Saudi Arabia’s National Athletics Stadium in Qiddiya Sports Park has moved past the initial contractor expression of interest stage and is progressing toward formal tendering for construction. Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has advanced prequalification and is releasing the main contract tender in early 2026, marking a key transition from procurement to construction planning. The status update reflects sustained momentum toward delivery ahead of the 2030 completion target, aligning with the nation’s broader sporting and Vision 2030 objectives.

QIC received expressions of interest from multiple international and regional builders during the earlier procurement phase, and it has since refined its requirements and advanced contractor prequalification. Moreover, clarification sessions with prospective bidders occurred late in 2025, preparing the field for the main tender release. The multipurpose stadium will cover about 182,000 square metres and draws design inspiration from the London Olympic Stadium, emphasizing flexibility for future events, standards compliance and fan experience quality.

The National Athletics Stadium remains a central facility within Qiddiya Sports Park, which is one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship development clusters under Vision 2030. As such, the venue will support major international competitions and community use well beyond its target completion year. This stadium’s progression also complements other megaprojects in Qiddiya, including themed entertainment areas, performance arenas, and hospitality precincts.

Current Project Status (2026)

Having completed the expression of interest phase, QIC has now entered a more advanced procurement stage. It expects to issue main construction tenders for the National Athletics Stadium contract in the first half of 2026. Previously, scheduled clarification meetings helped refine contractor submissions and align expectations on design benchmarks and standards. Economic and commercial models remain under review, ensuring competitive pricing and quality delivery outcomes.

UK‑based firm HOK leads the stadium’s design consultancy, with engineering support from Canada’s WSP and Germany’s Schlaich Bergermann Partner, ensuring that technical and structural criteria reflect international best practice. UK‑headquartered WT Partnership continues as cost consultant, providing independent verification of budget and procurement frameworks.

This updated progression of the National Athletics Stadium echoes similar strategic movements in Saudi Arabia’s sporting infrastructure space, such as the Al‑Ittihad Sports Village Project, for which Parsons Corporation was recently appointed as project management consultant for a $5.8 billion development in Jeddah. Both initiatives aim to enhance the Kingdom’s global sports capabilities and urban destinations under Vision 2030.

Alignment and Strategic importance

Saudi Arabia continues to use these developments as catalysts for community enrichment, tourism growth and international event hosting capacity building, including preparation for the 2034 Asian Games and expanded national and global competitions.

The project’s implementation is essential in preparation of the upcoming 2034 Asian Games. In December 2020, Saudi Arabia was selected to host the 2034 Asian Games. The 22nd edition of the event will be held in Riyadh from 29 November to 14 December 2034. The kingdom is also set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029. In October 2022, the Trojena development at Neom was selected to host the ninth edition of the event. However, despite the confidence, there have been major challenges in delivering the Trojena desert ski resort. Nonetheless, officials close to the project are hopeful and are certain the project will push through even as the Asian Games committee considers changing locations.

The Scope of Implementation on the National Athletics Stadium in Qiddiya City

QIC is ramping up its construction efforts at the development. In October, 2024, QIC had started construction work on Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya City. These are some of the projects that will be within the city other than the National Athletics stadium Qiddiya. A joint venture of FCC Construction and Nesma & Partners won the contract. It covers the construction of a multipurpose stadium on top of the 200-metre-high Tuwaiq cliff in the sports. Furthermore, it covers the entertainment district of Qiddiya City.

QIC has also achieved key construction milestones on several schemes that are in the execution phase at the development. One of this is the Six Flags Qiddiya City project which has reached 89% completion. On the other hand, the Aquarabia theme park is at 84%. Moreover, the golf courses at 77%. The construction of the development’s first bridge, which spans about 1 kilometer, has also been completed. The Qiddiya entertainment city project is one of Saudi Arabia’s five official gigaprojects, covering 360 square kilometres. Contractors have also submitted bids for the contract to build the performing arts center at Qiddiya Entertainment City.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: National Athletics Stadium, Qiddiya Sports Park

Location: Qiddiya, Riyadh Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Estimated Cost: $1.8 billion

Type: Multipurpose Athletics Stadium

Owner / Client: Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC)

Lead Designer: HOK (UK‑based)

Engineering Support: WSP (Canada) & Schlaich Bergermann Partner (Germany)

Cost Consultant: WT Partnership (UK‑headquartered)

Area: 182,000 square metres

Design Benchmark: Inspired by London Olympic Stadium standards

Expected Construction Start: 2026 (tender release phase)

Target Completion: 2030

Strategic Alignment: Saudi Vision 2030 – Sports Infrastructure Expansion

Project Team

Owner / Sponsor: Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) – Leads project development, procurement oversight and stakeholder engagement.

Lead Design Consultant: HOK – Responsible for stadium design and architectural concept.

Engineering Partners:

• WSP (Canada) – Provides engineering expertise
• Schlaich Bergermann Partner (Germany) – Structural design support.

Cost Consultant: WT Partnership (UK) – Oversees cost planning, verification and estimation.

Procurement / Contracting Stage: Prequalified Contractors (to be appointed): Expected to bid in main tender, including firms that expressed interest in earlier rounds.

Main Contractor: To be appointed through competitive tender in 2026.

Sub‑Contractors: To be nominated post major contract award for MEP, structural works, facade, fit‑out and specialist systems integration.

Regulatory Authorities: Saudi municipal and development regulators – Ensure permits, compliance and safety standards.