Saudi Arabia’s Sporting Scene is Katching the Attention of Global Fans

7th December, 2025 | Hospitality, Public Relations

by - Beth Laverty

Playing host to numerous mega events spanning Formula 1, LIV Golf, WWE, and the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia has firmly established itself as a global sporting hub

 

Boasting world-class infrastructure, a rich culture, and year-round sunshine, it’s no surprise that the Kingdom’s popularity with tourists is soaring. While traditionally speaking, a lot of the nation’s visitors travelled from neighbouring GCC countries, the nation is welcoming more international visitors than ever, and it’s all thanks to a string of major sporting events that are now taking place in Saudi Arabia. Beyond securing a seat at the stadium, these events are unlocking a new era of tourism, giving visitors fresh reasons to explore the Kingdom and experience its culture.

 

Vision 2030 as a Catalyst

The driving force behind the Kingdom’s enthusiasm for hosting mega sporting events is – you guessed it – Saudi Vision 2030. In line with the vision of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, it acts as a blueprint for the future, designed to diversify the economy, attract new industries, and inspire a new generation. Sports and entertainment sit at the heart of this strategy, shaping a lifestyle shift at home while projecting a modern and forward-looking image abroad.

 

Come for the Sports, Stay for the Culture

In recent years, recurring events such as the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Dakar Rally, and LIV Golf tournaments have placed Saudi Arabia firmly on the global sporting calendar. With every broadcast, the Kingdom’s cities and landscapes reach millions of viewers, sparking curiosity among travellers who may never have considered visiting before. Each ticket sold and every hotel booked adds to a growing visitor economy, with the sports sector attracting 2.5 million tourists over the past four years.

 

What makes sports tourism in Saudi Arabia so powerful is its ripple effect. Fans who fly in for a football match or boxing night often extend their stay to explore, meaning events become gateways to wider adventures, connecting visitors with hospitality, culture, and natural beauty. This has a knock-on effect on the local community too, creating jobs and boosting the economy. Most notably, last year’s Formula 1 in Jeddah welcomed attendees from 160 nationalities, created 20,000 jobs, and brought in SAR 900 million.

Building World-Class Experiences

To meet the crowds of sports fans flocking to Saudi Arabia, the government is investing in world-class infrastructure to create unparalleled viewing experiences. New arenas are popping up across the country, with the 92,760-seat King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh set to become the biggest stadium in the Kingdom when it is completed in 2029. Other upcoming sporting destinations include the South Riyadh Stadium, which merges Salmani architecture with drought-resistant landscaping and rainwater harvesting systems.

 

Upcoming giga-projects will also be a go-to spot for sports enthusiasts, blending sport and leisure. For instance, the innovative city of NEOM will feature the NEOM Stadium, a futuristic pitch perched more than 350 metres above ground and run entirely on renewable energy.

The Road to 2034

Looking ahead, the FIFA World Cup in 2034 will be the ultimate showcase of Saudi Arabia’s sporting vision. Anticipated to draw millions of visitors, it will shine a global spotlight on the Kingdom’s ability to host. As only the second country in the Middle East to host the games, the nation will be pulling out all the stops for this monumental event, promising an unforgettable experience for football fans.

 

Sport has undoubtedly become one of Saudi Arabia’s most powerful tools for attracting travellers and diversifying its economy. Each event brings new energy, new visitors, and new opportunities for discovery. With so many milestone moments still to come, the Kingdom is just getting warmed up, and we couldn’t be more excited to have a front row seat to all the spectacular events to come.

 

For more related updates and to Katch us covering similar topics, watch this space!

 

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