The Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sports have unveiled the design for King Salman Stadium and its accompanying master plan, crafted by Populous. This venue is set to host the final of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

A stadium designed for excellence

The King Salman Stadium will be the largest in Saudi Arabia and among the world’s most significant sports venues. Scheduled for completion by late 2029, it will serve as the primary home of Saudi Arabia’s national football team and host other major domestic and international sports and entertainment events.

Located in Riyadh’s northern district, near King Salman Road and adjacent to King Abdulaziz Park, the stadium is part of a larger complex featuring sports, commercial, and recreational facilities. The design draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s captivating natural landscapes. Each element of the master plan symbolically represents a seed sprouting, breaking through the earth’s surface, and rising skyward. This sowing embodies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing and expanding sports participation across the nation.

The main stadium will offer over 92,000 seats, including state-of-the-art amenities such as a royal box, luxury suites, skyboxes, a lounge, 300 VVIP seats, and 2,200 VIP seats. The seating design prioritizes compactness to create an intimate atmosphere and enhance the spectator experience. Guest sections for royal attendees, VVIPs, VIPs, and general spectators are located on the western side, with additional hospitality spaces on the eastern side. A continuous ring of skyboxes encircles the venue. Access zones are designed to facilitate smooth movement for large crowds, ensuring an inclusive and barrier-free experience for all visitors. The stadium will also feature internal screens, gardens, and a rooftop walkway offering panoramic views of King Abdulaziz Park.

© Populous

Beyond the big matches

The master plan includes much more than just the stadium itself. Facilities will include commercial areas, football training fields, fan zones, an aquatic center with an Olympic-sized pool, and an athletics stadium. The site will also host a multipurpose indoor arena and a public sports park dedicated to volleyball, basketball, padel, and other activities. A 9-kilometer sports track will link these facilities with King Abdulaziz Park.

For Riyadh, this development represents not just a lively community hub but also a world-class sports center. The design prioritizes flexibility, ensuring the seamless transition between major events and everyday use, allowing the infrastructure to remain active and accessible year-round.

© Populous