Over the past decade, the Middle East has experienced a significant increase in hosting major international sporting events, with the sports industry in the region expected to grow by 8.7% by 2026, compared to a global growth rate of 3.3% over the same period. Recent high-profile events include the FIFA World Cup in Qatar (2022), heavyweight boxing championships in Saudi Arabia, recurring Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events in Abu Dhabi, and annual Formula 1 races, world-class horse racing, tennis, and golf tournaments held across the GCC.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 positions sport as a key pillar of its development strategy, highlighted by its successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Riyadh has also submitted bids for other major international events, such as the 2034 Asian Games.
Hosting these global sporting events necessitates significant investment in infrastructure. Countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have collectively invested billions in state-of-the-art sports facilities and supporting infrastructure. These developments often involve not only the construction of new venues but also the demolition and refurbishment of existing stadiums and sports grounds—activities that can expose workers to the hazard of Asbestos. For instance, during the construction of the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, approximately 65 tonnes of Asbestos had to be removed as part of the refurbishment and demolition works, according to Eng. Bodour Al Meer of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
Asbestos has been widely used in sporting facilities and venues due to its excellent heat resistance and fireproofing properties. In the event of a fire, Asbestos can protect construction materials, minimising structural damage and safeguarding human life—including fans, staff, and athletes—from fire-related dangers. However, if Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) are damaged during regular use or, more critically, during refurbishment or demolition, they can pose significant health risks. Exposure to asbestos can lead to severe and life-threatening health conditions, including mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, highlighting the critical need for proper management and mitigation.
The most common Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) found in sports stadiums include;
Sprayed Asbestos coating the Rolled Steel Joists (RSJ)s and structural components
Asbestos board ceiling tiles, partition walls, and fire breaks
Asbestos insulations and gaskets associated with plant rooms and pipework
Asbestos vinyl floor tiles in changing rooms and spectator areas
To minimise the Asbestos risks posed to stakeholders who visit or work in existing sports stadiums, it is essential to follow best-practice Asbestos management procedures.
For existing facilities, comprehensive Asbestos surveys—both management surveys and refurbishment/demolition surveys—should be conducted to identify and Asbestos materials. If ACMs are identified, an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) must be developed and implemented to safely manage, encapsulate, or remove Asbestos as necessary. Licensed professionals (contractors overseen by consultants) should be engaged for Asbestos abatement to ensure safe removal. Additionally, Asbestos awareness training should be provided to staff, contractors, and maintenance workers to help them recognise Asbestos and understand the hazards it poses. Following International best practice guidelines such as the UK HSE guidance documents, would ensure that Asbestos management and removal is caried out to a sufficiently high standard.
Those involved in planning the refurbishment or demolition of sporting venues must account for the time and costs associated with identifying and removing ACMs in older facilities. Proper planning ensures the safety of workers, staff, and fans who visit these venues and helps prevent potential health risks.
If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:
Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)
Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com