The project has been revealed by the Royal Commission of Riyadh and the Ministry of Sports. Studio King SalmanIt is destined to become the largest sports facility in Saudi Arabia and the largest facility in the world. Designed by an architecture firm. Populousthe work is scheduled for completion in 2029 and will represent the hub of sports and leisure activities in the Saudi capital.
A Visionary Project: Ambitious Seeds
The stadium will be built along King Salman Road in the north of Riyadh and adjacent to King Abdulaziz Park. 92,000 seat capacity. In and around the area there will be sports fields, commercial areas, an aquatic centre, an athletics stadium, multi-purpose buildings and a dedicated community park. The 9 km long track will connect various facilities emphasizing the connection between sports and nature.
The design, inspired by the Saudi landscape, symbolizes the germination of seeds that break the surface of the soil to grow. An idea that, apart from the aesthetic aspect, reflects the country’s ambition to promote the sport at all levels, from the amateur to the international elite.
Resilience and Sustainability: The Master Plan
The King Salman Stadium was designed to accommodate a variety of events, ensuring continuous use throughout the year. The integration with King Abdulaziz Park includes the use of green roofs and sustainable materials with a special focus on reducing environmental impact.
Second Shireen HamdanGeneral Manager of Populous KSA, the project is not only a fine example of architecture but also a model of the relationship between human activities and the natural environment:Our aim is to create a modern infrastructure that combines sport and sustainability, which will inspire all who visit the place.“
Apart from the extraordinary capacity, the stadium will also have services like special suites and sky boxes, designed for different categories of fans, including VIP guests. Pedestrian paths and landscaped walkways will provide easy access, transforming into multi-functional spaces on non-event days.
The ambitious King Salman Stadium project is part of a broader strategy to make Riyadh a sports and entertainment hub. Other stadiums designed by Populus, e.g Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium And King Fahd International StadiumComplete this vision.
Populus senior director Mark Crane highlighted how the studio’s international experience was key in designing the structure to FIFA standards, capable of hosting matches and events of global significance.
Recent works by Populus
Populus, a leading designer of world-class stadiums, is also working on Casablanca’s Grand Stade Hassan II. The project, the world’s largest in terms of capacity, will be developed ahead of the 2030 Football World Cup, which is jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Located in El Mansouria, the stadium’s design combines traditional Moroccan elements, such as gardens and structures inspired by local festivals, with contemporary architectural innovations. The studio’s recent works include London’s Tottenham Hotspur stadium and the Milan Cathedral project, a bold idea that would replace the historic San Siro.
