Construction has commenced on the Aramco Stadium project, a sports infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia.  

The project, which is being managed by Aramco, involves a collaboration between BESIX and ALBAWANI to design and build the stadium.  

The joint venture (JV) partners aim to finish the project by 2026. 

Last month, Aramco revealed architectural company Populous’ designs for the stadium and the surrounding master plan in Al Khobar.  

To be built over an area of nearly 800,000m², the venue is set to host approximately 47,000 spectators. 

The facility is scheduled for completion in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup, an international men's football championship.  

The Aramco Stadium is set to offer facilities, accommodating general admission spectators, VIP and VVIP guests, athletes, and media personnel, as well as providing training pitches and parking amenities.  

Additionally, the stadium will include an energy centre designed to provide power and cooling solutions, as well as associated road and landscaping enhancements. 

It aims to comply with inclusive design best practices and achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for sustainability. 

BESIX Middle East general manager Peter Lembrechts said: “Our strategic entry into Saudi Arabia is driven by BESIX's exceptional engineering capabilities, which have been demonstrated time and again in our successful delivery of complex design-and-build projects across the region.  

“With a focus on excellence and innovation, we are dedicated to creating transformative spaces like the Aramco Stadium that not only meet the highest standards, but also serve as symbols of unity.” 

Last month, BESIX confirmed the financial close of the Khalifa University Accommodation PPP Project.  

The announcement indicated that all necessary funding had been secured and the conditions for financing had been met.