Riyadh to Host 2026 World Stadiums & Arenas Summit

The Saudi capital will host the 2nd World Stadiums and Arenas Summit on 14–15 October 2026 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, bringing together specialists in venue design, development, and operations as the Kingdom expands its sports infrastructure.

The two-day summit will focus on stadium and arena design, development and operations, smart-venue technology, sustainability, investment, and the creation of live-entertainment destinations.

A rapidly growing market

Saudi Arabia's sports sector is currently estimated at around SAR32 billion and is projected to reach approximately US$22.4 billion — about SAR84 billion — by 2030. The sector's annual contribution to GDP is expected to reach roughly US$16.5 billion, or about SAR61.9 billion, by the same year.

Much of this momentum is tied to major upcoming projects. The Kingdom plans 15 stadiums for the FIFA World Cup 2034 across five cities, including 11 entirely new venues and four extensively upgraded sports cities.

Why it matters

For residents across Riyadh, Jeddah, and other cities, the expansion signals more world-class venues for sporting events, concerts, and live entertainment in the years ahead, alongside new jobs and investment opportunities in design, construction, technology, and operations. The summit offers industry professionals a platform to shape how these venues are built and run.

No official admission fee, registration cost, public ticket price, or venue timetable has been announced for the summit so far. Saudi Living will share further details as they become available.

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