Aramco has unveiled Populous’ designs for the Aramco Stadium and its surrounding masterplan in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The new stadium, with a seating capacity of 47,000, will meet international standards for top-tier football competitions and is set to host matches in the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup. It will also be fully compliant with FIFA’s requirements, making it eligible to host World Cup games up to the quarter-final stage.
Aramco Stadium is one of several venues designed by Populous that are listed as potential sites for the 2034 World Cup, according to Saudi Arabia’s bid submission on July 31. Populous has overseen the project from its initial concept and will continue to manage the design process through to completion.
The stadium and the surrounding masterplan will span approximately 800,000 square meters. In addition to the stadium, the masterplan will feature a variety of community amenities and facilities aimed at offering a comprehensive sports and entertainment experience. These will include new sports facilities, retail spaces, entertainment zones, and public areas.
The stadium is designed to achieve LEED certification for sustainability and will adhere to international best practices in inclusive design, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all visitors.
Inspired by Al Khobar’s coastal location along the Arabian Gulf in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, the stadium’s design features a dynamic exterior that reflects the graceful movement of waves and the natural spiral patterns often seen in nature. The translucent sails of the façade, elegantly curved and layered, create a flowing effect that allows natural light to enter the stadium’s interiors through carefully designed openings.
Inside the stadium, the spiral design continues in the ramps and walkways leading to the seating bowl, which is elliptically shaped to reduce the venue’s footprint and enhance natural ventilation. The seating bowl, designed by Populous’ specialists, will offer world-class viewing experiences with a compact layout and uninterrupted views from every seat. It will have a gross capacity of approximately 47,000, expandable to 55,000 for concerts and other large events. A cooling system will be installed to enhance comfort for both players and spectators.
The interior and hospitality spaces are being designed by Jump Studios, a subsidiary of Populous, which is responsible for the layout and concept design of general admission, hospitality, VIP, and VVIP areas.
Situated at the center of a vast mixed-use masterplan, the stadium is intended to become a vibrant, year-round destination with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement. The masterplan will include diverse retail and entertainment areas, as well as public spaces designed to encourage social interaction. Innovative features such as digital sports and e-gaming hubs are expected to attract new businesses and residents, creating a thriving ecosystem. Additionally, a sports training center with two football pitches will support athlete training, competition, and recovery.
Populous Consulting, the consulting arm of Populous, has developed a comprehensive business plan for the Aramco Stadium to ensure its long-term success and influence beyond Saudi Arabia’s vision for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. By utilizing a data-driven approach and extensive market research, Populous Consulting has provided key insights focusing on visitor experience, community relations, and commercial viability, all of which are crucial to the stadium’s enduring impact.
