The Qiddiya Investment Company’s board has announced the creation of a state-of-the-art stadium in Qiddiya City, designed by the American firm Populous. Named after Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the venue is to be constructed atop a cliff, offering a panoramic view of the new entertainment hub.
Slated to open its doors in 2025, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be a 45,000-capacity arena with pioneering features, including a retractable roof, a movable pitch, and a colossal LED screen, offering the flexibility needed to host a myriad of events ranging from football games to concerts and esports competitions. Populous, the architectural powerhouse behind the design, envisions a dynamic and versatile entertainment environment, accentuated by a striking LED wall that promises to captivate audiences with an array of visual displays.
Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of QIC, has expressed his ambition for Qiddiya City to become a preeminent global destination for entertainment, sports, and cultural activities, with the stadium poised to be at the epicenter of this vision. Chris Lee from Populous highlighted the innovative use of technology that will allow for new dimensions of gaming and spectator experiences.
The stadium is not only expected to serve as the home ground for Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr football clubs but also aims to host international fixtures, such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup matches should Saudi Arabia’s bid be successful. Alongside the sports events, the stadium’s strategic location within an entertainment district affords visitors easy access to retail outlets, hotels, and a neighboring esports arena, also designed by Populous.
In alignment with environmental considerations, the venue is designed to be carbon neutral, featuring a cooling lake that utilizes collected rainwater to pre-chill the air conditioning system. With an anticipated 7.6 million visitors each year, the stadium is on course to revolutionize the match-day experience through its innovative design and integrated technology.