A Fatal Incident at Aramco Stadium
On March 12, 2025, Muhammad Arshad, a Pakistani foreman in his mid-30s, tragically lost his life while working on the construction of the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. This stadium is one of the eleven venues being developed for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Arshad’s death marks the first reported fatality among migrant workers associated with the tournament’s infrastructure projects.
According to reports, Arshad was performing formwork operations at a significant height when the platform he was on tilted. Although the worker was equipped with a personal fall-arrest system, it was not secured to an anchor point at the time of the incident, resulting in his fall. Emergency services arrived quickly, but despite their efforts, he later died from his injuries at the hospital.
Labor Conditions Under Scrutiny Following Arshad’s Death
The incident has intensified scrutiny over labor conditions in Saudi Arabia, especially concerning migrant workers involved in large-scale projects. Human rights organizations have previously raised concerns about worker safety and exploitation in the region. In response to Arshad’s death, Saudi Arabia’s sports minister announced the initiation of an investigation to determine the circumstances and accountability related to the incident.
Reports indicate that Arshad’s family had not received the compensation mandated by Saudi law in the days following his death, suggesting that his employer, the Belgian company Besix Group, failed to meet its legal obligations. It was also reported that workers at the Aramco Stadium were pressured to delete any photos or videos related to the incident and instructed to remain silent about what had happened.
Arshad had been employed at the Aramco Stadium site since September 2024. His death has brought attention to the risks faced by migrant workers and has prompted calls for improved safety measures and labor rights protections as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the World Cup.
The Aramco Stadium, expected to accommodate over 46,000 spectators, is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify the nation’s economy and promote international engagement through events like the World Cup. However, incidents like Arshad’s death highlight the human cost associated with such ambitious projects and underscore the need for stringent safety protocols and labor reforms.
Sportswashing In Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in sports has been widely criticized as an attempt at “sportswashing,” a strategy to divert attention from its human rights record. This includes the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the repression of women’s rights.
While the Kingdom seeks to present a modern, progressive image through sports, the underlying issues remain unaddressed. The lavish spending on high-profile events and athletes contrasts sharply with the conditions faced by workers like Arshad, whose contributions are essential yet often overlooked.
A Call for Accountability
As the world turns its attention to the upcoming 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, it’s imperative to scrutinize the methods used to bring such events to life. The global community must hold organizers accountable, ensuring that hosting major sports events does not come at the expense of human rights and dignity. The tragic loss of Muhammad Arshad must not be forgotten, it should serve as a catalyst for meaningful reforms to ensure the safety of all workers involved in such large-scale events.