Riyadh (Sports Desk) — Saudi Arabia has suspended construction of the unique Neom Stadium being built for the 2034 FIFA World Cup for an indefinite period.
According to an international news agency, sources familiar with the matter said the decision was taken after delays and a reduction in the scale of Neom’s major project, “The Line.”
The Neom Stadium was planned to be built at an elevated location in “The Line,” a futuristic city approximately 160 kilometers long. The project was described as an important part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and expand its economy across various sectors.
According to “MEED Projects,” an organization monitoring construction projects, the 46,000-seat Neom Stadium was expected to cost approximately $2.5 billion. However, the project has currently been suspended and no final completion date has been set.
For the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is constructing or upgrading 15 stadiums in five cities, in addition to developing several training centers, with the total value estimated at approximately $22.7 billion.
According to reports, the ongoing war situation in the region, threats to infrastructure and pressure on the national budget have also increased difficulties for major development projects.
However, Saudi officials say significant progress in preparations for the World Cup is continuing.