Stay Guide for FIFA World Cup Fans

The Ultimate Stay Guide for FIFA World Cup Fans 2034

Saudi Arabia is planning a massive hospitality build-out ahead of the 2034 World Cup. Across the five main host cities — Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM — the Kingdom aims to provide over 230,000 hotel units to welcome fans from around the world.

Below are city-by-city breakdowns of accommodation options that will help you plan where to stay based on comfort, budget, and experience.

1. Riyadh — Best Base for Stadium Access & City Life

Why Stay Here:
Riyadh will be the tournament’s central hub, hosting most stadiums (including the biggest one) and likely the opening and final matches.

Top Hotel Choices

Luxury (5★)

  • Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre – Iconic luxury in the heart of the city, excellent for global travelers.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh – Lush upscale stay with gardens and legendary service.
  • St. Regis Riyadh – Exceptional comfort and world-class amenities.
  • Fairmont Riyadh – Ideal for guests wanting mega-luxury and convenience.

Mid-Range & Excellent Value

  • Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya – Modern, comfortable, and centrally located.
  • Hilton Riyadh Olaya – Known for consistent comfort and good pricing.
  • Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention – Great option for longer stays.
  • Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Riyadh – Stylish rooms with good facilities.

Other Stay Types

  • Serviced apartments near Olaya and Al Olaya Boulevard — great for families or longer stays.
  • Budget hotels and guesthouses near King Fahd Road.

Tip: Riyadh is also launching fan villages (temporary accommodation zones) close to stadium areas for budget-minded visitors.

2. Jeddah — Best for Coastal Vibes + Matchdays

Why Stay Here:
Jeddah offers a unique combination of football passion and seaside relaxation. With over 40,000 hotel units planned, including many along the popular Jeddah Corniche, this city is perfect if you want urban comfort with a Red Sea backdrop.

Recommended Hotels & Areas

Luxury

  • Hotels on the Jeddah Corniche – Prime luxury stays with sea views and easy walkability to restaurants and parks.
  • Hotels overlooking King Fahd’s Fountain — great for night views and calm pre-game evenings.

Mid-Range

  • Hotels near City Walk and Al-Balad (Old Jeddah) — great local food and authentic experiences.
  • Comfortable chains near King Abdulaziz International Airport — practical options if flying in and out.

Unique Stays

  • Boutique hotels in Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) — perfect if you like culture with your football.
  • Apartment rentals and serviced suites along the coast for longer stays.

Bonus: Jeddah Corniche will likely become a World Cup fan zone where you can relax, watch match replays, enjoy food stalls and local entertainment.

3. Al Khobar & Dammam — Waterfront Comfort & Easy Access

Why Stay Here:
Located along the Arabian Gulf, these Eastern Province cities offer scenic waterfronts and a more relaxed pace compared to Riyadh and Jeddah.

Stay Options

Suggested

  • Hotels near Al Khobar Corniche — beautiful sea views and daily evening strolls.
  • Resort-style stays in Dammam Waterfront for families.

Unique & Practical

  • Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) nearby hotels — offering cultural experiences in addition to comfort.
  • Hotel clusters near mall areas — convenient eating and shopping.

Local Tip: Al Khobar’s proximity to Dammam makes it a great dual-base if you want quieter evenings after match days.

4. Abha — Cool, Scenic, Mountainside Experience

Why Stay Here:
If you want a break from the heat and a change of scenery, Abha — in the cooler southwestern highlands — offers scenic landscapes and cultural charm.

Accommodation Highlights

  • Mountain resorts with sweeping views over valleys.
  • Boutique hotels near Abha city center — great for local food and culture.
  • Guesthouses near Soudah Peaks (stunning natural scenery).

Why It’s Special:
Wide variety of art and theatre venues, local markets, and cool weather make Abha a refreshing World Cup stopover.

5. NEOM — Futuristic & Unique Stays

Why Stay Here:
NEOM is the Kingdom’s next-generation smart city, designed to blend nature, technology, and luxury. By 2034, it’s expected to have over 24,000 hotel units, including multiple premium hotels within The Line city concept.

What to Expect

  • Ultra-modern, high-tech hotels with futuristic design.
  • Luxury resorts integrated into mountain and desert landscapes.
  • Exceptional walking and transit experiences connecting you to stadium venues and fan festival hubs.

Best For:
Travelers seeking novelty, luxury, and breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation Tips for World Cup Fans

Book Early: The Kingdom’s plan is vast, but early reservations will get you the best locations and prices.
Spread Your Stay: Consider splitting between two cities (e.g., Riyadh + Jeddah) if your match schedule spans multiple regions.
Fan Villages: Look out for temporary, budget-friendly fan village accommodations close to stadiums — these are designed to enhance the World Cup feel.
Stay Near Transport: Saudi Arabia will have strong transport links (air, rail, bus) between cities — choose hotels near transit hubs to reduce travel time.

Quick Price Guide (Planning Estimate)

  • Riyadh (4★): ~USD 70–450 per night
  • Jeddah (4★): ~USD 65–250 per night
  • Al Khobar: ~USD 53–150 per night
    These estimates can vary widely based on location and timing as demand spikes closer to the World Cup.

Final Word

The 2034 World Cup will be more than football — it’ll be a travel and cultural festival spread across Saudi Arabia’s most vibrant cities. Whether you want luxury hotels with views, scenic beachfront stays, mountain retreats, or futuristic city experiences, there’s a place for every fan and budget.

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