Saudi Arabia has promised to deliver an unforgettable international football spectacle when it hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
Middle East nations have been pushing to establish the region as a force in the beautiful game, and Saudi Arabia is ready to build on the legacy established by Qatar 2022.
Their first World Cup will combine futuristic architecture, mind-blowing fan experiences and digital innovation, making visitors feel part of their extraordinary transformation.
Ultra-Modern Stadiums Usher in a New Era
Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup across 15 ultra-modern stadiums in five cities – Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Al-Khobar and Neom.
Eight venues are in the capital, including the imperious 92,760-seat King Salman International Stadium, which will be the stage for the opening game and the final.
Renowned architects Populous designed this structural masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the lovely Saudi landscape and offering almost celestial views of Riyadh.
The cliff-top Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will overlook the gorgeous mountains of Qiddiya City with a fully retractable roof and LED wall that will boost the matchday experience.
The Qiddiya Coast Stadium in Jeddah casts its shadow on the Red Sea. Neom is building an elevated stadium that will stand proudly 350 metres above the ground
Each of the stadiums will be embedded with natural ventilation systems, shaded seating and solar energy solutions, ensuring matches are enjoyable.
Digital Engagement and Betting
Sports betting remains a delicate topic in the Middle East. However, the landscape has been changing, with some countries now open to gambling.
Many fans who visit the Gulf nation for the showpiece will be looking to place wagers and profit from their knowledge of the game.
The sportsbooks featured on the www.arabswin-saudi.com/en/ comparison platform will offer punters a vast array of odds on the 2034 World Cup.
Fans will also be able to blockchain tokens and other digital collectibles. These engagement tactics are already employed by Saudi Arabia during eSports tournaments.
Fan zones will invite fans from around the world to make predictions, earn rewards and compete in fantasy tournaments through FIFA’s official platforms and digital partners.
Saudi organisers will encourage international streaming partners to integrate digital engagement outlets for overseas fans, connecting matchday excitement with technology.
Streaming and Global Connectivity
The 2034 World Cup will deliver seamless, interactive viewing with 8K ultra-HD streaming, volumetric replays and immersive virtual reality.
FIFA’s official broadcast partners from every corner of the globe will work with Saudi technology firms to produce a thoroughly engaging watching experience.
Fans will be able to toggle between different camera angles, including the revolutionary referee cam, on their digital devices.
Meanwhile, ultra-modern player tracking tech will help viewers who want player statistics in real time, offering soundscapes from different sections of the stadium via spatial audio.
Saudi Arabian companies such as L-ISA spatial audio will have important roles to play in 2034, coordinating immersive sounds to go with visuals.
Streaming platforms will be tasked with innovation as viewers need new tools from language customisation to sign-language overlays and local commentary.
Saudi Arabia plans to establish fan parks in host cities. They will have giant digital walls and augmented reality projection zones, bolstering the atmosphere outside the stadiums.
Tourism, Transport and Cultural Immersion
Saudi Arabia wants its visitors in 2034 to enjoy more than the footballing spectacle and will encourage them to explore the local culture.
The Kingdom has pledged to build new airports, metro lines and high-speed railways that will connect cities seamlessly. Even fans who want to try experiences such as crossing desert stretches will enjoy fast, safe and picturesque travels.
Saudi Arabia will reportedly commission ten official fan parks that become festival zones, with music, art, and cuisine from different Arab countries.
International visitors will be encouraged to use the opportunity to tour Saudi Arabia and head to remarkable landmarks such as the Red Sea resorts.
Accommodation in Saudi Arabia caters to every type of visitor. There are luxury hotels and cruise ships for people with money to spare. Saudi Arabia will also build small, sustainable and affordable fan villages.
These accommodations will have cooling technologies to keep the temperature comfortable even in the warmest months.