Upcoming Event

Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ambitions: Diversification and Sustainability?

On May 27, AGSI will host a discussion on Saudi Arabia's investment in sports.

Date

May 27, 2025

Time

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Saudi Arabia fans cheer prior of the World Cup group C soccer match between Poland and Saudi Arabia, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, November 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) — Saudi Arabia fans cheer before a World Cup soccer match between Poland and Saudi Arabia at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, November 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

About the event

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as an emerging sports power by investing heavily in global and international sports, including soccer, boxing, motorsports, martial arts, esports, and golf. On December 11, 2024, FIFA announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. Hosting the world’s most-watched sporting event, in addition to the 2027 Asian Cup and 2029 Asian Winter Games, will provide the kingdom with a huge opportunity to present itself on the global stage, attract visitors to the country, and showcase the ambitious reforms that it is pursuing under Vision 2030.

How does Saudi Arabia’s sports investment strategy fit in its broader socioeconomic diversification efforts? What are the opportunities and pitfalls that come along with this strategy? What are the costs associated with these investments, and what are the related economic risks? And how is Saudi Arabia linking its sports engagement with sustainability initiatives, including energy diversification and climate policies?

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The views represented herein are the author's or speaker's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of AGSI, its staff, or its board of directors.