05/19/2025 – 06:55 AM
In collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Sport, this iconic project will further advance the Kingdom’s sporting ambitions ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and 2034 FIFA World Cup
DALLAS – (BUSINESS WIRE) – AECOM (NYSE: ACM), the global infrastructure giant, has signed a high-profile deal with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport to oversee the transformation of Riyadh’s King Fahd Sport City ahead of the Kingdom’s dual hosting obligations: the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup™. The partnership underscores Saudi Arabia’s accelerating ambitions to position itself as a premier global sports destination, leveraging large-scale infrastructure projects to fuel economic diversification under Vision 2030.
The project centers around upgrading the historic 1987-built “Pearl of Stadiums,” a cornerstone of Saudi sporting culture, to meet FIFA’s cutting-edge standards for elite international competition. AECOM’s scope includes advisory services, design optimization, and program management to future-proof the venue for mega-events while enhancing its legacy as a community hub. The firm’s track record managing iconic projects—including Qatar’s Lusail International Stadium, the 2012 London Olympics, and U.S. landmarks such as SoFi Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium—positions it as a natural partner for Saudi Arabia’s high-stakes ambitions.
“Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure push is about more than stadiums,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. “It’s a strategic play to drive economic resilience through global engagement. By aligning Vision 2030’s social and tourism goals with world-class infrastructure, this project will catalyze both GDP growth and community connectivity.”
AECOM’s Middle East division, led by Hamed Zaghw, will spearhead the initiative alongside AECOM Hunt, the firm’s U.S.-based construction management arm. AECOM Hunt’s portfolio of 140+ stadiums includes some of the most technologically advanced venues in the world, such as the $2 billion Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This expertise will prove critical in integrating sustainability, smart venue technologies, and fan-first amenities into King Fahd Sports City’s overhaul—all while adhering to FIFA’s stringent safety, capacity, and hospitality requirements.
The project also highlights Saudi Arabia’s dual strategy of securing legacy-ready infrastructure for 2034 while capitalizing on near-term tourism and economic synergies from hosting the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Analysts note that such investments could boost annual tourism revenues by $40 billion by 2030, according to some estimates, while cementing the Kingdom’s status as a hub for premier sporting events—a pillar of Vision 2030’s non-oil economic agenda.
About AECOM
AECOM (NYSE: ACM) generated $16.1 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024, offering end-to-end infrastructure solutions across markets including transportation, energy, and sports. A Fortune 500 firm, it specializes in blending technical expertise with strategic advisory services to governments and corporations worldwide.
Forward-Looking Statements
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Source: AECOM
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