Saudi Arabia is Building the World's First Sky Stadium

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking (or perhaps skyscraping) stadium within the smart-city development of The Line at NEOM, set to host matches during the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The venue, dubbed the Sky Stadium will be suspended roughly 350 metres (1,150 feet) above the desert, and is projected to seat approximately 46,000 spectators.

Construction is expected to begin around 2027, with an operational target of 2032, well in advance of the tournament. The stadium and surrounding complex are designed to run entirely on renewable energy, and will integrate with NEOM’s electric transit system.

Integrated at the top of The Line’s mirrored megastructure, the stadium’s design features sharp geometry, mirrored surfaces, and a roof expressed as fractured planes above the seating bowl. The interior adopts a beehive-like layout to enhance sightlines and acoustics.

The stadium forms part of a five-region World Cup plan spanning Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom. Other major venues outlined include the 92000-seat King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, identified to host the opening and final matches; the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya with retractable pitch and roof systems; the New Murabba Stadium designed for multipurpose use beyond the tournament; and the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, budgeted at over USD 1 billion.