New Murabba Stadium in Riyadh To Seat 45,000

The New Murabba Development Company has revealed its design plans for the 45,000-seater New Murabba Stadium.

The company is a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which invests in various Saudi commercial projects. The PIF is a sovereign wealth fund that drives the growth of new sectors, companies, and jobs in Saudi Arabia.

The PIF’s giga-projects include the sustainable urban area NEOM and the cultural, sports, and entertainment landmark Qiddiya. Other giga-projects are the regenerative tourism project, Red Sea Global, and the real estate development company, ROSHN.

New Murabba: A Visionary Destination

The New Murabba is a mixed-use real estate development in northwestern Riyadh. It is specifically located at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the undertaking in February 2023, naming it the world’s largest modern downtown project.

Based on its website, the New Murabba is a “visionary destination,” where technology and sustainability are fused into one. It will also feature pedestrian and cyclist-friendly green areas such as walking and cycling paths.

New Murabba Stadium: Transforming Riyadh into a Global Destination

Construction for the New Murabba stadium will end by 2032. The stadium design takes inspiration from the acacia tree, with “layered overlapping planes” and “peeling planar texture.” It will feature state-of-the-art technology to create a personalized and immersive experience.

In addition, illuminated entry points and shaded spaces will provide areas for socializing and gathering, encouraging community engagement. The New Murabba Stadium will also host various events that are not limited to sports, gaming competitions, and exhibitions.

New Murabba Development Company CEO Michael Dyke remarked, “The New Murabba Stadium embodies our commitment to transforming Riyadh into a global destination for sports and entertainment.”

“The stadium will not only be a world-class venue for sporting events but also a vibrant community hub that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” he added.

What’s next for New Murabba

The New Murabba Development Company will also construct a museum, a technology and design university, and a multipurpose immersive theater. Visitors and residents will also enjoy the 80 entertainment and culture venues.

Moreover, the New Murabba development will have 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and 980,000 square meters of retail space. It will also have its own transportation system and is located 20 minutes away from the King Khalid International Airport.

On top of this, residents and visitors will delight in New Murabba’s Mukaab. It will be the largest structure in the world. Specifically, it will measure 400 meters high, 400 meters wide, and 400 meters long. It will notably take inspiration from Najdi-style architecture.

Najdi architecture is a traditional kind of Saudi architecture. Its key characteristics include using a courtyard space to create a cool and intimate area amid the desert climate. It uses mostly mud-brick structures, built closely together in clusters to create shade.

Riyadh: One of the world’s fastest-growing countries

The New Murabba Stadium is just one of the mega-projects Saudi authorities are developing in Riyadh.

In line with this, residents and visitors can expect more from the city. This is because earlier in July 2024, Riyadh was named one of the fastest-growing countries in the world by 2033. 

In particular, the city experienced a 26 percent spike in its population growth. The government also increased its infrastructure spending for Riyadh. Over the next 10 years, the city’s population will almost double from 5.9 million to 9.2 million.

Photo from the Saudi Press Agency