World Cup 2034 to Provide Off-Pitch Offerings

Preparations are underway for the World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia. In July 2024, the kingdom officially submitted its bid to host the much-awaited sporting event.

The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s objective of becoming a global sports hub, with projects such as the King Salman Stadium.

Stadiums and sports facilities

With the kingdom set to host the World Cup 2034, it has embarked on massive investments in its sports sector. For instance, the King Salman Stadium in Riyadh—opening in 2029—will have a seating capacity of 92,000. It will also span an area of 600,000 square meters, with 360,000 square meters for sports facilities.

Additionally, 10 other stadiums are being built for the World Cup 2034, including the futuristic Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. It will have a seating capacity of 46,979 and will offer 50,000 square meters of retail and entertainment spaces. Nearby, visitors can check out a center for the performing arts.

Over 230,000 rooms that meet FIFA standards will also be available for spectators. Guests can choose from a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly ones to more luxurious stays. On top of this, organizers will also provide 132 training sites in 15 different cities.

Off-pitch offerings for World Cup 2034

Apart from these facilities, World Cup 2034 fans can expect activities and attractions off the pitch. In Riyadh, in particular, they can look forward to Qiddiya, an entertainment, sports, and arts capital. The Saudi giga-project will feature the Six Flags and Dragon Ball theme parks, Speed Park Track, and Qiddiya sports arena. Saudi authorities will also build Qiddiya projects for the 2029 Asian Winter Olympics and the 2030 World Expo.

Sports lovers will also have the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah. There, they can learn and experience all about Saudi heritage and culture, as it has stood for around six hundred years. They can also go shopping or sample different cuisines in the area.

The clay and mudbrick Masmak Fortress in Riyadh’s Al-Dirah neighborhood is another stop World Cup fans should check out. There, visitors can see a traditional courtyard, costumes, and handicrafts.

The King Salman Park and Soudah Peaks

Another noteworthy attraction is King Salman Park, currently under construction, which will become one of the world’s biggest parks. Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill came up with the park’s unique design, which marries traditional and modern Salmani architecture.

The park will contain the Royal Arts Complex, which will have the Museum of World Cultures and a National Theater. In addition, it will also offer the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts.

Moving to Abha, World Cup fans can look forward to the Soudah Peaks, which feature the highest point in Saudi Arabia. It will give them a chance to take in the beauty of the kingdom’s outdoors.

These are just a few of the attractions World Cup 2034 spectators can look forward to. More importantly, these underscore the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goal of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub.

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