Saudi-based Al Bawani and Belgian contractor Besix have kicked off construction at Aramco Stadium under a design and build contract, according to a joint press release. The landmark stadium is designed to accommodate some 47k spectators and is intended for delivery by 2026, in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup. The stadium is developed by PIF-owned real estate player Roshn Group in partnership with Saudi Aramco. Information about the project’s investment size wasn’t disclosed.
REMEMBER- Saudi is looking to host a handful of international sporting events in the next decade, with plans to build out sports infrastructure to bolster its bidding position. Officials released the Kingdom’s bid book for the 2034 Fifa World Cup last month, highlighting 15 stadiums across five cities, from Riyadh to Al Khobar, Jeddah, Abha, and Neom. Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup after Australia backed out. The Kingdom is also exploring the possibility of bidding to host the Olympic games.
About the companies: Besix has operations across 25 countries, with a portfolio that includes Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. This is in addition to King Abdullah International Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar, and the Queensland County Bank Stadium in Australia. Al Bawani’s portfolio includes the Grand Mosque, and King Abdullah Center for Oncology and Liver Diseases.