Sustainability in all hues of Riyadh venue

Article posted by Coliseum, July 30^th, 2024

Image: Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Ministry of Sport

The Saudi authorities have unveiled ambitious plans to construct the King Salman Stadium (designed by Populous) by 2029. This state-of-the-art facility will boast a seating capacity of 92,000 and span a sprawling area exceeding 660,000 square meters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

‘Saudi Gazette’ stated that the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sports have unveiled the designs and future plans for the King Salman Stadium and its sports facilities. Set to be one of the largest sports stadiums globally with sustainability at the forefront, it will serve as the main venue for the Saudi national team and will host major sporting events and activities.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)-based the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), formerly The Riyadh Development Authority (RDA) and The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, is a Royal Commission established in 1974 during the reign of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz which was tasked with overseeing the urban, economic, social, and cultural development of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry of Sports represents the Saudi Arabian sport at an international level and manages the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee representing Saudi Arabia as well as all the 30 Saudi sports federations. Locally, it defines all the sporting objectives.

Image: Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Ministry of Sport

‘Saudi Gazette’ further stated that the King Salman Stadium and its facilities will cover an area exceeding 660,000 square meters featuring a variety of amenities for different sports activities.

The site will include the commercial centers and the recreational areas accessible to all the age groups throughout the day making it an attractive destination for the visitors from both inside and outside the Kingdom.

The main stadium will have a seating capacity of 92,000, including a Royal Box with 150 seats, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats, and 2,200 seats for the dignitaries.

The stadium will boast sustainable cooling systems for both the audience seats and the playing field.

Image: Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Ministry of Sport

An array of screens will surround the upper stadium interior enhancing the viewing experience.

The visitors will also be able to soak in the spectacular sights of the indoor gardens and a walking track on the stadium’s roof with a sweeping view of the King Abdulaziz Park offering an exceptional experience.

Located in the Northern part of Riyadh on the King Salman Road, adjacent to the under construction King Abdulaziz Park, the stadium benefits from its proximity to the key City locations such as the King Khalid International Airport. It is well-connected to Riyadh’s train station and the major road networks facilitating easy access from all parts of the City.

The master plan for the King Salman Stadium includes the several surrounding sports facilities over an area exceeding 360,000 square meters.

The key features include two auxiliary training fields, fan zones, an indoor sports hall, an Olympic swimming pool, and an athletics track. The outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball and padel will also be available catering to various sporting activities for all age groups. All these facilities will be connected by a nine kilometer sports trail around the King Abdulaziz Park.

Image: Royal Commission for Riyadh City and Ministry of Sport

The stadium’s design and its facilities, set for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029, were selected from several submissions by six international companies.

These designs were chosen to meet the FIFA’s requirements and uphold standards of sustainability and architectural excellence.

The final design, inspired by the mountainous terrain concept, integrates seamlessly with the King Abdulaziz Park through a valley that intersects the surrounding green spaces.

The stadium’s architectural design includes green walls and roofs spanning over 96,500 square meters drawing inspiration from the local architecture and meeting the environmental sustainability and Green building standards. This iconic sports architectural landmark will be well-equipped to host the major local and international entertainment events enhancing the quality of life in Riyadh and boosting the City’s global ranking as one of the world’s most livable Cities.

‘Turning Point’

A ‘LinkedIn Post By Khaled AlOjyan, Senior Architect, Royal Commission for Riyadh City’ stated, “The unveiling of the King Salman Stadium by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the Ministry of Sports marks a significant turning point for the sports landscape in Saudi Arabia. Set to become one of the largest sports venues in the world, this state-of-the-art facility promises to redefine not only how sports are experienced in the Kingdom but also to position Saudi Arabia as a pivotal player on the global sports stage.”

“Strategically located in Northern Riyadh on King Salman Road and adjacent to the King Abdulaziz Park, the stadium’s prime location enhances its accessibility. Proximity to the King Khalid International Airport and seamless connections to the Riyadh train station and the major roadways will ensure that the fans from across the Kingdom and beyond can easily attend the events transforming how sporting events are consumed in Saudi Arabia.”

The ‘LinkedIn Post By Khaled AlOjyan, Senior Architect, Royal Commission for Riyadh City’ further stated, “This ambitious project enjoys the full support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz (King of Saudi Arabia) and the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia), who are deeply committed to advancing sports in the Kingdom. Their vision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and enhance its international profile through sports thus creating opportunities for the local and the international athletes.”

King Abdulaziz Park

The King Abdulaziz Park is the latest development heading to Riyadh and construction has already started as announced by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City on July 24^th.

The new project promises layers among layers of space – 4.3 million square meters to be exact. Set to be up and running in three years – 2027 – the King Abdulaziz Park Riyadh is part of the larger Green Riyadh (urban forestation) initiative.

MBS Nod

The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud endorsed on July 29^th the Kingdom’s (Saudi Arabia) bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034™.

‘ALARABIYA news’ stated that the endorsement follows the completion of the bid’s detailed requirements ahead of the bid book submission to FIFA in France’s Paris.

The 2034 FIFA World Cup™ will be the 25^th FIFA World Cup™, a quadrennial international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member-associations of FIFA. It is set to be hosted in Saudi Arabia as it was the only nation to submit a bid in time for FIFA’s deadline of October 31^st, 2023.

‘ALARABIYA news’ further state that a delegation led by the Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud and President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Yasser Al Misehal will represent the Kingdom at the bid book submission ceremony.

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)-based the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is the football governing body of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1956, its responsibilities include administration of the club competitions and the national teams. The Founder of the SAFF is Prince Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud.

The official bid book forms part of the FIFA World Cup 2034™ bid journey which commenced on October 4^th, 2023 when Saudi Arabia, via the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, announced its intention to bid.

It was then followed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation submitting its official letter of intent to FIFA before the bid brand identity was revealed under the slogan ‘Growing. Together.’

The bidding period is set to conclude later this year in December when the FIFA officially announces the host nation of the FIFA World Cup 2034™ during a General Assembly meeting, the report added.

Put in Prince Abdulaziz, “We are committed to hosting an exceptional edition of the FIFA World Cup™ set to feature 48 teams in a single country for the first time in the history of the competition. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s direct supervision of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions of hosting this iconic global football event showcases his commitment to elevating the future of Saudi sport, in line with Vision 2030, and help nurture a generation of athletes capable of competing at the highest global stage. We will continue to showcase to the world our nation’s transformation across all sectors, what our youthful and vibrant population can offer and our massive capabilities of hosting the world’s biggest sporting events.”

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