Riyadh | BETH
22 Shawwal 1447 AH | Corresponding to 10 April 2026

Saudi Arabia is preparing to tender the construction of the National Athletics Stadium within the Qiddiya City project west of Riyadh, with an estimated cost of SAR 7 billion (USD 1.8 billion). The move reflects the accelerating implementation of major projects in the entertainment and sports sectors and enhances the Kingdom’s readiness to host international sporting events.

Overview

According to the British magazine MEED, which specializes in tracking and analyzing infrastructure, energy, and construction projects in the Middle East, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), the developer and implementing entity of the project, has reached advanced stages in preparing for the tender, with the main contract expected to be issued in the coming weeks.

The magazine reported that the prequalification phase for contractors is at an advanced stage, paving the way for selecting qualified companies for execution. The multi-purpose stadium will be built over an area of approximately 182,000 square meters, featuring an architectural design inspired by the London Olympic Stadium, in line with international standards for hosting major sporting events.

The project is located within the Qiddiya Sports Park and is expected to be completed by 2030, as part of Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the Asian Games Riyadh 2034, in addition to the Asian Winter Games 2029 to be held in Trojena, within the NEOM development.

The National Athletics Stadium is part of a broader portfolio of major projects within Qiddiya, including the Esports Arena, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Motorsports Track, Performing Arts Center, as well as Dragon Ball Theme Park, Six Flags Qiddiya, and the Aquarabia Water Theme Park.

These developments form part of a national strategy to enhance entertainment tourism, which has recorded notable growth in recent years, according to GlobalData, driven by the expansion of international sports and entertainment events in the Kingdom.

BETH Analysis

The tendering of the National Athletics Stadium reflects a strategic transformation in Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure. The project goes beyond being merely a sports facility, positioning itself as an economic and tourism catalyst that strengthens the Kingdom’s status as a global destination for sports and entertainment events.

Furthermore, the project enhances Saudi Arabia’s readiness to host major international events and supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in economic diversification, improving quality of life, and attracting international investment. It also benefits from the integration between Qiddiya’s projects and the Kingdom’s broader tourism and entertainment ecosystem.

The National Athletics Stadium in Qiddiya represents a significant step toward consolidating Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for sports and entertainment. It underscores the rapid progress of strategic projects that support economic growth and strengthen the Kingdom’s presence on the international events map.