Saudi Arabia Seeks Contractors for $1.8bn Olympics-Style Stadium: Transforming Riyadh’s Sports Infrastructure
- Michael Ghobrial
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Saudi Arabia has launched the procurement phase for a landmark Olympic-sized stadium project in Riyadh, budgeted at $1.8 billion. This “Olympics-style” venue, planned with a capacity for approximately 47,000 spectators, will serve as a key site for the country’s ambitious expansion in sports infrastructure leading up to hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will be delivered via a public-private partnership (PPP), with interested contractors invited to submit bids under a design, build, finance, operate, and maintain model. Saudi Vision 2030’s strategic focus is on building world-class stadiums that serve sporting, entertainment, and cultural events while promoting sustainable building and long-term value.
Project Overview
Location: Riyadh, north of King Abdullah Park in the Al-Malaz district
Capacity: ~47,000 seats
Purpose: Hosting major sporting events, including World Cup football matches
Delivery Model: 20–30 year PPP, including design, construction, financing, operations, and maintenance
Tender Deadline: Expression of interest and qualification required by October 2025
Technical and Development Details
The stadium will feature climate-adaptive architecture, advanced cooling systems, and extensive digital displays, incorporating sustainable building techniques to manage temperatures and energy efficiently in the desert climate. The venue is designed to be multi-functional: transforming from football matches to concerts, laser shows, and community events.
Key specifications:
Ventilated roof and facade for passive cooling
LED-based screens inside and outside to support immersive events
Flexible infrastructure for future upgrades
Strategic Importance and Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s push for mega stadiums is part of a broader infrastructure development programme, aiming to attract 150 million annual visitors and boost the country’s global sports image. The Kingdom’s government and sovereign wealth fund have earmarked billions for upgrading the sports sector, promoting physical activity, and creating new market analysis opportunities for investors and contractors alike.
Construction Opportunities
Contractors will be sought for:
Large-scale earthworks, foundations, and superstructures
Advanced MEP for climate control and digital systems
Specialist façade and roof engineering (cooling and shading)
Fit-out and crowd management systems
Renewable energy integration and ongoing facility maintenance
Digital twin-enabled project management
Saudi authorities have made market entry easier, and international construction firms are encouraged to partner with local companies to meet PPP requirements and local content rules.
Public-Private Partnership and Bid Guidance
The PPP framework supports risk sharing and innovation, with the private sector responsible for design, construction, and facility management over two to three decades. Competitive bidders will need proven experience in stadium construction, sustainable building practices, and robust project management.
Wider Sports Infrastructure Pipeline
Saudi Arabia has announced additional stadiums and associated sports clusters as part of its build-up to the World Cup and Asian Games, including the Qiddiya and NEOM projects. Sustainability, legacy, and community use are key priorities for post-event utilisation.
Conclusion
The $1.8bn Olympics-style stadium project in Riyadh is a showcase for public-private partnerships, sustainable building, and transformative infrastructure development. Construction professionals with experience in major venues, digital technologies, and Middle East PPP frameworks have a unique opportunity to shape Saudi Arabia’s future sports landscape in the run-up to global events.
