Saudi Roundup: Expo 2030 & 2034 World Cup Preparations Gather Pace

This week's Saudi Roundup takes stock of the ongoing preparations for Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the launch of the Kingdom's first desalination technology manufacturing plant, and a major hospitality contract in Diriyah.

Infrastructure & Logistics

Hassan Allam Holding Wins $720 Million Waldorf Astoria Project in Diriyah

Egypt-based Hassan Allam Holding has secured a SR2.7 billion ($720 million) contract to develop the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, branded residences, and a mixed-use superblock in Diriyah. The project was awarded by Diriyah Co. to Hassan Allam Construction Saudi, the company's local subsidiary, in a joint venture with UCC Saudi. Located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah is one of the Public Investment Fund's flagship giga-projects under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the Kingdom's economy.

Riyadh Launches New Phase of Taif Road Expansion Project

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has launched a new phase of the Taif Road Development Project, advancing efforts to improve mobility and ease congestion along one of the capital's key transport corridors. The latest phase includes the construction of a 311-meter-long, 36-meter-wide bridge at the intersection of Taif Road and Taibah Street, along with a series of road upgrades. The works span from the Taif Road–Najd Street intersection in the west to the Western Ring Road in the east.

DP World Opens First Multi-Client Logistics Warehouse in Saudi Arabia

DP World has launched operations at its first multi-client third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse in Saudi Arabia. Located in Riyadh's Al Mashael Logistics Hub, the 15,250-square-meter facility offers more than 17,000 pallet positions, alongside scalable storage, inventory management, and distribution services through a single logistics provider.

The new warehouse strengthens Saudi Arabia's logistics infrastructure as the Kingdom continues to advance Vision 2030, driving rising demand for modern supply chain, warehousing, and distribution services across manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and industrial sectors.

2034 FIFA World Cup & Riyadh Expo 2030

Riyadh Marks Key Milestones in Expo 2030 Preparations

Riyadh has achieved several major construction milestones in its preparations to host Expo 2030, with site development progressing steadily ahead of the global event. The project has completed 8 million cubic meters of excavation and backfilling, while 2 kilometers of the planned 7.5-kilometer main service corridor have been finished under the Expo's theme, "Foresight for Tomorrow."

Football World Cup 2034: Fischer Secures Role in Saudi Stadium Projects

German fastening systems manufacturer Fischer is contributing to several of Saudi Arabia's flagship stadium developments for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, as the Kingdom accelerates preparations to host the tournament. Fischer is supplying fastening and system solutions for several of these projects, including the expansion of King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Qiddiya City, Jeddah Central Development Stadium, and Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar.

Green Economy

Saudi Arabia Targets Q1 2027 Award for Green Riyadh TSE Pipeline Contract

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) is expected to award the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for Lot 16 of the Green Riyadh treated sewage effluent (TSE) network in the first quarter of 2027. The tender was issued in July, with bids due in November 2026, according to a source familiar with the project. The contract is expected to be awarded in March 2027.

Part of the broader Green Riyadh program, the project involves constructing a treated sewage effluent transmission network capable of transporting up to 1.7 million cubic meters of treated wastewater per day.

Energy Recovery to Build First Saudi Factory

Nasdaq-listed Energy Recovery will establish its first manufacturing facility outside the United States in Saudi Arabia. Located near Dammam Second Industrial City, the plant is expected to contribute SR137 million ($36.5 million) to Saudi Arabia's GDP by 2033 and create more than 50 direct jobs. The facility will manufacture up to 2,000 energy recovery devices annually, exceeding estimated domestic demand of around 1,200 units per year, with approximately 40% of production earmarked for export to Gulf Cooperation Council markets, Africa, and Asia.