Fire at new Aramco stadium in Khobar brought under control in 10 minutes
Civil Defense teams in the Eastern Province successfully contained a small fire that broke out at the new Aramco stadium , currently under construction in Al-Khobar, on Thursday. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in a record time of less than 10 minutes, with no injuries reported, demonstrating the high level of preparedness of the emergency response teams on site.
Details of the incident and the rapid response
According to initial reports, plumes of smoke rose from one side of the stadium's metal structure, prompting an immediate response from the project's safety teams and civil defense units. Saudi Aramco's approved emergency protocols, which mandate strict procedures for handling unforeseen incidents at major construction sites, were activated. The swift response prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the project, and the situation was contained, restoring calm to the site.
Aramco Stadium Project: A Sports Icon in Al-Khobar
This incident comes at a time when work is accelerating on the Aramco Stadium project, one of the most prominent sporting projects in Saudi Arabia. Located in Al-Khobar, the stadium boasts a unique architectural design inspired by the "whirlpool" that mimics the waves of the Arabian Gulf, reflecting the region's coastal environment. The stadium is planned to accommodate approximately 47,000 spectators, making it a monumental addition to the Kingdom's advanced sports infrastructure.
Strategic dimension: 2027 Asian Cup and 2034 World Cup
The Aramco Stadium project holds immense strategic importance, extending far beyond its role as a mere local sports facility. It is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's bid to host major international tournaments. The stadium has been selected as one of the main venues for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and is also among the stadiums shortlisted to host matches for the 2034 FIFA World Cup . Therefore, construction is proceeding according to the highest international standards set by FIFA to ensure its complete readiness by the established deadlines.
Safety and business continuity standards
Following the completion of cooling operations and confirmation of site safety, the technical and engineering teams initiated verification procedures to ensure the structural integrity of the project remains unaffected, paving the way for the resumption of normal operations. Saudi Aramco is renowned for its adherence to the highest global health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards, making its projects a model of discipline and risk reduction. Work is expected to continue according to schedule, ensuring the timely delivery of this project, which will represent a significant leap forward for the sports and entertainment sector in the Eastern Province.
