Saudi Arabia has officially released its bid book for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, laying out an ambitious and comprehensive plan that reflects the Kingdom’s growing influence in global sports.
The bid book details the country’s proposal to host the tournament across 15 state-of-the-art stadiums located in five major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Khobar, and Mecca. These stadiums are a mix of existing venues, like the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, and newly designed ones that blend modern technology with traditional Saudi architecture.
The bid, under the slogan “Growing Together,” highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural integration. For instance, the New Murabba Stadium in Riyadh is designed with a focus on community engagement and features a roof that provides shaded areas for gatherings.
Similarly, the ROSHN Stadium, also in Riyadh, is planned to be a centrepiece of a walkable community, complete with green spaces and cultural amenities, reinforcing the bid’s emphasis on legacy and long-term urban development.
Sustainability is a key theme throughout the bid. The stadium designs incorporate advanced technology for energy efficiency, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, and prioritize the use of local materials to blend with the natural landscape.
The Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, for instance, draws inspiration from the local Dawwama whirlpool phenomenon, incorporating wave motifs and sustainable practices that align with the Kingdom’s broader environmental goals.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s bid is not just about the physical infrastructure; it also underscores a commitment to social and cultural inclusivity. The Kingdom has assured FIFA and the global community that the tournament will be “free of discriminatory practices,” reflecting a broader shift in the country’s social policies. The bid also highlights plans for fan engagement and cultural experiences that will showcase Saudi Arabia’s heritage and modernity.
The proposal is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and establish the country as a global hub for sports and entertainment. Hosting the 2034 World Cup would be a significant milestone in this strategy, potentially making it one of the most-watched sporting events in history and providing a major boost to the Kingdom’s international profile.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup is a bold and forward-looking proposal that integrates cutting-edge stadium design, sustainability, and a commitment to cultural inclusivity. If successful, it would mark a new chapter in the Kingdom’s ongoing transformation and its role on the global stage.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the minister of sport and president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “Together we are working toward materializing Saudi Arabia’s dream of hosting the FIFA World Cup into a tangible reality — as outlined within our official bid book.”
He expressed appreciation to the Saudi leadership for its unlimited support of the Kingdom’s sports sector, and the crown prince for his continuous guidance and significant empowerment over Saudi Arabia’s official FIFA World Cup 2034 bid. The official bid book provides the Kingdom’s plan to stage one of the world’s largest and most important sporting events, the FIFA World Cup.
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