Images: Populous & Besix
Ground has been broken on Aramco Stadium, one of several projects being developed in Saudi Arabia, with design and build contract-holders, Besix and Albawani, admitting the “complex” scheme faces a “challenging timeline”.
Aramco Stadium last month became the latest facility to be revealed as part of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure investment drive for its proposed staging of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. State-owned petroleum and natural gas company Aramco, which will operate the stadium in Al Khobar, detailed Populous’ designs for the facility itself, as well as its surrounding masterplan.
The new 47,000-seat venue will meet international standards and best practices for the world’s premier football competitions. It is scheduled to host games during Saudi Arabia’s staging of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and will be fully compliant with FIFA’s stadium requirements, meaning it would qualify to host World Cup matches up to the quarter-final stage.
Operating in the Middle East since 1966, Belgian construction group Besix has united with Saudi company Albawani to deliver the stadium, under the leadership and project management expertise of Aramco. The project needs to be delivered by 2026, in time for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Besix already has experience in delivering major stadium projects in Saudi, with the 60,000-seat King Abdullah International Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, among its portfolio.
Peter Lembrechts, general manager of Besix Middle East, said: “Our strategic entry into Saudi Arabia is driven by Besix’s exceptional engineering capabilities, which have been demonstrated time and again in our successful delivery of complex design and build projects across the region.
“With a focus on excellence and innovation, we are dedicated to creating transformative spaces like the Aramco Stadium that not only meet the highest standards, but also serve as symbols of unity.”
Fakher AlShawaf, group chief executive of AlBawani Holding Company, added: “As Albawani embarks on the construction of the revolutionary Aramco Stadium, we mark a transformative milestone in our legacy of pioneering top-tier sports facilities in Saudi Arabia.
“Guided by Aramco’s visionary leadership and in partnership with our esteemed collaborator Besix, the project epitomises innovation and excellence in sports infrastructure. We plan to leverage Albawani’s deep-rooted local expertise, cutting-edge construction technology, and unparalleled track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
“At Albawani, our commitment to engineering excellence and transformative design is anticipated to ensure that the Aramco Stadium will set a new benchmark for quality and innovation in sports facilities.”
Aramco Stadium is one of a number of Populous-designed venues included in the official list of potential stadia for the 2034 World Cup, as published in the Saudi Arabia bid book on July 31. Populous has led the design of the stadium from the initial concept stage and will continue to oversee the project until its completion.
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) today (Tuesday) announced it was responsible for developing and delivering the detailed design of the new stadium, actualising the signature architect’s vision of a new structure inspired by the natural environment. Dar also said it delivered the detailed design of the mixed-use masterplan facilities and infrastructure.
Dar’s sister Sidara company, Maffeis Engineering, delivered the detailed design of the structurally unique roof and façade system. Dar also crafted the sustainability strategy for the stadium, targeting LEED and Mostadam certifications and seeking to set exceptional standards for sustainable stadiums in hot climates, while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Green Initiative and local and international regulations.
The strategy includes measures for implementing passive and active energy efficiency incorporating demand response technologies, reducing water use, diverting operational waste away from landfills, and specifying eco-friendly, local, and recycled products.
Populous clarified to TheStadiumBusiness.com that it delivered stage one to three design, with Dar contributing to stage four. Populous added that it will be overall design guardian and see the project through construction.
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