Aramco Stadium

Aramco stadium in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, is one of the potential venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, as published in the Saudi Arabia bid submission document on the 31st July 2024.

Responding to the clients brief, the stadium and surrounding masterplan, designed by Populous, will be built over an area of approximately 800,000 square meters, incorporating a comprehensive range of community amenities and facilities designed to provide an unparalleled sports and entertainment experience, including new sports facilities, retail areas, entertainment zones and public realm spaces. The stadium aims to achieve LEED certification for sustainability and will meet international inclusive design best practices to enable everyone to use and enjoy the venue on equal terms. Drawing inspiration from Al Khobar’s location on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Populous has created a dynamic and visually striking stadium exterior that expresses the graceful rotation of waves and the spiral motifs commonly found in nature. The overlapping translucent sails of the façade, delicately curved and proportioned, create a flowing sequence that allows natural light to penetrate the stadium’s interiors through strategically placed openings. Within the stadium, the spiral form of the building is echoed in the ramps and walkways that lead spectators to the seating bowl, which has been shaped elliptically to minimise the venue’s footprint and optimise natural ventilation. The seating bowl will provide world-class viewing for football, with a compact configuration and uninterrupted views of the pitch from every seat. It will incorporate approximately 47,000 gross capacity, with a maximum capacity of 55,000 for concerts and other types of entertainment events. A cooling system will enhance comfort for players and spectators in the seating bowl and in select concourse areas. The interior and hospitality spaces, designed by specialist interior design practice and Populous Company, Jump Studios, includes spatial arrangement and concept design at GA, hospitality, VIP and VVIP levels. The stadium sits at the heart of an expansive mixed-use masterplan, aiming to transform the area into a vibrant, year-round destination with a focus on inclusivity and community engagement. It will include a diverse range of retail and entertainment zones, as well as public spaces for social interaction. Innovative features like digital sports and e-gaming hubs are intended to attract new businesses and residents, with the aim of creating a self-perpetuating ecosystem. Additionally, a sports training centre with two football pitches will support athlete training, competition and recovery. A comprehensive business plan for Aramco Stadium, led by Populous Consulting, has been developed to ensure its sustained success and influence beyond Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 vision. Using a data-driven approach and thorough market research, which provided crucial insights focused on three key areas: visitor experience, community relations and commercial viability. Each aspect will contribute to the stadium’s long-term success and impact.