Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, participated in the inaugural “World Stadiums and Arenas Summit”, held in Riyadh. This groundbreaking summit, hosted by the Ministry of Sport and the first of its kind in the Kingdom, focused on developing sports infrastructure. The event supports Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision to build world-class, eco-friendly stadiums and arenas, aligning with the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global sports powerhouse while prioritizing sustainability in all aspects of sports development. With over 40 years of presence in the local market, Schneider Electric plays a vital role as a strategic partner in advancing the Kingdom's digital transformation and sustainability objectives.
During the summit, Schneider Electric showcased its latest innovative solutions powered by the EcoStruxure platform, specifically designed to meet the sports sector's needs. The featured technologies included smart energy distribution systems, integrated building management solutions, and advanced analytics tools powered by artificial intelligence. These innovative solutions can reduce stadium energy consumption by up to 30% annually while also enhancing operational flexibility, enabling predictive maintenance, and improving the overall efficiency of sports facility management. This closely aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which prioritizes infrastructure development and investment in the sports sector to position the Kingdom as a prime global and regional sports hub.
This participation is especially significant given the rapid growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia, particularly in football, as the Kingdom prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, the first edition to feature 48 teams. This effort comes in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the sweeping legislative reforms that have transformed the sports landscape, contributing to a market value now exceeding SAR 32 billion and reflecting the spirit of the upcoming World Cup slogan, "Growing. Together". All these efforts are geared towards supporting the Kingdom's ambition to deliver an exceptional World Cup while maximizing football's positive impact both locally and globally.
The solutions showcased at the summit included the EcoStruxure™ Building Operation system, which provides centralized control of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting systems (HVAC), and access for optimized comfort and energy efficiency. Also highlighted was the EcoStruxure™ Power Monitoring Expert system, which monitors real-time power-quality analytics and proactive alerts to prevent downtime and outages. Additionally, the EcoStruxure™ Asset Advisor, a cloud-based monitoring system powered by artificial intelligence, offers predictive maintenance. Schneider Electric's solutions are built on an open-architecture IoT platform, incorporating digital twin technology and scalable features to support a wide range of sports facilities—from smaller venues to large, multi-stadium campuses. These strategic solutions align with the Kingdom's ambitious expansion plans for its sports sector, now among the fastest-growing industries in Saudi Arabia.
Commenting on the participation in the World Stadiums & Arenas Summit, Mohammed Shaheen, CEO of Schneider Electric for Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, and Bahrain, stated: "Sports in Saudi Arabia have evolved beyond leisure, they now serve as a powerful strategic driver for strengthening the Kingdom's regional and global positioning, as well as a vital source of investment and community innovation. As a strategic partner in the Kingdom's digital transformation and sustainability journey, with over 40 years of local experience, we were proud to take part in the World Stadiums & Arenas Summit. Our advanced solutions play a key role in supporting the Kingdom's efforts to develop world-class sports infrastructure and facilities, which are in line with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the ongoing preparations to host major global and regional sport events."
Schneider Electric places a strong emphasis on research and development, dedicating 5.6% of its global annual revenue to power innovation in smart infrastructure technologies. This commitment closely aligns with Saudi Arabia's growing focus on infrastructure development, particularly within the sports sector. Across the Kingdom, cities are witnessing rapid advancements in sports facilities and the launch of large-scale projects to solidify Saudi Arabia's status as a premier destination for major international sporting events. This momentum is driven by visionary leadership that views sports as a fundamental pillar in shaping the modern Saudi citizen. The comprehensive upgrade of sports infrastructure—including the construction of internationally accredited stadiums and cutting-edge facilities—reflects the sector's significant growth. The number of sports clubs in the Kingdom increased from 9 in 2019 to 128 by the end of 2024, underscoring a broad and sustained expansion across various sports fields. With a proven global track record, Schneider Electric has delivered advanced solutions to iconic sports venues across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, notably playing a key role in the turnkey development of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, one of the largest stadiums in the English Premier League with a capacity exceeding 60,000 spectators.
The World Stadiums and Arenas Summit served as a pivotal platform, uniting global experts to collaborate and contribute to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's vision of developing sustainable, technologically advanced sports infrastructure in preparation for hosting major international sporting events. The summit addressed a wide range of key topics that align with Schneider Electric's strategic priorities, including the use of eco-friendly construction materials, energy-efficient stadium design, and the integration of AI, IoT, and data-driven solutions to optimize operations and elevate the fan experience.