Saudi Arabia has included plans to construct 11 new stadiums, including one that will be built 350 metres above the ground, as part of its formal bid to stage the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Although Saudi Arabia is the only country aiming to secure hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, having lodged its bid ahead of last October’s deadline, the Middle East nation completed its formal submission to FIFA by unveiling its official bid book in Paris on Wednesday.
The most startling plans within the submission are the proposals to build a stadium above ground in Neom, a yet-to-be-built so-called ‘Future City.’
While Neom is not due to be fully completed until 2039, the Saudi World Cup bid has said the 45,000-seat stadium in the city will be one of the “most distinctive and iconic stadiums in the world,” built into a cliff edge within The Line, a linear smart city built above the ground.
The stadium will only be accessible to driverless vehicles and high-speed lifts. “The stadium will be situated within THE LINE — more than 350 meters above ground,” the Saudi bid book said.
“It will provide an unprecedented and exceptional experience for fans scheduled to attend tournament matches.
