Saudi Arabia has unveiled ambitious plans for the NEOM Stadium, billed as the world's first "sky stadium", perched an astonishing 350 metres (1,150 feet) above the desert floor and integrated into the mirrored megastructure of The Line, the flagship linear city within the $500 billion NEOM megaproject. With an estimated $1 billion investment, construction is slated to begin in 2027 and conclude by 2032, positioning it as a centrepiece for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia secured as the sole bidder in December 2024. The 46,010-seat venue will host group stage matches through quarterfinals, offering spectators panoramic vistas of the Tabuk desert and Red Sea coast from unprecedented heights.

Powered entirely by renewable solar and wind energy, the stadium embodies Saudi Vision 2030's push for sustainability, featuring state-of-the-art cooling systems, LED lighting, digital fan experiences, and green materials to combat desert extremes. Access will rely on high-speed electric elevators and autonomous transit within The Line's car-free, five-minute walkability model, anchoring a sports district with training fields, hotels, and leisure zones for a net-zero ecosystem. Renderings depict a sleek, geometric design blending seamlessly with the city's mirrored facade, promising immersive 4K broadcasting and e-ticket innovations as highlighted in Saudi's official bid book.

As one of 15 venues across five host cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM—the stadium aligns with a $20 billion infrastructure overhaul, including 11 new builds and renovations to support the expanded 48-team tournament. Post-World Cup, it will serve as home to a NEOM professional club and a multipurpose arena for concerts and events, ensuring year-round viability. Viral projections from NEOM and influencers have sparked global excitement, though sceptics question engineering feasibility amid NEOM's scaled-back timelines.

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This audacious project underscores Saudi Arabia's transformation from oil dependency to a sports and innovation hub, potentially redefining stadium architecture while drawing scrutiny over human rights and environmental impacts tied to NEOM. If realised, NEOM Stadium promises to deliver football "like no other", fusing spectacle, technology, and sustainability to captivate billions during FIFA 2034.

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