In a bid to successfully complete the Al Khobar Stadium by 2026, Aramco recently appointed Ayesa, a leading global provider of technology and engineering solutions, to deliver project management consultancy services throughout the construction of the stadium.
Leveraging its extensive expertise, the Spain-based company will ensure the successful delivery of the state-of-the-art landmark project in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup. Notably, the stadium will also host FIFA World Cup 2034 matches.
“This project is a significant milestone for us not only because of its scale but also as a testament to our multidisciplinary excellence in architecture, landscaping, and civil engineering. It underscores our position as global experts in stadium development and highlights our growing international footprint,” stated Antonio Cubero Hernández, director of buildings & cities division for EMEA, ASIA & LATAM.
Stadium to span 800,000 m²
The Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, which spans 800,000 m², will include cutting-edge sports and entertainment facilities, retail areas, and entertainment zones. Set for completion in 2026, it will accommodate 47,000 spectators and serve as the venue for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup.
The company previously worked on Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Cartuja Stadium in Seville, and the F1 and Motorcycle Grand Prix circuits in Valencia and Jerez.
With a track record in managing high-profile, complex sports facility developments, Ayesa is well-positioned to apply its extensive experience to this ambitious project. Ayesa’s commitment to delivering high-quality projects, maintaining cost control and timelines, and providing innovative solutions will be essential to ensuring the successful realization of this stadium.
“Our approach emphasizes building strong partnerships and setting new standards for sports stadiums that offer multi-use, generate multiple revenue streams, and have strong connections with the local community. This project will support local businesses and the economy and serve as a major milestone in Saudi Vision 2030, addressing the Kingdom’s evolving needs,” added José Ramón Delgado, Ayesa’s Middle East regional manager.
Read| FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia: Complete list of 15 stadiums
One of the most ambitious projects globally
Earlier this year, Aramco revealed that global architectural design firm Populous will design the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar. The stadium is one of several Populous-designed venues included in the official list of potential venues for the 2034 World Cup, as published in the Saudi Arabia bid book on July 31. The stadium will be fully compliant with FIFA’s stadium requirements which means that it would qualify to host World Cup matches up to the quarter-final stage.
“In terms of scale and facility offerings, this project is one of the most ambitious of its kind globally, underpinning Saudi Arabia’s ambition to make Al Khobar one of the world’s premier sporting destinations,” stated Rhys Courtney, Populous senior principal and lead architect for the project.
The Aramco Stadium also aims to achieve LEED certification for sustainability and will meet international inclusive design best practices to enable visitors to use and enjoy the venue on equal terms. Its design draws inspiration from Al Khobar’s location on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The building’s spiral form minimizes the venue’s footprint and optimizes natural ventilation.
The seating bowl will provide world-class viewing for football, with a compact configuration and a full view of the pitch from every seat. The Aramco Stadium will have a 47,000 gross capacity, with a maximum capacity of 55,000 for concerts and other types of entertainment events. Besides, a cooling system will enhance comfort for players and spectators in the seating bowl and in select concourse areas.
Innovative features like digital sports and e-gaming hubs also aim to attract new businesses and residents, creating a self-perpetuating ecosystem. Additionally, a sports training center with two football pitches will support athlete training, competition, and recovery.
