At the MEED Saudi Giga Projects Summit 2025, Ed James, Head of Content & Research at MEED, highlighted the rapid development of stadium infrastructure to support upcoming international events, including the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Riyadh Expo 2030, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games. The expansion encompasses not only sports venues but also significant investments in transportation networks and hospitality infrastructure.
The hospitality sector's growth is evident in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as emerging tourist destinations such as AlUla and the Red Sea Project. By 2030, the kingdom aims to offer over 500,000 hotel rooms, a substantial increase from current capacities. International hotel brands, including Hilton, Marriott, and Accor, are expanding their presence, contributing to a diverse range of accommodations catering to various preferences and budgets.
Infrastructure upgrades are central to accommodating the anticipated influx of tourists. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is undergoing expansion to handle up to 80 million passengers annually, while King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is enhancing its capacity and passenger experience. These developments are crucial for managing the expected surge in international visitors during the World Cup.
Beyond infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is investing in developing attractions to enhance the visitor experience. Projects like the Red Sea Project, NEOM, and Diriyah Gate aim to offer a blend of luxury, heritage, and adventure. The Red Sea Project plans to feature 50 resorts across 22 islands, adding 8,000 hotel rooms with a focus on ultra-luxury and eco-friendly accommodations. Diriyah Gate seeks to transform the birthplace of the Saudi state into a cultural and heritage destination, providing visitors with insights into the kingdom's rich history.
Technology and innovation are integral to Saudi Arabia's preparations. The integration of smart city technologies into developments like NEOM aims to offer seamless digital services, enhancing transportation and accommodation experiences. The streamlined Saudi eVisa system facilitates easier entry for international tourists, and digital platforms are being developed to provide real-time information on accommodations, events, and attractions.
Sustainability remains a key focus, with projects like the Red Sea Project and NEOM adhering to strict environmental guidelines. These initiatives include the use of renewable energy, conservation of marine ecosystems, and efforts to minimize carbon footprints, aligning with global trends in eco-tourism and sustainable development.
However, the rapid expansion has raised concerns regarding the welfare of migrant workers involved in these large-scale projects. Reports from Human Rights Watch and FairSquare have highlighted preventable job-site accidents and work-related illnesses among laborers, primarily from countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. These organizations have accused Saudi authorities of misreporting or failing to investigate worker deaths, hindering families from understanding causes and receiving rightful compensation.
FIFA has faced criticism for awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia amidst these concerns. The organization has declined requests for independent monitoring of migrant workers' conditions, asserting that existing measures require hosts to adhere to international human rights standards. Nonetheless, the specifics of Saudi Arabia's promised "workers' welfare system" remain unclear, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.
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