Belgian infrastructure giant Besix has partnered with Saudi-based AlBawani to break ground on the highly anticipated Aramco Stadium, a landmark project for Saudi oil giant Aramco. Designed to host 47,000 spectators, the stadium is slated for completion by 2026.
The Aramco Stadium project represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its sports infrastructure, in line with the Kingdom’s vision of promoting excellence in this sector. The project brings together the expertise of industry leaders Besix and AlBawani, with Aramco providing the skilled leadership and project management necessary to meet the ambitious 2026 deadline.
More than just a venue for sports and entertainment, the Aramco Stadium is envisioned as a vibrant hub for community engagement. It is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a dynamic sports culture.
The stadium will boast a wide array of state-of-the-art facilities, including general admission areas, VIP and VVIP hospitality sections, player accommodations, media facilities, training pitches, parking, an energy center for power and cooling, and extensive road and landscape developments.
Besix, with decades of global experience in stadium construction, brings its renowned expertise to the project. The company has been involved in the construction of several monumental stadiums, such as the 60,000-seat King Abdullah International Stadium in Jeddah, the Al Janoub Stadium and the renovation of Khalifa Stadium in Qatar, Queensland County Bank Stadium in Australia, and the Te Kaha Christchurch Stadium in New Zealand, which is currently under construction.
Peter Lembrechts, General Manager of Besix Middle East, stated, “Our strategic entry into Saudi Arabia is driven by Besix’s exceptional engineering capabilities, proven by our successful delivery of complex design and build projects across the region. We are committed to creating transformative spaces like the Aramco Stadium that not only meet the highest standards but also serve as symbols of unity.”
Fakher AlShawaf, Group CEO of AlBawani Holding, remarked, “As we embark on the construction of the revolutionary Aramco Stadium, we are marking a transformative milestone in our legacy of pioneering top-tier sports facilities in Saudi Arabia. Guided by Aramco’s visionary leadership and in collaboration with Besix, this project epitomizes innovation and excellence in sports infrastructure.”
AlShawaf further explained, “We plan to leverage AlBawani’s deep-rooted local expertise, cutting-edge construction technology, and unparalleled track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Our commitment to engineering excellence and transformative design will ensure that the Aramco Stadium sets a new benchmark for quality and innovation in sports facilities.”
