RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has transformed in recent years into a sporting powerhouse, hosting major international tournaments, attracting world-class talent, and becoming a top destination for fans of everything from boxing to Formula 1.
Elite tennis stars have graced the Kingdom’s courts and football legends, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi, have captivated stadium crowds, making Saudi Arabia a magnet for the world’s biggest sporting spectacles.
This transformation not only highlights the Kingdom’s bold ambition but also challenges and even dismantles many of the long-standing misconceptions people may have about Saudi Arabia’s role in the world of sports.
Indeed, sport is not new to the Saudi way of life. The Kingdom has a long and rich tradition of hosting traditional Arabian sports, from camel racing to falconry and equestrianism, which continue to be practiced today.
Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during his official unveiling as a new member of Al Nassr soccer club in in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP)
What is new, however, is how the Kingdom is expanding its sporting portfolio. Through a series of back-to-back events, Saudi Arabia has hosted champions in everything from wrestling, motorsport, and tennis, to football, snooker, and esports.
According to its 2016 launch statement, Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s strategy to create “a vibrant society with fulfilling lives,” aims to elevate the Kingdom’s global sports profile, “to excel in sports and to be among the leaders in selected sports both regionally and globally.”
What started as a plan to diversify the economy has evolved into a mission to secure the country as a premier destination for sporting excellence.
The Kingdom has already made history, hosting the Grand Prix, Formula E, WWE, multiple golf tournaments, and Riyadh Season events.
The 2023 Diriyah E-Prix saw 11 teams and 22 drivers take to the race grid for the fifth time in the Kingdom since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the event in December 2018. (Photos by Abdulrahman Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia’s first Formula 1 race took place in December 2021 at Jeddah’s Corniche Circuit — the fastest street circuit in F1 — bringing together world-class drivers and teams, including Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes, Max Verstappen with Red Bull, Charles Leclerc with Ferrari, and Sebastian Vettel with Aston Martin.
In Formula E, the UNESCO World Heritage site Diriyah hosted the first ever night race in the motorsport’s history in 2018, which also featured musical performances by David Guetta and Imagine Dragons.
The Kingdom has also hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020.
Lewis Hamilton wins Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in December 2021 after an epic battle with title rival Max Verstappen. (File/AFP)
In WWE, the Crown Jewel and the Greatest Royal Rumble have set records for wrestling, with 50 participants — the largest number in a single Royal Rumble match.
In golf, Saudi Arabia’s International Golf Tournament, which is part of the European Tour, has consistently drawn some of the largest crowds and sponsorship deals.
The Kingdom has invested heavily in the expansion of its sports sector, with state-of-the-art stadiums, public training facilities, and Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard, designed to promote active lifestyles and public wellness.
At the grassroots level, the Kingdom is committed to nurturing young local talent, investing in numerous programs that empower youth in sports, including Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee programs that provide training, competitions, and scholarships.
As well as the Sports for All Federation, which aims to promote sports participation in all areas of society, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s programs develop young football talent through academies and training camps.
In the world of boxing, the Kingdom has hosted multiple international bouts, including this year’s clash between heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh.
Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk scored a dramatic split decision win against Tyson Fury on May 19 2024, in Riyadh’s newly built Kingdom Arena during ‘Ring of Fire’ event. (AN Photo / Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
The Kingdom’s 5 vs 5 made history by bringing together the boxing world’s biggest British promoters, Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, as a part of Riyadh Season.
Other major boxing events that have taken place in the Kingdom include Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz and Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith.
The Kingdom has also become widely known for its high-capacity tennis events including the Diriyah Tennis Cup, which began in 2019 and has attracted big name competitors including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Maria Sharapova.
Saudi Arabia has hosted golfing events since 1949 at the Rolling Hills Golf Club in Dharan City. Since then, however, the Kingdom has gone on to host the Saudi Open, the Aramco Team Series, and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International.
The Kingdom hosted the inaugural Riyadh Season Tennis Cup, superstars Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic went head to head on Dec. 27 in an exhibition match in Riyadh. (AN Photo / Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
One of the sport’s biggest events will take place in December when Riyadh hosts the Saudi International golf tournament, presented by the Public Investment Fund, with a total prize pool of $5 million, marking the season finale for both the Asian Tour and the International Series.
Most recently, the Kingdom added snooker to its portfolio of sporting events. The inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters took place in Riyadh in September and marked a major milestone in the sport’s emergence in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia made history by hosting the largest international competition in world snooker history with 144 of the world’s top players participating.
The Kingdom has also emerged as a major player in esports — hosting the first Gamers8 championships in 2022, attracting some of the top gamers in the world, boasting a total prize pool of $30 million.
In April 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of the Esports World Cup to be held annually in Riyadh.
Donia Abu Taleb won a bronze medal at the Arab Taekwondo Championship Cup in 2022. (X)
“The competition will enhance our progress toward realizing the Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying the economy, growing the tourism sector, creating new jobs in various industries, and providing world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors alike,” he said in a statement at the time.
“The Esports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and esports, offering an unmatched esports experience that pushes the boundaries of the industry.”
However, it is the world of football that has by far seen the greatest interest.
Football came to the Kingdom in 1956 in the shape of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. There were early successes, such as the national team’s participation in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia’s own Hattan Alsaif turned in a spectacular MMA debut, knocking out Egypt’s Nada Faheem with a head kick in the second round. (Supplied)
Throughout this time, the Kingdom continuously invested in the sport. But it is only in recent years, since the launch of Vision 2030, that the world has begun to take notice of Saudi football.
Saudi Arabia has significantly elevated its football profile on the global stage by attracting some of the biggest names in the sport, attracting top players to its Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal clubs, including Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The roster of world-class players and the bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global football arena.
