Saudi Arabia have abandoned plans to construct the NEOM Stadium — a proposed 46,000-capacity ground that was to be suspended 350 metres above the earth as part of the futuristic city project known as The Line. The construction intelligence platform MEED Projects, cited by Reuters, now lists the stadium as on hold, effectively confirming it will not be built.

What was the NEOM Stadium?

The NEOM Stadium was envisioned as the centrepiece of The Line, a sci-fi-inspired urban project announced in 2021 by Saudi ruler Mohammed bin Salman. The proposed city stretches 110 miles in length but just 200 metres in width, features no cars or roads, and is clad entirely in mirrored glass — with all essential services promised within a five-minute walk.

The stadium was to be integrated directly into the city's roof structure, floating high above the ground in what would have been one of the most extraordinary sporting venues ever conceived. It was among the host venues listed in Saudi Arabia's original bid to stage the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

A bid built at speed

Saudi Arabia secured the right to host the 2034 World Cup in 2023, when FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded the tournament to the kingdom amid significant controversy. Critics pointed to the manner in which the bidding window was managed: FIFA gave interested nations just 25 days to declare their intent to host the 2034 edition, and Saudi Arabia announced its candidacy within minutes of the window opening.

The 2030 World Cup had previously been allocated to a host group that included Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, a decision framed as part of centenary commemorations — a move that effectively ruled out Europe, Africa, and South America as viable bidders for 2034.

Saudi Arabia's original bid included 15 stadiums, of which only four had been completed at the time of submission. NEOM was listed as a host city.

Mounting questions over The Line

The Line has attracted sustained criticism from urban planners, environmentalists, and human rights organisations. Reports indicate that an estimated $50 billion has already been invested in the project, which could ultimately require trillions of dollars and take decades to complete.

An ITV documentary found that migrant workers on the project were expected to work in conditions described as going way beyond what international minimum standards permit. Thousands of people were also reportedly displaced to make way for construction.

Saudi Arabia's remaining proposed World Cup venues include King Abdullah Economic City Stadium, Jeddah Central Development Stadium, ROSHN Stadium, New Murabba Stadium, Qiddiya Coast Stadium, Aramco Stadium, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, South Riyadh Stadium, and King Salman International Stadium.