The Impact of Globalisation on the Construction of Soccer Stadiums in Saudi Arabia": A Crucial Systematic Literature Review
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Date
2024
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University of Exeter
Abstract
This research explores the impact of globalisation on the construction and development of soccer stadiums in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the Kingdom's strategic initiatives under Vision 2030. The study employs a systematic literature review and qualitative thematic analysis to identify key themes related to globalisation's economic, technological, cultural, and urban development influences on Saudi stadium construction. The findings reveal that globalisation has driven significant investments and technological advancements in Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure, transforming stadiums into multifunctional venues that meet international standards. Additionally, the research highlights the challenges of balancing global practices with local cultural values and environmental sustainability. Based on an interpretive paradigm, the methodology involved a comprehensive review of academic literature and industry reports to identify recurring patterns and themes. Results indicate that while globalisation has brought economic and technological benefits, there are significant challenges in ensuring cultural relevance and environmental sustainability in construction. The study concludes that Saudi Arabia’s ambitious sports infrastructure projects reshape the urban landscape and contribute to economic diversification. However, the success of these projects depends on effectively integrating global trends with local contexts to ensure sustainability and cultural acceptance. This research provides strategic insights for policymakers and urban planners, offering practical recommendations for managing the interplay between globalisation and local development in emerging markets.
Description
The research explored the impact of globalisation on the construction and development of soccer stadiums in Saudi Arabia, focusing on how global economic, technological, cultural, and urban development trends intersect with local contexts. Through a thematic analysis of the literature, several key themes emerged, shedding light on the profound influence of globalisation on Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure, particularly in the context of the Vision 2030 initiative. Globalisation has been pivotal in reshaping Saudi Arabia's approach to developing sports infrastructure. Under the Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom has strategically focused on diversifying its economy beyond oil, with investments in soccer stadiums forming a crucial part of this transformation. International partnerships and foreign investments have brought substantial capital and expertise, enabling Saudi Arabia to build modern facilities that meet global standards. These investments are expected to yield significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased tourism, and the attraction of international sporting events, all of which stimulate the local economy. This aligns with broader academic perspectives on how globalisation facilitates the flow of capital and expertise into developing regions, enabling them to build infrastructure that aligns with global standards. Saudi Arabia's reliance on international collaborations underscores the Kingdom's ambition to position itself as a global sports hub, reflecting a broader trend where sports infrastructure catalyses economic and infrastructural transformation in emerging markets. Technological advancements and architectural evolution have significantly influenced the construction of modern soccer stadiums in Saudi Arabia. Adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), prefabrication techniques, and intelligent seating systems, has transformed the construction process and enhanced the spectator experience. These innovations are primarily driven by global collaborations, which have introduced advanced technologies and expertise to Saudi projects, ensuring that these stadiums meet international standards. The architectural evolution of stadiums reflects a shift towards multifunctional venues capable of hosting various events beyond soccer, maximising their utility and revenue potential. The focus on sustainability in design, incorporating environmentally friendly materials and systems, is also a critical aspect of this theme. These trends mirror global developments in sports infrastructure, where technological innovation and architectural creativity are central to the design and construction of modern stadiums. Cultural and environmental sustainability considerations have emerged as significant challenges in constructing soccer stadiums in Saudi Arabia. Balancing global standards with local cultural values and environmental conditions is essential to ensure that these developments resonate with the local population and are sustainable in the long term. Integrating traditional motifs and Islamic principles into stadium designs ensures cultural relevance. At the same time, incorporating energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and other green features addresses environmental sustainability. These efforts are crucial for minimising the environmental impact of large-scale construction projects and ensuring the long-term viability of these facilities in Saudi Arabia’s harsh climatic conditions. The focus on cultural integration and sustainability aligns with global trends in infrastructure development, where the need to balance global practices with local contexts is increasingly recognised as essential for the success and acceptance of such projects.
The construction of modern stadiums in Saudi Arabia also plays a significant role in broader urban development initiatives, contributing to the transformation of cities into vibrant, multi-functional spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents. These stadiums are designed as sports venues and community hubs where people can gather, interact, and engage in various social and cultural activities. Integrating stadiums into urban environments is seen as a catalyst for urban regeneration, transforming cities and contributing to economic growth and social cohesion. These developments align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, emphasising infrastructure development supporting economic diversification and social well-being. The social impact of these stadiums is significant, as they promote physical activity, support the development of local talent, and strengthen community ties, contributing to the overall social and cultural evolution of Saudi cities.
Keywords
Globalisation, Stadiums, Saudi Arabia
Citation
APA Reverence