Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport (MoS), in collaboration with the National Centre for Privatization & PPP (NCP) and the Riyadh Region Municipality, has launched the Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Qualification (RFQ) phase for the Prince Faisal bin Fahad (PFBF) Sports City project in Riyadh. The initiative is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as part of the Kingdom’s drive to expand sports infrastructure ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The project will follow a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) structure with a contract period of 20 to 30 years. At its core is a new 47,000-seat stadium to be constructed north of King Abdullah Park in Al-Malaz, adjacent to the current facility. Once completed, the stadium is expected to become a flagship venue for domestic football leagues and international tournaments, anchoring Saudi Arabia’s preparations for hosting the World Cup. The scope also includes a comprehensive master plan covering both the new and existing stadiums.
The PFBF Sports City development represents a strategic milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which positions sports as a driver of both economic diversification and social transformation. With billions already invested in football clubs, training academies, and global sponsorships, the Kingdom is now expanding into world-class sports infrastructure to cement its reputation as a regional hub for international tournaments.
According to sports economist Dr. Mohammed Al-Khudairi, “Projects like PFBF Sports City are more than venues—they are economic engines. They create jobs, attract tourism, and generate billions in long-term economic value through events, sponsorships, and urban development.” Industry experts estimate that hosting global sporting events could contribute up to $20 billion annually to the Saudi economy by 2030.
Both local and international investors are being invited to participate, with project details and RFQ documents available on the NCP website. Interested parties must submit Statements of Qualification (SOQ) no later than 3:00 PM KSA time on October 13, 2025.
The PPP framework ensures long-term revenue potential for private partners, while aligning with the Kingdom’s push to attract foreign investment across infrastructure, sports, and entertainment. The project also highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing use of PPPs to share risk with global investors while delivering large-scale development projects.
If completed on schedule, the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City could emerge as a showpiece venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, serving as a tangible symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global sports and entertainment powerhouse. Beyond football, officials envision the complex as a multi-use urban landmark for concerts, community sports, and international cultural events.
