Wolffkran has begun executing its contract to supply a full turn-key tower crane package for the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, part of Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya megaproject and a future venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

The deal was officially signed at an event held in late May at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, attended by senior representatives from Wolffkran and Qiddiya Investment Company.

A fleet of 21 WOLFF tower cranes is being rolled out to the cliffside construction site, including eight WOLFF 1250 B, nine WOLFF 630 B, three WOLFF 7534 Clear and one WOLFF 8038 Clear models. The line-up may expand as the build progresses. One of the WOLFF 1250 B and two WOLFF 630 B will reach freestanding heights of more than 100 m, making them the tallest tower cranes currently in operation in Saudi Arabia. All units are being supplied on a rental basis and will be assembled, operated and maintained on-site by Wolffkran teams.

TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS

To address the stadium’s extraordinary height and wind-resistance requirements – with cranes required to operate in D50 wind conditions – Wolffkran engineered a new tower element, the WOLFF XT 33. Measuring 3.3 m wide and 6.0 m high, the heavy-duty module allows cranes to operate securely as freestanding units under extreme wind conditions.

“This engineering achievement underscores Wolffkran’s ability and willingness to go the extra mile: developing new components when standard solutions are not enough,” says Dr Peter Schiefer, Owner and Member of the Board of Directors of Wolffkran Holding. “It reflects our focus on solving technical challenges through practical and innovative engineering solutions, as also demonstrated in other complex high-altitude projects such as the Grimsel project in the Swiss Alps.”

The construction site itself poses significant logistical challenges. Perched on a cliff outside Riyadh, it is difficult to access and requires a bespoke crane and transport concept. Wolffkran is not only supplying the equipment, but is also responsible for planning, transport, on-site logistics, assembly and disassembly, and crane operation throughout the construction phase.

Around 180 Wolffkran specialist personnel will work on site during the peak phase of the project. All cranes will be equipped with operator hoists to ensure greater safety and comfort for operators, as well as WOLFF Link technology, which allows for real-time monitoring, diagnostics and proactive maintenance planning. These features are key to minimising downtime and ensuring maximum efficiency on site.

CONTRIBUTION TO VISION 2030

The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium is being built as a national landmark and a centrepiece of Saudi Vision 2030.

“We are proud to contribute to this ambitious initiative and to help shape the future of infrastructure in the kingdom,” states Duncan Salt, CEO of Wolffkran Holding.

“Wolffkran’s extensive experience with complex large-scale projects, combined with in-house engineering expertise and an established turn-key approach, were key factors in winning the contract”, explains Tariq Al-Sawaie, Managing Director Wolffkran for Equipment, Saudi Arabia. “With the concept for the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, Wolffkran is not only lifting components but also setting new standards in large-scale construction projects.”