Saudi Arabia has discreetly dropped plans to build a futuristic stadium in the sky for the 2034 World Cup. The 46,000-capacity NEOM Stadium was due to be built as part of the 170-km-long megacity, The Line, 350 metres above the ground.
The £2 billion project, unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, has encountered difficulties and escalating costs. A report from earlier this year revealed that just 2.4km of groundwork has been finished for the audacious venture, which has also faced allegations of human rights violations, with the indigenous Huwaitat tribe forcibly displaced from their territory.
World Cup host designation
Saudi Arabia was confirmed as a World Cup host by FIFA in December 2024, with NEOM designated as one of the locations. The Saudi 2034 website pledges it will be "built as a living laboratory – an accelerator of human progress," "a new model for livability", and "a future global hub."
However, as reported by Reuters, the construction intelligence platform MEED Projects indicates that the NEOM Stadium is currently categorised as "on hold," casting uncertainty over its development. NEOM has been approached for comment.
Reduced ambitions for The Line
Saudi Arabia's original World Cup bid featured 15 stadiums, yet only four had been constructed at that point. Securing the tournament formed a key element of Bin Salman's blueprint for the country as he attempts to reduce the Kingdom's dependence on oil revenues.
However, the astronomical expenses associated with The Line have led to a reduction in ambitions. Reports suggest $50 billion (£37.8bn) has already been invested, and an internal dossier indicates the project would require $8.8 trillion (£6.6t) to reach completion by 2080.
The NEOM Stadium was planned to be positioned above ground level, within The Line. The marketing material depicts an extravagant, cutting-edge concept featuring extensive glass and mirror elements.
Uncertain future and other project pauses
Its construction now faces considerable uncertainty. In April, Yasir al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), insisted no NEOM projects had been entirely abandoned and that they were merely focusing on where to allocate their resources.
The Mukaab, an enormous cube-shaped tower in Riyadh, was also recently put on hold, with PIF stepping back from ambitious long-term ventures. The Middle Eastern nation's dedication to sport has shown signs of slowing in recent years, with the decision to pull funding from LIV Golf in April serving as a clear indication.
Saudi has also dropped two lucrative snooker tournaments after just a couple of years. With the World Cup heading to the country as part of the nation's broader tourism objectives, stadium facilities remain essential.
The Saudi World Cup 2034 Hosting Higher Authority recently said that "substantial delivery" of tournament infrastructure is already underway. With the competition set to feature 48 teams in a single nation, the pressure to meet deadlines is considerable.
