- Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, requiring massive infrastructure development.
- Bangladeshi construction firms and workers are invited to participate in stadium and hotel projects.
- The Kingdom plans to build 11 new stadiums and renovate five existing ones.
- Over 3 million Bangladeshis live in Saudi Arabia, many working in construction.
- The country is issuing 5,000–7,000 visas daily for Bangladeshi workers.
Saudi Arabia has invited Bangladeshi construction companies to bid for FIFA World Cup 2034 projects. The tournament will require extensive infrastructure, including stadiums, hotels, and transport networks. The Kingdom aims to utilize Bangladesh’s skilled workforce, which played a crucial role in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup preparations.
Essa Al-Duhailan, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Dhaka, made the announcement on Tuesday. He emphasized that Bangladeshi workers, with their valuable experience from Qatar’s World Cup, are well-suited for the upcoming projects.
Major Infrastructure Plans for the 2034 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia will build 11 new stadiums and renovate five existing ones in five cities. In addition, hotels, resorts, and transportation networks will be developed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. The Kingdom is looking for reliable labor and expertise, making Bangladesh a key partner in these efforts.
The ambassador highlighted that this is a major opportunity for Bangladeshi firms. “This will be a big opportunity for companies and workers. Not only for stadiums but also for hotels and resorts,” he said.
Bangladeshi Workers’ Role in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup
Bangladeshi expatriates made a huge impact on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Nearly 2 million migrant workers, many of them Bangladeshis, contributed to building eight stadiums and creating Lusail City. They also helped develop the Doha Metro.
These workers are known for excelling in large-scale projects. Their skills and dedication were essential for the World Cup’s infrastructure. Bangladeshis earned the trust of Qatar by getting the job done efficiently and reliably.
Saudi Arabia has noticed their contribution and is excited to welcome more Bangladeshi workers. “Bangladeshi workers are hard-working and intelligent. You can rely on them,” said Al-Duhailan, recognizing their value and potential.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Demand for Bangladeshi Workers
Around 3 million Bangladeshis live and work in Saudi Arabia, making them the largest expatriate group there. A large number of them work in the construction sector. With major events like the AFC Asian Cup, the Asian Winter Games, and the 2030 World Expo coming up, the demand for skilled workers will increase.
Saudi Arabia is already preparing for these events. They’re processing between 5,000 and 7,000 visas for Bangladeshis daily. This number could rise further as the need for workers grows. The Kingdom is making plans to bring in more skilled labor to meet the rising demand.
One of the biggest opportunities lies in Saudi Arabia’s FIFA World Cup 2034 projects. These projects offer a great chance for Bangladeshi construction firms and workers. Bangladeshi laborers, with their experience in global events, suit the Kingdom’s massive infrastructure projects well.
As Saudi Arabia continues issuing visas at a high rate, Bangladeshis will play a crucial role. Their contribution will be key in shaping the region’s future sports infrastructure. It looks like they will have a significant impact on the Kingdom’s development.