In a bid to show Qatar who’s the boss, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has embarked on another highly ambitious project—constructing a state-of-the-art, futuristic stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2034.
The 2034 FIFA World Cup promises to be a spectacle, and one way to ensure that is by hosting the event at the world-renowned stadium in Neom. The first phase of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Neom project, which spans 2.7 km, will be completed before the event. This extraordinary stadium will be situated 350 meters above the ground, atop the mega-city The Line—the main component of Neom. It will even tower above the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in Paris. Undoubtedly, MBS is a visionary who knows how to push boundaries and deliver the unimaginable.
The stadium, which is part of Saudi Arabia’s official bid for the 2034 World Cup, will be nothing short of spectacular. Like other mega projects in Neom, the 46,000-seat stadium will host tournament matches, including the quarterfinals. "The Neom stadium will be the most unique stadium in the world," states the official bid. "With a pitch positioned more than 350 meters above the ground, breathtaking views, and a roof integrated into the city itself, the stadium will be an experience like no other." Dezeen mentioned that the stadium will be part of the first phase, occupying a section known as the Hidden Marina.
As the name suggests, it will offer ample space for superyachts, a grand arch for their unobstructed passage, and numerous supporting facilities such as a festival area for fan gatherings and celebrations, training grounds, and five hotels. MBS has had his sights set on this event for some time, aiming to outshine his rival Qatar in extravagant and extraordinary creations. Qatar grabbed the spotlight with its massive air-conditioned stadium for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which seated 40,000—already making it somewhat smaller than MBS’s stadium.
The stadium built atop the futuristic mega-city The Line will occupy levels four and five, with a capacity for over 46,000 spectators, including 4,000 hospitality seats, 1,200 skybox seats, 100 VVIP seats, and 800 VIP seats. In addition to enjoying matches in a surreal setting, the uninterrupted views of the Red Sea will make this an unforgettable experience that only spectacular Saudi Arabia and its crown prince can offer. The sustainable stadium will use renewable energy from wind and solar power, connecting different areas via tram-like vehicles that will move through horizontal transport corridors.
For those familiar with the Neom concept, it will be a car-free project. Visitors will use driverless vehicles and fully electric high-speed elevators to get around. The project is set to begin in 2027, with completion planned for 2032. MBS is also constructing another 45,000-seat stadium located on a 200-meter-high cliff for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Qiddiya. The Neom stadium will be one of 11 such incredible stadiums built for the tournament.
