Driving Innovation at the 2025 World Stadiums and Arenas Summit in Riyadh
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the country’s focus on sports infrastructure continues to intensify. At the heart of this transformation stands Johnson Controls Arabia, bringing its legacy of innovation to the forefront.
At the recently concluded 2025 World Stadiums and Arenas Summit in Riyadh, the company reinforced its deep commitment to Saudi Vision 2030. With a showcase of smart technologies and future-ready systems, Johnson Controls Arabia is shaping the future of sports in the region.
A Strategic Moment for Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom is experiencing rapid growth in sports and entertainment infrastructure. Moreover, this surge aligns with national ambitions to emerge as a global destination for mega-events.
With stadiums, arenas, and entertainment venues springing up across Saudi Arabia, the need for intelligent, efficient, and sustainable solutions has never been higher.
At this pivotal moment, Johnson Controls Arabia steps in with unmatched global experience and local capabilities.
Summit Participation Reflects Vision and Readiness
The 2025 World Stadiums and Arenas Summit, held from April 29 to April 30 at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel, brought together industry leaders. Here, innovation met opportunity.
Dr. Mohanad AlShaikh, CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia, delivered a compelling keynote on Day 2. He addressed key topics including:
- The rise of smart stadiums
- Energy optimization in sports infrastructure
- The role of digital twin technology in enhancing operational performance
These insights resonated deeply with the summit’s theme—powering the stadiums of tomorrow.
Enabling Smart Stadium Experiences
At booths 25 and 27, Johnson Controls Arabia presented its latest technologies. The spotlight was on the OpenBlue platform—a suite of intelligent, connected systems that redefine stadium management.
OpenBlue enables venue managers to:
- Personalize fan experiences
- Monitor and optimize energy use in real time
- Enhance safety and operational efficiency
Moreover, this platform supports predictive maintenance and better decision-making. As a result, it helps venues deliver seamless, engaging, and sustainable experiences.
Proudly Made in Saudi Arabia: YORK Cooling Systems
In addition to digital solutions, Johnson Controls Arabia proudly showcased its YORK cooling systems, manufactured locally in Saudi Arabia.
These advanced HVAC systems are engineered specifically for the demands of modern sports venues. They ensure optimal comfort while maximizing energy efficiency—critical for large crowds and dynamic usage patterns.
By leveraging local manufacturing, Johnson Controls also supports national industrial growth and job creation.
Legacy of Excellence: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Johnson Controls’ reputation for innovation in sports infrastructure is well-established. A recent example is its transformative role in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Here, the company introduced a digital command center that linked all stadiums through a unified facility management platform. This groundbreaking system, built on OpenBlue and powered by Microsoft Azure, integrated Digital Twin technology to deliver:
- Real-time operational visibility
- Predictive maintenance alerts
- Enhanced coordination across all venues
This initiative set a global benchmark for smart stadium operations. It also demonstrated how advanced digital systems can deliver reliability, sustainability, and unmatched control.
Customer Experience at the Core
While technology is vital, the customer experience (CX) remains central to Johnson Controls Arabia’s mission.
By integrating smart technologies with real-time data, the company ensures that every fan, athlete, and stakeholder enjoys a world-class experience. From crowd flow optimization to personalized engagement, their solutions are built around people—enhancing satisfaction at every touchpoint.
Moreover, the digital-first approach empowers facility managers to make proactive decisions, reducing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.
A Vision Beyond 2034
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Johnson Controls Arabia’s role becomes increasingly critical. Their participation in the 2025 Summit not only highlights readiness—it also signals a long-term partnership with the Kingdom.
This collaboration extends beyond event management. It represents a shared vision to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable sports infrastructure.
With decades of experience, robust manufacturing capabilities, and future-ready technology, Johnson Controls Arabia stands ready to support this journey.
Reaffirming Commitment to Saudi Vision 2030
Every smart solution and sustainable system deployed by Johnson Controls Arabia contributes to Saudi Vision 2030. The company actively supports the Kingdom’s goals of:
- Diversifying the economy
- Creating vibrant cities and public spaces
- Driving innovation and local talent development
By aligning with national priorities, Johnson Controls Arabia emerges as not just a vendor—but a strategic transformation partner.
Conclusion: Shaping the Stadiums of the Future
From Riyadh to the world stage, Johnson Controls Arabia is setting new standards for sports infrastructure. Through its presence at the 2025 World Stadiums and Arenas Summit, the company showcased how technology, customer focus, and sustainability can power the next generation of stadiums.
As fans, athletes, and stakeholders look ahead to the 2034 FIFA World Cup, they can expect smarter, safer, and more sustainable experiences—thanks to Johnson Controls Arabia’s vision and expertise.
