Qiddiya launches Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Qiddiya Investment Co.'s (QIC) board of directors announced today, Jan. 15, the launch of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Upon opening, the stadium, an iconic multi-use venue, is anticipated to host some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest sports, entertainment, and cultural events.

Located in Qiddiya City above the breathtaking 200-meter-high Tuwaiq cliff and just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this futuristic venue is anticipated to become a must-visit destination.

The stadium aims to attract visitors from across the globe and revolutionize the traditional stadium experience with its immersive design and unique technological features, putting spectators at the center of the show, according to a press release from the company.

Commenting on the launch, QIC Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood said: “Our ambition is for Qiddiya City to become a global destination for entertainment, sports and culture and this iconic new stadium will be at its very heart. The futuristic venue aims to reinvent the traditional stadium concept and embody the true spirit of Qiddiya’s Power of Play philosophy. It uses state-of-the-art technology and innovative, world-leading design to put the spectator at the centre of the experience.”

“It will become a bucket-list destination for fans and enthusiasts across the world, hosting major events from across the world of sport and entertainment,” he added.

Designed by global architectural firm Populous, the stadium is set to be the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable roof, pitch and LED wall – an architectural innovation offering unparalleled versatility and allowing the space to transform into different "event modes" in a matter of hours. This LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and laser shows, offering guests a novel, immersive experience with each visit. When not activated, it will open to reveal breathtaking views of Qiddiya City.

Guests will be able to enjoy multiple spectacles in a single day, including football, boxing, esports, concerts, and theatre performances to name a few. The stadium will employ cutting-edge technology to provide fans with instant access to live data and information, including the use of state-of-the-art holographic technology, enabling virtual interactions with celebrities and stars.

The venue will be able to host events all year round in its climate-controlled facilities, where energy consumption will be reduced through an eco-friendly cooling lake built directly under the stadium. The lake will use rainwater captured from the stadium and the surrounding area to pre-cool the air conditioning system.

The announcement follows the Crown Prince’s recent unveiling of the transformation of Qiddiya and vision for Qiddiya City to become a global destination for entertainment, sports and culture focused on Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy.

The stadium is set to be the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable roof, pitch and LED wall – an architectural innovation offering unparalleled versatility and allowing the space to transform into different "event modes" in a matter of hours.#PlayLife… pic.twitter.com/bIK3vHXDOQ

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 15, 2024