BESIX and ALBAWANI break ground for Aramco Stadium construction project

• Construction of the stadium, a cutting-edge sports infrastructure project, has begun and aims to be completed in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup

• Joint venture partners BESIX and ALBAWANI plan to complete the complex design and build the project by 2026

Dubai, UAE - The prestigious Aramco Stadium project is expected to be a significant step towards achieving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vision of excellence in sports infrastructure. The design and build contract brings together industry leaders BESIX and ALBAWANI, all under the skilled leadership and project management expertise of Aramco. The company is ideally positioned to oversee the complex project, which has a challenging timeline, and deliver it by 2026.

Designed to accommodate approximately 47,000 spectators, the Aramco Stadium is expected to be more than just an electrifying atmosphere for sports and entertainment – it is also envisioned as a hub for community engagement.

The stadium, set to be completed in time for the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Cup, underscores Saudi Arabia's ambition to foster a vibrant sports culture. The stadium is anticipated to feature an extensive range of advanced facilities, including general admission areas, VIP/VVIP hospitality sections, player accommodations, media facilities, training pitches, parking facilities, an energy center that is expected to supply power and cooling, and extensive road and landscape developments.

Leveraging decades of global experience in stadium construction, BESIX brings its renowned expertise from constructing monumental stadiums, including the King Abdullah International Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah – a 60,000-seat world-class stadium; the Al Janoub Stadium and the renovation of the Khalifa Stadium, both in Qatar; the Queensland County Bank Stadium in Australia; and the Te Kaha Christchurch Stadium in New Zealand, currently under construction.

Peter Lembrechts, General Manager of BESIX Middle East, 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.”

Fakher AlShawaf, GCEO of AlBawani Holding, said: “As ALBAWANI embarks on the construction of the revolutionary Aramco Stadium, we mark a transformative milestone in our legacy of pioneering top-tier sports facilities in Saudi Arabia. Guided by Aramco's visionary leadership and in partnership “aramcowith our esteemed collaborator BESIX, the project epitomizes innovation and excellence in sports infrastructure. We plan to leverage ALBAWANI’s deep-rooted local expertise, cutting-edge construction technology, and unparalleled track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. At ALBAWANI, our commitment to engineering excellence and transformative design is anticipated to ensure that the Aramco Stadium will set a new benchmark for quality and innovation in sports facilities.”

About BESIX

Operating in the Middle East since 1966, BESIX is a leading Belgian group from Brussels, with a strong presence and a proven track record of successfully delivering sophisticated projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Operating in over 25 countries and on five continents, the group specializes in construction, real estate development, and concessions sectors. Active since 1909, BESIX designs and builds the most complex projects, including buildings and skyscrapers, marine-related projects, infrastructure, waste and water treatment installations, and sports and leisure facilities. In addition to construction, BESIX operates and maintains projects through public-private partnerships, including water treatment and waste-to-resource facilities.

The company stands out because it has an in-house engineering department and state-of-the-art expertise in diverse fields, enabling it to carry out unique projects and especially those with technical and environmental aspects. Some of its achievements include Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world; the Dubai Tram and Dubai Canal; the Grand Egyptian Museum on the Giza Pyramids plateau; and the Emirates Palace, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi.

About ALBAWANI

Operating in Saudi Arabia since 1991, AlBawani Holding Company has evolved into a prominent force in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Riyadh, ALBAWANI has consistently delivered world-class built environments by leveraging the collective expertise of its diversified subsidiaries. These subsidiaries cover a wide range of sectors, including construction, technology, MEP, facilities management, energy, and investment and development in public-private partnership projects.

With a strong portfolio, ALBAWANI has earned a Class-1 business ranking in Saudi Arabia, a testament to its commitment to excellence. The company has successfully completed over 260 projects, such as the Grand Mosque, King Abdullah Center for Oncology and Liver Diseases, Science Museum, and ITCC, showcasing its ability to meet and exceed client expectations while maintaining rigorous quality and safety standards. This success is underpinned by a workforce of over 15,000 individuals, who are equipped with cutting-edge technology, innovation, methodology, and equipment.

ALBAWANI actively supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by aligning its strategies with the Kingdom's growth plans and collaborating with the Public Investment Fund for regional and international expansion. The company's key initiative, the National Construction Academy, focuses on nurturing local talent and providing comprehensive training programs to equip Saudi youth with essential skills for the construction industry. This effort highlights ALBAWANI’s commitment to community development, corporate social responsibility, and fostering a skilled, vibrant workforce.

Driven by its steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, ALBAWANI continues to lead the way in delivering complex and transformative projects across various sectors. Its recent investments in new equipment and technology reflect its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in construction and infrastructure development.