The architectural firm Populous will realise the Aramco Stadium – owned by the Saudi group of the same name – and its masterplan in the city of Al Khobar, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Populous led the design of the stadium from its conceptual phase and will continue to work on the project until its completion.
The new 47,000-seat stadium will comply with the highest international standards and have the necessary features to host the world’s most important football competitions: it will also be able to host World Cup matches, up to the quarter-finals.
The stadium and the surrounding masterplan will be built on an area of approximately 800,000 square metres. In addition to the stadium, a complete set of services and community facilities are planned to offer an unparalleled sports and entertainment experience: new sports facilities, shopping areas, socialising areas and public spaces.
The structure is inspired by the landscape of Al Khobar, located on the shores of the Persian Gulf. The dynamic and eye-catching exterior has organic shapes reminiscent of the movement of waves. The overlapping translucent sails that characterise the façade create a fluid sequence that allows natural light to penetrate the interior.
The spiral shape of the building is mirrored on the inside in the ramps and pathways that lead spectators to the grandstand, which is elliptically modelled to minimise the footprint and optimise natural ventilation.
Developed by the specialised designers of Populous, the grandstand will offer an impeccable view during football matches, with a compact configuration and optimal view of the pitch from every seat. It will have a capacity of approximately 47,000 seats, rising to 55,000 for concerts and events. A cooling system will increase the comfort of players and spectators in the stands and some other areas of the stadium.
The interior and hospitality areas are designed by Jump Studios, an interior design company of Populous, which supervised the spatial layout and design of the General Admission, Hospitality, VIP and VVIP areas.
The stadium is at the centre of a vast mixed-use masterplan, also designed by Populous. The aim is to transform the entire area into a vibrant, year-round destination with a focus on inclusivity and community involvement.
A diverse range of commercial and leisure areas are planned, as well as public spaces for social interaction. Innovative areas such as digital sports and e-gaming hubs are designed to attract new businesses and residents, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. In addition, a sports training centre with two football pitches will be available for athletes to train, compete and recover.
Shireen Hamdan, Senior Principal and General Manager of Populous KSA, stated: “The development of Aramco Stadium will create a world-class football venue capable of hosting high-level international tournaments. The venue’s unique location on the shores of the Persian Gulf has allowed us to develop a distinctive building form that is unique and highly recognisable. Its open design invites the community to gather, celebrate and create lasting memories, making it a symbol of Al Khobar’s rich heritage and vibrant future. Its design will become iconic in the world of football, exemplifying Saudi Arabia’s vision to further develop Al Khobar as a global sports destination, attracting visitors from around the world.”
Rhys Courtney, Senior Principal of Populous and Chief Designer of the project, said: “This world-class development project spans almost one square kilometre, creating a seamless connection between the facility and the City of Sport district. It will host elite sports, grassroots sports activities and recreational opportunities. In terms of size and service offering, this project is one of the largest of its kind globally, supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to transform Al Khobar into one of the world’s leading sporting destinations’.
For further information visit www.populous.com.
