Saudi Arabia’s domestic aluminium consumption is poised to climb to 1.8 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade, driven by large-scale construction projects tied to the 2034 FIFA World Cup and other major international events, a top executive at state-owned metals firm Maaden has confirmed.

Speaking at the Fastmarkets International Aluminium Conference in Budapest on Wednesday, Ahmad al-Alshaikh, Executive Vice President for Aluminium at Maaden, said national demand could potentially double over the next five to seven years, settling in a range of 1.6 million to 1.8 million tonnes per year by 2030. The forecast marks a steep increase from the kingdom’s current aluminium demand of roughly 1 million tonnes per annum.

Al-Alshaikh linked the projected growth to sweeping construction activity unfolding across Saudi Arabia. Preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup represent a core driver of the uptick, with the tournament set to require 15 new purpose-built stadiums. These flagship infrastructure projects, paired with development work for other global expositions, are generating widespread incremental demand for aluminium and other critical construction materials.

As the kingdom’s leading domestic producer, Maaden currently operates with a primary aluminium output of approximately 780,000 tonnes per year, alongside an annual cast metal production volume of around 1 million tonnes. Roughly 85% of the company’s total production is sold within the Saudi market, solidifying its central role in the country’s aluminium supply chain.

Addressing regional geopolitical risks, al-Alshaikh noted that ongoing tensions across the Middle East have had only a limited impact on Maaden’s operational activity. He added that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have worked in close coordination to mitigate disruptions from regional conflicts and safeguard stability across the Gulf’s industrial metals sector.