Saudi Arabia is set to redefine sports architecture with plans to construct the world’s first-ever ‘sky stadium’, a revolutionary venue designed to sit 350 metres above the ground.

Currently dubbed the NEOM Stadium, the futuristic concept is part of the kingdom’s massive infrastructure push ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The project has captured global attention after AI-generated concept visuals surfaced online, showing a football arena perched atop a towering skyscraper.

46,000-seater stadium floating above the clouds

The proposed NEOM Stadium will reportedly accommodate 46,000 spectators, making it one of the most unique sporting venues on the planet.

Its proposed height surpasses The Shard in London by 40 metres, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to blend innovation with spectacle.

While the concept video circulating online isn’t yet officially confirmed, it is in line with earlier plans for futuristic sports venues unveiled by Saudi authorities last year, according to SunSport.

The NEOM Stadium was among 15 high-tech projects announced as part of preparations for the 2034 World Cup.

Originally, the design envisioned the stadium atop NEOM’s “The Line”, an ambitious linear city project. However, the latest visuals suggest a shift toward a more conventional skyscraper base, though official clarification on this change remains pending.

Construction timeline and other mega stadiums

According to previous plans, construction on NEOM Stadium is expected to begin in 2027 and wrap up by 2032, well ahead of the World Cup kickoff.

The project is one of several cutting-edge venues Saudi Arabia aims to deliver. Another key highlight is the King Salman Stadium, set to seat 92,000 fans and become the new national team’s home ground.

Other designs include stadiums carved into cliff faces and those shaped like rock canyon formations, reflecting the country’s drive to merge cultural identity with futuristic design.