Jeddah Central Stadium project is advancing as Saudi Arabia continues construction on one of its designated venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The stadium forms part of the wider $20.4 billion Jeddah Central development on the Red Sea coast. Construction contracts for the stadium and surrounding villages were awarded in February 2024.
Jeddah Central Stadium project progresses toward 2027
The Jeddah Central development spans 5.7 million square meters and includes major cultural, tourism and sports facilities. The destination is scheduled to welcome its first visitors by the end of 2027.
The stadium sits within the Sports Park District and will provide 45,000 seats. Its design comes from Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (GMP). The venue will host international matches, league fixtures and entertainment programs.
Jeddah Central Development Company signed four construction contracts worth SAR12bn in February 2024. The agreements covered the stadium, Opera House, Oceanarium and first-phase infrastructure.
A consortium comprising China Railway Construction Corporation Saudi Branch and Sama Construction for Contracting received the stadium and surrounding villages contract. China Harbour Engineering Arabia received the infrastructure contract. Modern Building Leaders secured the Opera House and Oceanarium contracts.
The stadium design also incorporates a retractable roof with cooling and ventilation systems. Four integrated villages will surround the venue, creating fan, leisure, retail and health facilities.
Jeddah Central Stadium project strengthens World Cup program
Jeddah Central Development Company hosted a Ministry of Sports delegation at the stadium in January 2026. The delegation reviewed construction phases and technical and organizational aspects of the sports infrastructure.
The visit included Vice Minister Badr Al-Qadi and focused on collaboration supporting Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup preparations.
The stadium’s progress contrasts with developments affecting another proposed World Cup venue in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is reportedly shelving the $2.5 billion NEOM Stadium indefinitely after delays affecting The Line.
The contrast between the two venues highlights the changing priorities within Saudi Arabia’s enormous development program. While Jeddah Central continues toward delivery, the elevated NEOM venue faces an uncertain future.
Read also: $5B Qiddiya City Urban Design Launched as Construction Seeks to Progress
$20.4B Jeddah Central Projects will Entail Six Districts and Other Amenities
The Jeddah Central project is aimed to have six districts once the completion of the project is done. The six districts include Central Marina, Sports Park, and Beach. The other three districts include Cultural, Creativity, and Wellness. Jeddah Central is a project being developed on a 5.7 square-kilometer construction site. It will entail 17,000 residential units and even include an opera house. It will also entail 2,700 hotel keys, a museum, and a sports stadium. The project will also host an oceanarium which is one of the major concerns for the Jeddah Central Projects. The main aim of the projects is to establish Jeddah and the Saudi Kingdom wholly as the leader in marine conservation.
Project Fact Sheet
Project: Jeddah Central Stadium
Wider development: Jeddah Central
Overall development value: $20.4 billion
Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
District: Sports Park District
Stadium capacity: 45,000 seats
Total stadium gross floor area: 489,000 square metres
Stadium land area: 245,900 square metres
Stadium purpose: International football, league events and entertainment
Wider contract value: SAR12bn across four Jeddah Central construction contracts
Destination area: 5.7 million square metres
First visitors target: End of 2027
Stadium design feature: Retractable roof
Climate systems: Integrated cooling and ventilation
Surrounding facilities: Fan, leisure, retail and health and education villages
Current status: Under construction
Project Team
Master developer: Jeddah Central Development Company
Stadium designer: Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (GMP)
Stadium contractor: China Railway Construction Corporation Saudi Branch and Sama Construction for Contracting
Infrastructure contractor: China Harbour Engineering Arabia Company Limited
Opera House and Oceanarium contractor: Modern Building Leaders
Development owner: Public Investment Fund
Sports-sector stakeholder: Ministry of Sports
World Cup oversight: Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup programme
Stadium location partner: Jeddah Central Development Company
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