Populous, the architecture studio, has revealed its design for the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia, slated to be a proposed venue for the 2034 World Cup. Named after the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, the stadium, situated in the Qiddiya entertainment district, will feature a retractable roof and pitch.
“It is set to be the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable roof, pitch and LED wall – an architectural innovation offering unparalleled versatility and allowing the space to transform into different event modes in a matter of hours,” said Populous in a statement.
One side of the stadium will showcase a sizable, retractable LED wall for live event broadcasts, films, and laser shows. When retracted, it will reveal an opening providing panoramic views of the 200-meter-high Tuwaiq cliff upon which the stadium is perched, allowing spectators in the three-sided seating to enjoy the scenic backdrop.
The exterior of the geometric venue will be adorned with digital screens, creating a visually striking structure rising from the cliffside in staggered blocks. Surrounding the stadium will be towers housing sports and entertainment spaces, linked by an internal street covered with LED screens guiding visitors to openings with cliff-edge views.
This stadium is a crucial component of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, designed by Populous to meet FIFA requirements with a seating capacity of 45,000. It will serve as the home ground for Saudi Arabia’s pro league football clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, hosting diverse events such as boxing, e-sports, concerts, and theatre performances.
Integrated into Qiddiya city, the stadium will be connected to other venues in the gaming and e-sports district through park-and-ride facilities and drop-off zones. Adjacent developments will include hotels, shopping areas, and dining facilities. The stadium’s design incorporates low-energy, climate-controlled features to ensure comfortable temperatures year-round, including a lake beneath the stadium for reusing captured rainwater in the air conditioning system.
