'Sky Stadium' in Saudi Arabia: Football venue 350m above ground - Fake or real?

If social media is to be believed Saudi Arabia has plans to construct the world's first sky stadium, suspended 350 meters above ground, as part of its ambitious infrastructure development for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. As per digital media, the NEOM Sky Stadium, set to begin construction in 2027 and complete by 2032, will be powered by solar and wind energy with a seating capacity of 46,000 people.The stadium will be integrated into The Line, a linear smart city within NEOM, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to futuristic architecture and sustainability. The project is part of Saudi Arabia's larger plan to develop 15 cutting-edge stadiums for the 2034 World Cup tournament.

"The stadium is suspended at an astonishing 350 meters (1,150 feet) above the desert floor within the futuristic NEOM city of The Line," stated Construction Review magazine.Is the idea real or fake?The project has gained attention on social media platforms, with viral images showing a stadium perched atop a skyscraper. However, reports indicate these images may be digitally altered and do not reflect official designs.Sanjiv Goenka, owner of IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants and ISL club Mohun Bagan Super Giants, shared the idea on his X account with a caption, "The idea of a stadium in the sky captures the essence of modern ambition.

Sustainability, technology, and creativity are no longer separate pursuits. They are now converging to shape the world ahead."

The King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh stands as another significant development in Saudi Arabia's World Cup preparations. Arab News reported that it "will become the largest stadium in the Kingdom, with a capacity of 92,760, when it is completed in 2029."FIFA has reportedly given preliminary endorsement to the Sky Stadium project, recognising its potential to establish new benchmarks for environmentally friendly sports venues.

The stadium's location near the Health and Well-Being District and University aims to create a sports-focused neighbourhood.The smart city of NEOM, which will house the sky stadium, is scheduled for completion by 2045. However, the section containing the stadium will be operational by 2032, two years before Saudi Arabia hosts the World Cup.The project faces considerable engineering challenges due to its height and location, requiring innovative solutions for safety and accessibility. The broader NEOM initiative has experienced delays, potentially affecting the stadium's timeline, though World Cup-related priorities remain unchanged.The stadium project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country's economy and boost tourism. The kingdom's World Cup bid, which was the only one submitted, has been formally accepted.