The National Athletics Stadium project remains in Qiddiya City’s procurement pipeline as Saudi Arabia develops its major sports infrastructure program. The $1.8 billion venue forms part of Qiddiya Sports Park near Riyadh and will provide a multipurpose athletics facility. However, publicly available information has not confirmed a main construction contract award after the tender preparations announced earlier in 2026.
The stadium will cover approximately 182,000 square meters and accommodate athletics and other major sporting events. Qiddiya Investment Company is developing the venue as part of its wider entertainment and sports destination.
The project remains linked to Saudi Arabia’s longer-term sports infrastructure program. Riyadh will host the 2034 Asian Games, creating additional demand for major international-standard sporting facilities.
National Athletics Stadium project remains under procurement
Qiddiya Investment Company had progressed contractor prequalification before moving toward the main construction tender.
The developer was expected to issue the tender during 2026. However, no reliable public source identified in the latest search confirms that QIC awarded the main construction contract.
There is also no verified announcement confirming that major construction works have started at the stadium. This distinction matters because earlier reporting anticipated a tender release, rather than a completed contractor appointment.
Consequently, the project should currently remain classified as being in the procurement or pre-construction stage.
The estimated construction value remains SR7 billion, equivalent to approximately $1.8 billion. The final contract value could change after competitive tendering and negotiations.
Meanwhile, the project sits within the Qiddiya Sports Park cluster alongside other major sporting facilities. The wider Qiddiya development continues to advance across sports, entertainment, and hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
National Athletics Stadium project design supports multiple uses
The National Athletics Stadium will function as a multipurpose venue rather than a dedicated athletics facility. Its design draws inspiration from the London Olympic Stadium, according to project information.
The venue will cover approximately 182,000 square meters within Qiddiya Sports Park. Its large footprint will accommodate sporting infrastructure, spectator areas and supporting facilities.
HOK leads the architectural design for the project. WSP provides engineering support, while Schlaich Bergermann Partner contributes structural engineering expertise. WT Partnership serves as the cost consultant for the development. The project team will require additional construction contractors and specialist suppliers once procurement advances.
Qiddiya has not publicly confirmed a main contractor for the National Athletics Stadium. Therefore, construction responsibilities remain subject to the completion of the procurement process.
Qiddiya expands its major sports construction pipeline
The National Athletics Stadium forms part of a much broader sports construction program across Qiddiya City. Other major developments include the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium and the Qiddiya e-games arena.
The e-games arena recently reached a significant construction milestone after a Chinese contractor secured an estimated $700 million contract.
That development targets e-sports and gaming activities within Qiddiya’s dedicated Gaming and E-sports District. The separate arena project demonstrates the range of specialist venues planned across the wider destination.
The National Athletics Stadium will instead focus on athletics, major sporting events and multipurpose entertainment.
Qiddiya is also developing theme parks, motorsport infrastructure, hospitality facilities and other entertainment assets. Together, these projects form the physical infrastructure supporting the planned Qiddiya City destination.
The National Athletics Stadium remains scheduled for completion around 2030 based on currently available project information. However, the construction program could become clearer once QIC formally awards the main works contract.
National Athletics Stadium project design draws from London Olympic Stadium
The National Athletics Stadium project will deliver a multipurpose venue inspired by the design principles of the London Olympic Stadium. Accordingly, planners are prioritizing flexibility, allowing the stadium to host athletics competitions, concerts, and large-scale events efficiently.
Furthermore, the design emphasizes spectator visibility, optimized seating arrangements, and seamless crowd circulation. Engineers will incorporate advanced structural frameworks to support a lightweight yet durable roof system, enhancing environmental performance.
At the same time, the stadium will integrate digital technologies that elevate fan engagement and operational efficiency. These systems include smart ticketing, real-time analytics, and broadcast-ready infrastructure tailored for global sporting events.
Additionally, sustainability features remain central to the design strategy. Developers plan to implement energy-efficient systems and water-saving technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s environmental targets while reducing lifecycle costs.
National Athletics Stadium project strengthens Qiddiya’s global positioning
The National Athletics Stadium project reinforces Qiddiya’s ambition to become a global destination for sports, culture, and entertainment. As a result, the development will attract international events while supporting domestic sports development programs.
Meanwhile, the stadium will integrate into a wider masterplan that includes theme parks, motorsport facilities, and cultural venues. This holistic approach enhances visitor experience and ensures strong commercial viability across multiple sectors.
In addition, the project will stimulate economic activity through construction, supply chain engagement, and long-term operations. Contractors, consultants, and suppliers will benefit from significant opportunities tied to the stadium’s delivery.
Importantly, the project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil. By investing in world-class sports infrastructure, authorities aim to boost tourism, create jobs, and elevate the Kingdom’s global profile.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia continues to expand its sports infrastructure pipeline with parallel developments such as the $1 billion Aramco Stadium project, which is currently under construction in Al Khobar. The venue will host matches during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the Kingdom’s coordinated push to deliver world-class stadium assets across multiple cities.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: National Athletics Stadium project
Location: Qiddiya, near Riyadh
Project Value: $1.8 billion
Project Type: Multipurpose athletics stadium
Client/Developer: Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)
Current Status (2026):
- Pre-construction stage
- Main construction tender preparation underway
Scope of Works:
- Stadium bowl construction and structural systems
- Athletics track and field facilities
- Seating, hospitality, and VIP zones
- Roofing and façade systems
- Smart stadium and digital infrastructure
- Sustainability and energy-efficient systems
Design Inspiration: London Olympic Stadium
Key Features:
- International-standard athletics venue
- Multipurpose event capability
- Advanced spectator experience systems
- Integrated entertainment district connectivity
Estimated Timeline:
- Tender release: Expected soon
- Contract award: Pending
- Construction start: Post-award
- Completion: To be confirmed
Project Team
Project Owner: Qiddiya Investment Company
Government Oversight and Strategic Authorities:
- Public Investment Fund
- Saudi government entities supporting Vision 2030 delivery and infrastructure expansion
Development and Investment Partners:
- Strategic investment and infrastructure partners (regional and international financiers expected)
- Private-sector partners supporting Qiddiya masterplan execution
Project Management:
- To be appointed following tender award
- Likely participation of international project and cost management consultancies
Design and Engineering Consultants:
- International stadium architects and sports infrastructure designers
- Structural, civil, and MEP engineering consultants
- Specialist athletics facility planners aligned with global competition standards
Main Contractor: To be selected through competitive international tender
Specialist Contractors and Technical Partners:
- Structural steel and long-span roofing contractors
- MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) contractors
- ICT and smart stadium systems providers
- Façade engineering and stadium seating specialists
Sports and Regulatory Bodies:
- World Athletics
- International Olympic Committee
- Asian Athletics Association
- Saudi Arabian Athletics Federation
Supply Chain and Technology Partners:
- Construction materials suppliers
- Smart infrastructure and digital systems vendors
- Sustainability and energy solution providers
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