Reports of a futuristic 'Sky Stadium' in Saudi Arabia's NEOM city for the 2034 FIFA World Cup have gone viral, but the floating design appears to be AI-generated. While Saudi Arabia's broader stadium plans for the tournament are real, including a venue in NEOM, the elevated 350-meter structure remains unconfirmed. The project ties into the country's Vision 2030 to boost sports infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia is preparing for the 2034 FIFA World Cup with ambitious stadium developments, but a viral video of the 'Sky Stadium' in NEOM has sparked debate over its authenticity. The concept depicts a stadium suspended 350 meters above ground level, with a seating capacity of 46,000 and a construction cost of $1 billion. According to unconfirmed reports, it would integrate into The Line, a linear smart city within NEOM, and host Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, and Quarter-final matches, powered by wind and solar energy. Post-tournament, it would serve as the home ground for a local football club and host other sports, concerts, and cultural events.
However, the floating design circulating on social media is AI-generated, as clarified in recent coverage. Saudi Arabia's NEOM Stadium project for the World Cup is genuine, part of a larger plan for 15 stadiums. A key venue is the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, set for completion in 2029 with a capacity of 92,760, making it the largest in the kingdom. Another unique design involves a stadium built around canyon rock formations in Qiddiya, a Riyadh megaproject for entertainment and tourism.
NEOM itself is a $500 billion development funded by international investors and the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund, aimed at creating a high-tech, eco-friendly city. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to advance the country's sports, tourism, and entertainment sectors. While Saudi media has not mentioned the sky stadium specifically, the overall transformation in sports infrastructure is underway.