Saudi Arabia is reshaping the global sports landscape with an ambitious and innovative strategy, as highlighted during the “Giga & Mega Projects” panel recently held in Riyadh as part of the SFS Saudi Edition. During the event, Fahd Al-Subaie (Director of the Clubs Investment Department – Ministry of Sport), Abdullah Maghram (Director of the International Communication Department – Ministry of Sport), and Basim K. Ibrahim (Sport Segment Director – Ministry of Investment) showcased how the Ministry of Sport is driving this transformation by combining investment, sustainability, and inclusivity.

In 2017, only 14.9% of the Saudi population actively participated in sports events. Today, this figure has soared to 58%, surpassing the 2030 goal of 40%. This result not only underscores the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s strategy but also highlights an approach aimed at enhancing the quality of life through sports.

Women’s participation is a cornerstone of this vision: from the women’s football championship, which now boasts over 70,000 participants, to tennis, with one million players projected by 2030. Furthermore, the number of sports federations has increased from 32 to 97, a clear indicator of the holistic growth of Saudi Arabia’s sports movement.

Another critical element is investment in clubs and sports infrastructure. The Ministry of Sport has identified 12 priority areas of intervention for clubs, already achieving over 2,000 licenses, establishing 600 academies, and creating more than 2,000 sports facilities. This approach aims to strengthen the commercial value of sports while boosting engagement among audiences and fans.

In 2024, 360 sponsorship requests for clubs have already been received, with a total commercial value estimated at $1.4 billion and an annual growth forecast of 8%. Additionally, the Ministry is working on 70 club-related assets and 80 new sponsorship opportunities, with the goal of developing new products to ensure both the economic and athletic sustainability of sports entities.

Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has hosted numerous international events, proving to be one of the most suitable destinations for high-profile competitions. Among the events already hosted and those planned, a clear intention emerges to establish the country as a global sports hub.

During the panel, Abdullah Maghram emphasized that the goal is not merely to host prestigious events but to build a sports ecosystem that invests in people, promotes inclusivity, and ensures sustainable growth. This ambitious vision cements Saudi Arabia’s role as a pioneer in leveraging sports as a driver of innovation and social transformation.