A tragic incident occurred at the construction site for the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, where a worker lost their life on March 12. The Besix Group, the construction firm involved in the project, confirmed the death and expressed their condolences in a statement to CNN Sports. They indicated that the project has been operating under strict safety protocols in collaboration with their partner, Al Bawani, and assured that a thorough investigation into the incident is underway, with full cooperation from the authorities.
This stadium is one of the critical venues set to host matches for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia was awarded in December 2023 as part of its overarching strategy to boost sports investments and diversify its economy. The stadium, which will accommodate 47,000 spectators, is expected to be completed in 2026 and will also serve as a venue for the 2027 Asian Cup.
There are ongoing human rights concerns regarding the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly under the Kafala sponsorship system, which binds workers to specific employers. Human Rights Watch has noted that workers face a variety of abuses, including non-payment of wages, recruitment fees, and confiscation of passports, thus rendering them vulnerable to exploitation.
Despite some progress in recent years, the human rights situation remains a contentious issue, with stakeholders highlighting that workers still lack adequate protections. Hammad Albalawi, who led the World Cup bid, acknowledged these challenges, emphasising the nation’s commitment to improvement while admitting that significant work remains to be done.
As investigations into the worker’s death continue, both the world of football and human rights advocates will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding the 2034 World Cup and its implications for the treatment of workers in Saudi Arabia.