Saudi Arabia Axes Ambitious Stadium for 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup are facing setbacks. One of the most high-profile venues, the NEOM Stadium, has been quietly shelved indefinitely due to delays and downscaling.
The stadium was part of the broader development known as NEOM, a futuristic city that was introduced about a decade ago as a centrepiece of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030. The project aimed to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.
NEOM Stadium was expected to cost $2.5 billion and have a seating capacity of 46,000. However, according to MEED Projects, it is now listed as 'on hold' with no completion date in sight.
The cancellation of the NEOM Stadium is not an isolated incident. Other projects, such as The Line, a 100-mile steel and glass structure, have also been delayed or downsized. In April, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of NEOM's owner the Public Investment Fund, confirmed that The Line was no longer a priority, stating it was not vital before 2030.