Qiddiya Coast Stadium
Not every Qiddiya project survived 2026. While the cliff-top stadium at Qiddiya City near Riyadh stayed in the plan, its coastal sibling — the Qiddiya Coast Stadium planned for the Red Sea shore near Jeddah — was reported dropped in October 2026 as the Public Investment Fund cut five stadiums.
The bid book listed it at 46,096 seats, part of the Qiddiya Coast resort development on the Red Sea. It was always the most tourism-led venue in Jeddah's set of four: a stadium for a resort district that is itself still being built.
Two Qiddiyas, two fates
The Qiddiya brand covers two mega-projects: Qiddiya City, the entertainment capital rising in the Tuwaiq mountains near Riyadh, and Qiddiya Coast, a Red Sea resort city planned on the coast in the Jeddah region. The bid gave each a stadium with near-identical capacities, which made the pair an easy line item to halve when budgets tightened.
The survivor was never in doubt. Qiddiya City's stadium has a landmark site, a design the world has seen, and ground already broken in 2025. The Coast stadium had a concept and a coastline.
What Jeddah loses — and keeps
Jeddah's bid list of four stadiums halves to two under the reported plan: the proven King Abdullah Sports City and the city-centre Jeddah Central Development Stadium. For fans, that is arguably the better pair — one giant with a track record, one waterfront ground in the middle of the city.
Qiddiya Coast itself continues as a resort project. Whether a stadium returns to its masterplan after 2034 is a question for the developers; for the World Cup, treat this venue as out unless FIFA publishes a revised plan that restores it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qiddiya Coast Stadium cancelled?
It was reported among the five stadiums to be dropped in October 2026 (Semafor / City A.M.). No official confirmation has been published, so its status is reported dropped.
What is Qiddiya Coast?
A planned Red Sea resort development under the Qiddiya brand, on the coast in the Jeddah region — separate from Qiddiya City near Riyadh, whose stadium remains in the plan.
How many stadiums does Jeddah have left in the plan?
Two, on current reporting: King Abdullah Sports City (62,345) and the Jeddah Central Development Stadium (45,794).
How big was Qiddiya Coast Stadium planned to be?
The bid book listed 46,096 seats — the same figure as the Aramco Stadium in Khobar.