ROSHN Partners with Aramco to Build Stadium in Khobar with Capacity for 47,000 Spectators

ROSHN said the stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. (SPA)
ROSHN said the stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. (SPA)
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ROSHN Partners with Aramco to Build Stadium in Khobar with Capacity for 47,000 Spectators

ROSHN said the stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. (SPA)
ROSHN said the stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026. (SPA)

ROSHN, Saudi Arabia’s leading national real estate developer and a Public Investment Fund company, announced a collaboration with Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, to build Aramco Stadium, a 47,000-seat stadium in Khobar, in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region.

In a statement on Wednesday, ROSHN said the stadium is expected to be completed and operational by 2026 and will host both national and international events, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia in January of that year.

The facility’s design is influenced by the Arabian Gulf and the shape of the whirlpools, which regularly occur off the coast.

Aramco Stadium will be multifunctional, catering to both entertainment and sports activities. It will boast state-of-the-art amenities, conforming to the highest standards to ensure inclusiveness, safety, and sustainability. The venue itself is set to be a leading national sports and entertainment destination.

Promoting sports is central to the Quality-of-Life Program and Saudi Vision 2030, with initiatives such as the Aramco Stadium set to boost mass participation, improve the country’s performance in international competitions, and grow the sports economy.



Habib Becomes 1st Lebanese Player in Open Era to Play in Grand Slam Men's Singles Draw

FILE - Hady Habib of Lebanon, right, walks by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the men's singles tennis competition, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andy Wong,File)
FILE - Hady Habib of Lebanon, right, walks by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the men's singles tennis competition, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andy Wong,File)
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Habib Becomes 1st Lebanese Player in Open Era to Play in Grand Slam Men's Singles Draw

FILE - Hady Habib of Lebanon, right, walks by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the men's singles tennis competition, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andy Wong,File)
FILE - Hady Habib of Lebanon, right, walks by Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the men's singles tennis competition, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andy Wong,File)

Hady Habib isn't likely to find anything too daunting at the Australian Open now that he's become the first Lebanese player in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam men's singles draw.
He advanced through three rounds of the qualifying at Melbourne Park, winning his third match in a tiebreaker 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8) over Clement Chidekh of France on Thursday to secure a place in the main draw of the tournament that starts Sunday, The Associated Press reported.
It continued a rapid rise for Habib, who made his Olympic debut last year in Paris, running into eventual silver medalist Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time major winner, in the first round. It was two sets he'll long remember.
Late last year, he made history at Temuco, Chile by becoming the first ATP Challenger Tour champion from Lebanon.
The 26-year-old Habib was born in Houston, Texas and moved to Lebanon as a young child, learning how to play there. He returned to the US to pursue a pro career and feels now like he's representing of the spirit of Lebanese people.
“I know it’s just a sport, but I feel like representing Lebanon and sacrificing all the things I had to do to get here, it kind of resembles how our nation has fought back,” Habib told Australia's SBS News this week.
His personal success has come at a difficult time during the war between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Every morning, I was waking up during that challenging time, I was contacting all my family members, my friends, making sure they’re okay,” Habib told SBS News. "My heart’s just shattered to see what’s happening to our country and people.
“It was a hard time mentally for me, knowing that you can’t do anything to help, but I’m glad things are calming down now. Hopefully we’ll find some peace.”
Habib's first-round opponent at Melbourne Park will be determined when all qualifiers are inserted into the main draw.