete all these projects, their simultaneous implementation raises questions about the feasibility of such ambitious schedules.

The construction of the Neom Stadium for the 2034 World Cup requires not only the completion of the venue itself, but also the full supporting infrastructure - from team facilities to comfortable spectator spaces. All of this needs to be ready in time, and ten years in the context of building such a complex facility may prove to be too short a period.

© Ministry of Sport

Neom as one of 15 stadiums for the 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia, known for its natural resources and oil, is betting on infrastructural and technological development. Hosting the 2034 World Cup is an opportunity for it to show a new face - a country that is open, dynamic and innovative. The plan includes five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and the futuristic NEOM project.

A key element of the bid is, of course, the stadiums - as many as 15 of which are to be used during the tournament. You can find all the World Cup stadiums presented in Paris in a separate article. In addition, we recommend a text where you can find all the drama, controversy and dark sides of the 2034 World Cup project.