Saudi Arabia Rolls out PPP Tender for a FIFA 2034 Worldcup Stadium

Saudi Arabia has formally launched procurement under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for a flagship football stadium and wider sports complex in Riyadh as part of preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034. The Ministry of Sport, working with the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP) and the Riyadh Region Municipality, has opened the Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) stages for the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City (PFBF) project. The scheme is positioned as the first in a pipeline of PPP-delivered stadiums for the tournament.

Project at a glance

• Asset: Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City (new stadium + master-planned sports district)
• Location: Al-Malaz, Riyadh (adjacent to the existing facility)
• Indicative Capacity: 47,000 seats for the new stadium
• Role in 2034: Host major domestic and international fixtures, with readiness aligned to FIFA World Cup 2034™ timelines
• Procurement: PPP (EOI/RFQ live)
  These parameters and the PPP launch were detailed in recent notices and trade reports.

Saudi Arabia’s bid and subsequent confirmation as host envisages 15 tournament venues across five host cities (a mix of existing, under-construction, and new builds). Mobilizing private capital and expertise through PPPs supports compressed delivery schedules, lifecycle performance, and whole-of-life value. PFBF is flagged as the first of several PPP stadiums expected ahead of 2034.

• Design, build, finance, operate, and maintain (DBFOM) structure for the new stadium within a larger sports city master plan (new + existing facilities).
• Integrated fan experience, transport interfacing, commercial activation zones, and sustainability features consistent with FIFA requirements and Vision 2030 objectives.

Process, timelines, and next milestones

• EOI/RFQ window: Announced mid-August 2025; the market-soundings and qualification steps are active now.
• Statements of Qualification (SOQs): Industry reporting indicates a submission deadline of 13 October 2025 for investors/consortia.
• RFP shortlist: To follow RFQ evaluation; commercial close targeted to keep construction on track for 2034 readiness.

Who should look at this?

• Developers & Investors: PPP sponsors with track records in stadiums, arenas, mixed-use districts, or large social-infrastructure DBFOMs.
• Contractors & Designers: Tier-1 EPCs, specialist stadium architects/engineers, MEP, façade, roof, bowl, acoustics, and digital-venue specialists.
• Operators: Venue operations, FM, security, transport integration, ticketing, and event commercialization partners.
• Finance & Advisory: Project finance lenders, Islamic finance providers, legal, technical, and ESG advisors familiar with Saudi PPP frameworks.
  Saudi Arabia’s NCP-led framework provides standardized PPP processes, bankability enhancements, and alignment with Vision 2030 investment objectives.

The tournament plan calls for a compact footprint with 15 venues, including eight in Riyadh and four in Jeddah, with additional venues in Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. Multiple new builds are envisaged, alongside upgrades to existing grounds creating a sizeable, multi-year pipeline for the construction supply chain.