Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has agreed a deal with GMP International Spain and urban development consultants Khatib and Alami to design the stadium at its Jeddah Central project.
Jeddah Central is a wide-ranging, $20bn (£16.6bn/€19.5bn) waterfront project planned in central Jeddah. It is scheduled for completion by 2030.
The stadium will be one of the main features of the project, along with a museum, an opera house and an oceanarium. The JCDC said the stadium’s design will be unique to Jeddah and is based on “international standards” that highlight the destination.
The stadium is set to feature open spaces, green parks, a “world-class” pitch, and a “dynamic platform” bringing together international events. The venue will also look to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle in the city’s community.
GMP International has built international-standard stadiums in South Africa, Russia and Brazil, as well as sports cities in China and other countries.
Ahmed Al-Sulaim, chief executive of the JCDC, said: “This contract comes as part of our plan to launch a project that helps to enhance the economic position of Jeddah and to provide a world-class sports and entertainment destination for the city’s residents and visitors from around the Kingdom and abroad.”
Jeddah is due to host Anthony Joshua’s rematch against Oleksandr Usyk on August 20. It will mark the second time the British heavyweight boxer has fought in Saudi Arabia.
In 2019, Amnesty UK’s head of campaigns Felix Jakens said Joshua’s first fight would serve as another opportunity for the country to ‘sportswash’ its image. Amnesty International has said that Joshua should be prepared to speak out on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Saudi Arabia hosted its first Formula 1 grand prix in March in what marked the biggest ever sporting event to take place in the country. The Public Investment Fund also led a takeover of Premier League football club Newcastle United last year.
In 2021, ASM Global was appointed as the main operator for two venues within a planned mixed-use destination in Jeddah. The 20,000-seat Jeddah Arena and the International Convention Centre Jeddah will form part of the Airport City project, which will be based adjacent to the King Abdulaziz International Airport.
