Saudi Arabia to Build 180,000 Hotel Apartments by 2034

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 14 May 2025: Saudi Arabia has announced plans to build over 180,000 hotel and serviced apartments by 2034 as part of its preparations to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. This was revealed on the final day of MEED’s Saudi Giga Projects Summit 2025, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its hospitality and infrastructure.

Expanding Hospitality for Global Events

Saudi Arabia is rapidly enhancing its hospitality sector to accommodate millions of visitors for global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Riyadh Expo 2030, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Ed James, Head of Content & Research at MEED, emphasized the transformative impact of these developments:

“Saudi Arabia’s giga projects are not just about breaking ground; they are about redefining how cities, infrastructure, and communities are built for the long term.”

These projects include new stadiums, transport networks, and world-class hotel facilities.

Smart Stadiums and Urban Mobility

A panel on “Delivering Priority Event-Driven Projects” highlighted innovations in modular construction and climate-adaptive designs. Fatemeh Hosseini of Populous shared that climate-responsive features in stadiums can reduce surface temperatures by up to 8°C, cutting energy use.

In transportation, Terry Fetters, Vice President at Parsons, presented the success of the Riyadh Metro, which moved 18 million passengers in 75 days, including 10 million rides on the Blue Line. Fetters described it as the “spine of Riyadh,” enhancing mobility and sustainability.

Digital Transformation in Construction

The summit also marked the official entry of Germany’s Nemetschek Group into Saudi Arabia’s market. The company signed four MoUs with local partners, including NESMA and Building Smart, bringing advanced digital solutions in architecture and construction to the Kingdom.

Sustainability and Investment in Water Management

The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) reported saving 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually and attracting over $12 billion in private investment. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability strategy.

A Transformative Era for Saudi Giga Projects

As MEED’s Saudi Giga Projects Summit 2025 concluded, it was clear that Saudi Arabia’s giga projects are setting new benchmarks in urban development, sustainability, and digital innovation. The plan to build 180,000 hotel apartments by 2034 reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global tourism and hospitality hub.