Saudi Arabia has submitted a bid to host the men’s football World Cup in 2034, outlining goals for the development of hotels, stadiums, and other aspects of its travel economy. The bid book calls for the construction of tens of thousands of additional hotel rooms, 11 new stadiums, and new cities to be built from the ground up. However, concerns have been raised about the ambitious nature of these plans and the potential for delays in project delivery.
The proposed locations for the World Cup matches in Saudi Arabia include cities such as Riyadh, Neom, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Abha, with the opening and final matches scheduled to take place in Riyadh. The bid book also devotes 15 pages to sustainability and human rights, reflecting new FIFA rules prompted by safety concerns for workers during the construction of facilities for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite these efforts, the bid book does not mention alcohol, which is banned in Saudi Arabia.
The bid book reveals Saudi Arabia’s plans for the construction of hotels across the host cities, with over 45,000 rooms already aligned with FIFA requirements and an additional 185,000 rooms set to open by 2034. The breakdown of star ratings shows a significant increase in the number of four and five-star hotels, particularly in locations like Neom. However, concerns have been raised about the long-term viability of such a large increase in hotel capacity as seen in previous major event host cities.
The development of Neom, a planned futuristic city in Saudi Arabia, is a key aspect of the World Cup bid, with the first district expected to be operational before 2034. Neom will offer various types of accommodation, from three-star to ultra-luxury hotels, fully furnished apartments, and serviced apartments, to cater to the influx of visitors during the event. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve air connectivity in the country, with plans for modern airports in each of the proposed host cities.
To ensure cooler temperatures during the World Cup matches, Saudi Arabia may need to host the event in winter, similar to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The bid book outlines the temperature ranges in host cities during different seasons and emphasizes the importance of scheduling the matches accordingly. The book also details the stadiums planned for each city, their capacities, and expected completion dates, demonstrating the level of commitment to hosting a successful event.
For Saudi Arabia, the World Cup bid represents a significant opportunity to promote its sports economy and diversify its GDP. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has emphasized the importance of developing sectors such as tourism, culture, entertainment, and sports to boost economic growth. The bid is the first and only one submitted so far for the 2034 World Cup, with FIFA set to confirm the hosts by December 11. Saudi has expressed readiness to host the host draw at The Line, a key location in the country’s development plans.
