Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 20 November 2025 The World Stadiums & Arenas Summit (WSAS) will return to Riyadh for its second edition on 31 March to 1 April 2026 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, the latest milestone that reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the future of the sports economy, from infrastructure and investment to venue design and live entertainment.
Positioned as the largest stadiums and sport facilities conference and exhibition in the MENA region, WSAS 2026 will convene more than 2,000 international and regional stakeholders from MENA, Europe, Asia, and the Americas to explore everything from club privatisation and sports investments to stadium planning and sustainability. Attendees will include arena operators, government entities, architects, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and leading technology and engineering firms.
Spanning two days, the World Stadiums & Arenas Summit will bring together global leaders to share CEO keynotes, project showcases, leadership panels, and an exhibition of cutting-edge stadium solutions. The agenda will cover the full lifecycle of stadium development — from financing and PPP delivery models to modular construction, heritage integration, and next-generation technologies. Delegates will gain insights into fan-centric innovations such as AR/VR, immersive design, AI-driven operations, and smart ticketing, alongside critical discussions on cybersecurity, accessibility, and inclusivity. Sustainability will remain a central theme, with sessions on climate-responsive design, energy optimization, and circular lifecycle planning, complemented by international case studies on legacy use and regeneration.
With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, momentum is building around new stadium projects, many delivered through public-private partnerships. Three stadiums are already complete and seven more have recently been announced, while shifts in club ownership and privatization are redefining the sports business landscape. These developments will take center stage at the World Stadiums & Arenas Summit.
Public-Private Partnerships are an important enabler of Vision 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification agenda. As Saudi Arabia prioritizes the growth of its sports ecosystem, PPPs are expected to play a growing role in accelerating investment, infrastructure delivery, and operational excellence. World Stadiums 2026 is positioned as the strategic platform to showcase, explore, and advance these opportunities.
Co-located alongside the Summit, the ground-breaking Athlete 360 Conference will bring together global experts, elite athletes, and forward-focused leaders to explore the latest advancements in sports science and drive a culture of peak performance and holistic well-being. Aligned with Saudi’s Vision 2030, which champions health, vitality, and athletic achievement, the event is further evidence of the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing world-class talent and elevating sports on the international stage.
The inaugural Stadiums & Arenas Awards meanwhile, will celebrate worldwide trailblazers for their contributions to sportsand entertainment venues. From design to construction engineering, innovation and operational excellence to fan experience, winners across 10 categories will be presented at aglittering, red carpet gala ceremony. Open to international submissions, nine winners will be decided by a panel of global experts while a People’s Choice Award is set to be determined by public vote.
Laila Masinaei, Managing Director of GM Events and World Stadiums & Arenas Summit, said: “World Stadiums & Arenas Summit brings a true 360-degree view of our industry, from venue to athlete, blueprint to recognition. By co-locating Athlete 360 and the Stadiums & Arenas Awards, we can unite strategy, performance, innovation, and excellence under one roof to accelerate collaboration and raise global standards.”
Industry leaders praised the impact of the inaugural edition of the event, with Ali Al Dajani, President of the Saudi Arabian Rugby Federation saying it provided “great insights on what is happening in the region,” while Fabian Schuster, Managing Director & Global Arenas Leader at EY, described it as “a massive event with amazing people”. Dr Mohanad AlShaikh, CEO, Johnson Controls Arabia, added the 2025 event “brought global visionaries under one roof”.
The second edition of World Stadiums and Arenas Summit runs from 31 March until 1 April 2026 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Delegate passes start from US$49 with registration through the Summit website:stadiumsandarenassummit.com. For sponsorship and speaking enquiries, contact partnerships@gmevents.ae.
