ar- العربية In a historic move, Saudi Arabia has revealed its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a global sports hub. The Kingdom submitted a comprehensive 245-page bid book, detailing ambitious plans for infrastructure development, economic growth, and a commitment to sustainability and human rights.
Saudi Arabia’s bid, titled “Growing. Together,” has received robust support from Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reflects the Kingdom’s transformation under Vision 2030. The bid book outlines extensive goals, including the construction of 11 new stadiums, tens of thousands of additional hotel rooms, and entire cities built from scratch to support the event.
The bid book provided clear timelines and deadlines for projects, ensuring FIFA of the Kingdom’s commitment to delivering a successful tournament.
Key Components of the Bid Book
The 245-page bid book outlines several key components that highlight Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host the 2034 World Cup:
1. Infrastructure Development: Saudi Arabia plans to build 11 new stadiums and refurbish several existing ones. The new King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, with a capacity of over 92,000, will host the opening and final matches. Other cities, including Neom, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Abha, will also see significant infrastructure developments.
2. Hotel Capacity: The bid book reveals plans to add over 185,000 hotel rooms by 2034, in addition to the existing 45,000 rooms. This expansion includes luxury accommodations and a boom in four-star hotel development. Neom, in particular, will feature over 9,000 five-star rooms and 8,000 four-star rooms.
3. Air Connectivity: By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to have a countrywide airport capacity of over 300 million passengers, with flights to 250 destinations. Major hubs like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Neom will undergo significant expansions to accommodate the influx of visitors during the World Cup.
4. Human Rights and Sustainability: The bid book dedicates 15 pages to sustainability and human rights, addressing FIFA’s new rules on worker safety and ethical construction practices. Saudi Arabia has committed to ensuring safe working conditions for all workers involved in World Cup projects.
Saudi Arabia has made several promises to ensure the 2034 World Cup is a memorable event. The World Cup will be an opportunity for visitors to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, with training camps located in iconic tourist destinations across the country.
The World Cup will take place in 5 cities:
Riyadh
• The planned King Salman International Stadium will boast a capacity of 92,760.
• King Fahad Sports City Stadium, set to be refurbished, will hold 70,200 spectators.
• Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium is another planned venue, with a capacity of 46,979.
• The New Murabba Stadium, also planned, will accommodate 46,010 fans.
• Roshn Stadium, part of the planned developments, will have a capacity of 46,000.
• Currently under construction, Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sports City Stadium will seat 46,855.
• South Riyadh Stadium, another planned venue, will host 47,060 attendees.
• King Saud University Stadium, to be refurbished, will have a capacity of 46,319.
Jeddah
• King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, slated for refurbishment, will hold 58,432 fans.
• The planned Qiddiya Coast Stadium will have a capacity of 46,096.
• Jeddah Development Stadium, currently under construction, will accommodate 45,794 spectators.
• King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, a planned venue, will seat 45,700.
Al Khobar
• Aramco Stadium is under construction and will have a capacity of 46,096.
Abha
• King Khalid University Stadium, set for refurbishment, will host 45,428 attendees.
Neom
• The planned Neom Stadium will accommodate 46,010 spectators.
The Importance of Sports
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting the World Cup underscores its broader strategy of diversifying its economy and boosting the sports sector. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has emphasized the importance of sports in driving economic growth, creating tourism opportunities, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup will mark a significant achievement in its Vision 2030 goals if successful. With ambitious infrastructure projects, a commitment to human rights and sustainability, and a focus on delivering a world-class event, the Kingdom is set to transform the global sports landscape and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.