Overview of the 2034 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup marks a historic milestone, showcasing the Kingdom’s readiness to deliver a world-class event. The tournament aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost infrastructure, tourism, and global influence. The event is expected to attract over 1.2 million spectators to world-class stadiums, elevating Saudi Arabia’s global stature.
Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup offers a remarkable platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its flourishing tourism sector and attract significant global investment. With the World Cup serving as a catalyst for unlocking unprecedented opportunities in tourism and economic growth.
World-Class Stadiums Across Host Cities
The 2034 World Cup will take place in 15 state-of-the-art stadiums across five key cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Neom, Al Khobar, and Abha.
The planned introduction of eight new stadiums complements the ongoing construction of three more, alongside four refurbished venues. Riyadh’s King Salman International Stadium will serve as a premier location for opening and final matches, setting a breathtaking stage for this grand event.
Expanding hospitality and hotel networks
To accommodate the growing number of visitors, Saudi Arabia plans a major expansion of its hospitality infrastructure by 2034, aiming to provide over 230,000 hotel rooms to meet FIFA’s standards for both fans and teams.
This includes the addition of 67,300 new 5-star rooms and 57,582 new 4-star accommodations.
Currently, over 45,000 hotel rooms are available across the host cities, with more than 185,000 additional rooms being developed through ongoing projects to meet future demand.
Accommodation across the host cities will be available to suit the needs and budgets of all visitors, with the following distribution of rooms:
Fan Villages: Temporary, eco-friendly accommodations strategically located near the stadiums, providing a sustainable and immersive experience for fans.
Hospitality Zones: Vibrant areas offering local cuisines, cultural experiences, and entertainment hubs, enhancing the overall fan experience and connecting visitors with Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage.
Promising Event for Economic Growth
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is set to grow significantly, with visitor numbers rising from 109 million in 2023 to a projected 150 million annually by 2030, driven by cultural landmarks like AlUla and Diriyah, mega-projects such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project
According to the World Tourism Barometer, Saudi Arabia ranked first in the growth of international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019 among large tourism destinations with a 56% increase
Tourism is a key economic driver under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, with plans to position the Kingdom as one of the world’s top tourism destinations.
By 2034 the surge of international tourists during the World Cup. This growth will boost GDP contribution from 4.4% to 10% by 2030, creating jobs in hospitality, construction, and event management.
Transport and Connectivity
Hosting the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup in a single country presents a unique opportunity to connect attendees from around the globe and enhance the vibrant atmosphere that makes the event so special.
Transportation will play a crucial role in linking teams, fans, and the FIFA community to each host city, ensuring efficient, fast, and safe movement both between and within these cities.
All five proposed host cities will feature modern, world-class airports, offering connections to over 250 international destinations.
Saudi Arabia is committed to developing an advanced transport network for the event, building on existing infrastructure and introducing enhancements for seamless connectivity.
The new high-speed rail system will efficiently link key host cities, and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is expected to handle 100 million passengers annually by 2034. With these advancements, the Kingdom is preparing for an extraordinary sporting event.
Be Part of This Growth Journey
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup represents a powerful blend of tradition and innovation. The event promises to leave a lasting legacy, demonstrating the Kingdom’s readiness to embrace global connectivity while transforming its tourism and hospitality sectors.
As Saudi Arabia embarks on this ambitious journey, the world looks forward to an unparalleled celebration of sport and culture, with opportunities for global collaboration, investment, and growth.
Contact us to learn how we can support you in this extraordinary journey and help you be part of this transformative event.