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Saudi Arabia plans stadium for holographic concerts

By Shane McGinley
The Abba Voyage holographic concert has proved the viability of the concept and Saudi Arabia will be hoping its new stadium can deliver similar success Bang Showbiz
The Abba Voyage holographic concert has proved the viability of the concept and Saudi Arabia will be hoping its new stadium can deliver similar success
  • Venue planned for Qiddiya
  • Seating for 45,000
  • Project to cost SAR2.3bn

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to build a new stadium featuring holographic technology that will be able to stage virtual interactions with celebrities and artists.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built in Qiddiya City, located 40 minutes from Riyadh and part of the kingdom’s new entertainment city, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Dawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said the venue aims to reinvent the traditional stadium concept.

As well as holographic capabilities, the stadium will have a retractable roof, a pitch and LED wall, will be able to accommodate up to 45,000 seats and will serve as the home ground of Saudi Pro League football clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. It will be designed by architectural firm Populous.

The kingdom is set to host major events such as the World Expo in 2030 and most likely the World Cup in 2034.

One of Saudi Arabia’s key giga-projects, and described as the “capital of entertainment”, Qiddiya in September announced that a SAR2.3 billion ($610 million) contract had been awarded to carry out infrastructure work on the development.

First announced in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, the Qiddiya project covers 367 sq km and will include 300 leisure and entertainment facilities, a theme park, waterpark, golf courses, cinemas and a performing arts theatre.

The development of Qiddiya is being driven by the Qiddiya Investment Company, which is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund. 

Presently in its design and construction phase, when complete it is hoped the destination will attract 17 million visitors a year, provide 25,000 jobs and contribute up to $4.5 billion to the country’s GDP by 2030. 

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