Saudi Aramco, stakeholders to discuss stadia project

Saudi Aramco officials, businessmen, Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce officials and other stakeholders are to meet on Wednesday (Aug. 6) at the chamber headquarters to discuss the modalities for the construction of 11 world class sports stadiums to be built in various regions of the Kingdom.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah's directive led to the decision to build these stadiums.

Saudi Aramco has already formed teams for taking initial steps to build these stadiums.

The proposed meeting on Wednesday will refine the whole idea of these stadiums and also discuss the role of each player in the project.

The proposed stadiums will be built in the Eastern Province, Madinah, Al-Qassim, Asir, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Region, Jazan, Najran, Baha and Al-Jouf.

Each stadium will have the capacity to accommodate 45,000 spectators and will be built on the pattern of King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, which was inaugurated by the King in May. King Abdullah Sports City was built by Saudi Aramco.

An official from the chamber said that the meeting is the first concrete step in the project. The business community is keen to participate in the project as a key player under the supervision of Saudi Aramco.

At present there are 23 prominent stadiums in different regions of the Kingdom. The King Abdullah Sports City consists of a 60,000-seat football stadium, a 2,000-seat multisports hall, an outdoor 1,000-seat athletic stadium, training fields for other sports disciplines, a mosque and parking for 45,000 cars.

The complex has over 308 seats earmarked for persons with special needs, with separate toilets and elevators for them. The stadium seating system is built on three levels facilitating a clear view of the ground. The roof is covered with special hard cloth with steel mesh to protect spectators from the sun and rain. Advanced technology is in place to control the temperature in the stadium.

The design of the stadium also includes modern features and capabilities, aligned with FIFA requirements, which will help attract regional and international sports and entertainment events.

Many businessmen believe that opening of these 11 new world-class sports stadium will open opportunities for the Kingdom to host several world class sporting events. It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia successfully hosted Youth under 19 soccer world cup in 1989.