"Saudi Arabia's construction of stadiums for the 2034 World Cup is facing delays owing to a desire from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, to scale back costs. The Guardian has been told that several architecture firms awarded contracts to build stadiums in Saudi have been asked to resubmit plans because their designs have been deemed too expensive, and contractors due to start work next year have been told the build will not begin on time."
"There is widespread speculation within the construction industry that Saudi Arabia may reduce the number of stadiums to be used at the World Cup from the 15 included in its bid, which was approved by acclamation by Fifa last December. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar operated with eight stadiums, although after the expansion to 48 teams next year's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada will have 16 venues."
Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup stadium programme is experiencing delays as the Public Investment Fund seeks to reduce costs. Several architecture firms have been asked to resubmit designs deemed too expensive, and some contractors scheduled to start next year have been told builds will be postponed. Industry sources suggest the number of stadiums could be cut from the 15 in the approved bid. Plans are focused on Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and Neom, with 11 new venues and four renovations proposed. Major firms involved include Foster + Partners, Arup and Populous. One company may lose its contract without significant cost savings.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]