Aramco Stadium
| ملعب أرامكو | |
 Planned design of the stadium | |
Interactive map of Aramco Stadium | |
| Location | Khobar, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 26°21′54″N 50°10′52″E / 26.365°N 50.181°E |
| Owner | ROSHN Group |
| Operator | Saudi Aramco |
| Capacity | 47,000 |
| Surface | Hybrid grass |
| Scoreboard | Yes |
Field size | Field of play: 105m × 68m Pitch area: 125m × 85m |
| Parking | 9000 |
| Construction | |
| Groundbreaking | July 31, 2024[1] |
| Cost | SAR3.7 billion (US$1 billion) |
| Architect | Populous |
Main contractors | BESIX and ALBAWANI |
| Tenants | |
| Al-Qadsiah FC (planned) Al-Qadsiah FC (women) (planned)
| |
| Website | |
| aramcostadium | |
Aramco Stadium[a] is an under-construction multi-purpose stadium located in the north of Khobar, Saudi Arabia.[2] The stadium will be owned by the ROSHN Group and operated by Saudi Aramco, serving as the home stadium for Al-Qadsiah FC.[3] The stadium will have a capacity of 47,000 people and is scheduled to host matches for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup[4] and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.[5]
History
The stadium was built to serve as the home ground for Al-Qadsiah FC and to host matches for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Saudi Aramco announced plans to build the 47,000-seat Aramco Stadium in Khobar on 31 July 2024. Developed as an asset owned by the ROSHN Group for SAR 3.7 billion, the venue was designed by architectural firm Populous based on Arabian Gulf whirlpools and sails. Groundbreaking began in early 2024 with a completion target of late 2026. The 800,000-square-meter site features an integrated climate control system.[6]
Two safety incidents occurred during construction: a fatal accident involving a Pakistani laborer on 12 March 2025, and a minor localized fire on 16 January 2026 that emergency services contained within ten minutes. Upon opening, Al-Qadsiah FC will relocate to the venue, replacing their previous tenancy at the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium.[7]
Design
The planned design resembles a whirlpool inspired by the natural water spirals found along the coast of Khobar. The interior bowl has a seating capacity of 47,000 and features integrated cooling systems and built-in air conditioning to regulate temperatures for both players and spectators.[8]
Management
The stadium is owned by the ROSHN Group and operated by Saudi Aramco under a 25-year concession agreement. On 13 April 2026, Saudi Aramco established a wholly owned subsidiary, the Aramco Stadium Company, to handle the venue's commercial operations and facility management. Matthew Kittle was appointed as the company's chief executive officer.[9]
See also
Notes
References
- ↑ "Saudi Aramco kicks off construction of new stadium in Khobar". Argaam. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
- ↑ "Construction starts on Aramco football stadium in Khobar". Arabian Gulf Business Insight (AGBI). 2 September 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
- ↑ "ROSHN Partners with Aramco to Build Stadium in Khobar with Capacity for Around 47,000 Spectators". Saudi Press Agency. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
- ↑ "AFC announces schedule, venues for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia". Argaam. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
- ↑ "Saudi Arabia Secures FIFA 2034 World Cup Bid: Full List of Stadiums Revealed". ArchDaily. 12 December 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
- ↑ "Saudi FIFA 2034: Construction starts on new Aramco Stadium in Khobar". Construction Week Online. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
- ↑ "Pakistani killed while working on World Cup stadium in Saudi Arabia's Khobar". Dawn. 22 March 2025. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
- ↑ "Populous Designs for New Aramco Stadium and Surrounding Masterplan Revealed". Populous. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
- ↑ "Aramco Stadium Company high-ranking hires". Coliseum. 16 April 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2026.