Saudi Arabia Design & Construction FIFA World Cup 2034 Opportunities

More than just a global spectacle, the 2034 FIFA World Cup will serve as strategic driver of economic diversification, cultural transformation, and international visibility, aligning with Vision 2030 goals aiming to develop world-class sports facilities, transportation networks, and hospitality infrastructure.

To oversee preparations, Saudi Arabia established the Higher Authority for Hosting the World Cup, led by the Crown Prince. This entity is responsible for planning, execution, and coordination, working closely with stakeholders. Major projects include the construction of new stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Khobar, NEOM, and Abha.

The World Cup will require significant economic activity and presents major opportunities for U.S. companies, particularly in construction and infrastructure. Key areas include FIFA-compliant stadiums with advanced cooling systems, smart technology integration, and renovations of existing venues. The Kingdom is also prioritizing AI, IoT, and 5G connectivity to enhance visitor experiences across stadiums, hotels, and public spaces.

Additional opportunities lie in smart ticketing, advanced security surveillance, and interactive fan engagement technologies. Construction of fan villages and sports entertainment hubs will further enrich the tourism ecosystem. Large-scale transportation infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of the Riyadh Metro and upgrades to Saudi international airports, are required to improve regional and international connectivity.

U.S. companies with expertise in engineering, smart city solutions, sustainable construction, and hospitality stand to benefit significantly from this opportunity. Early engagement through strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and government-backed projects will be key to securing a foothold in this dynamic market.

To support U.S. businesses, the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service in Saudi Arabia has launched an infrastructure working group to connect American firms with these and other emerging opportunities. For more information, please contact Anwar Shaqhan, Senior Commercial Specialist at Anwar.Shaqhan@trade.gov