Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage
Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo kicks the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on May 27, 2024. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

Beyond the pitch: Star quality, strategic vision put Saudi Pro League on global stage

RIYADH: In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major player in the global football arena, and the country’s investment in the Saudi Pro League has become a focal point for discussions around the future of the sport.

With significant financial backing and a strategic vision, the Kingdom is making headlines by attracting some of football’s biggest names, enhancing tourism, expanding international broadcasting, and capturing the attention of global media.

One of the most visible indicators of the SPL’s rising profile is the influx of international football stars. High-profile transfers in recent years have not only enhanced the league’s competitive edge, but also spotlighted its growing prestige.

These marquee signings are more than just players; they are global icons whose presence in the SPL serves as a powerful endorsement of the league’s quality and ambition.

 

Present:

When Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr shortly after the 2022 World Cup, he changed the course of football in the Kingdom forever. He opened the door for some of the world’s finest players who rushed to join him soon afterwards.

After Ronaldo’s era-defining move to the Kingdom, Karim Benzema became the Saudi Pro League’s second high-profile arrival the following year. The SPL set its sights high by signing the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner from arguably the world’s most famous club, Real Madrid.

Popular Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez joined Al-Ahli in a 2023 statement signing, fresh from winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble with Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City team.




Riyadh Mahrez. (Twitter)

After a season in Bavaria, Senegalese star Sadio Mane packed his bags for Riyadh to play alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in 2023.

Mane had enjoyed six successful years playing for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool before moving to German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022.

Few foreign players have proven to be as successful in Saudi Arabia as Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrovic. After joining Al-Hilal from English Premier League club Fulham last summer, he tore up defenses across the Kingdom, scoring 28 goals as Al-Hilal cruised to a record 19th Saudi Pro League championship.




Bafetimbi Gomis of Al Hilal (R) runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final match between CR Flamengo and Al Hilal FC at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

 

Past:

While recent years have seen an influx of high-profile stars, Saudi football has long been home to some outstanding international talent.

A member of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning Brazil team alongside the likes of Pele, Carlos Alberto and Jairzinho, Roberto Rivelino joined Al-Hilal in 1978. He proceeded to win the Saudi league in his first season and score 26 goals across three campaigns.

Omar Al-Somah is another Arab superstar who made his name in Saudi Arabia. The Syrian forward joined Al-Ahli in 2014 and went on to have a sensational career, scoring 144 goals in 180 matches for the Jeddah giants, claiming the Saudi Pro League title in 2015-16.




Omar Al-Somah

French forward Bafetimbi Gomis joined Al-Hilal from Galatasaray in 2018, just in time to play a major part in one of the club’s greatest eras. In four glorious seasons at the club, he won two Saudi Pro League and two AFC Champions League titles, scoring 116 goals across all competitions. His stellar record propelled him to hero status in Riyadh and beyond.

Brazilian goal poacher Romarinho was beloved by Al-Ittihad fans from the time he joined from the UAE’s Al-Jazira in 2018 until his departure this summer. His goals helped Al-Ittihad end a 14-year drought to win the 2022-2023 SPL title.

Controversial, but never less than enthralling, and deadly in front of the goal, Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah scored an astonishing 77 goals in 74 matches for Al-Nassr between 2018 and 2021, winning the SPL in 2018-19 and twice claiming the league top scorer award. Like Romarinho, Hamdallah played a major part in bringing the SPL title to Jeddah in 2023.




Hilal's Brazilian forward #10 Neymar stands for the national anthem during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Hilal and Al-Shabab at Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on September 29, 2023. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)

Stadiums across Saudi Arabia attract fans from around the world. The enhanced match-day experience, coupled with the opportunity to see global stars in action, has turned major football fixtures into significant tourism events. This surge in visitors is beneficial not only for the hospitality sector, but also for local businesses and the broader economy.

Aside from tourism, the SPL is expanding its broadcasting to new territories and languages for the first time. Previously confined to regional viewership, the league has secured broadcasting deals that span multiple continents. Networks in Europe, Asia, and the Americas are now showing SPL matches, providing a global audience with unprecedented access to Saudi football.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in football is part of a long-term vision. By attracting top talent, boosting tourism, expanding broadcasting reach, and capturing media attention, the SPL is positioning itself as a major player in international football, and a cornerstone of the country’s sports and cultural diplomacy.




Aleksander Mitrovic of Al Hilal looks on prior the Saudi Pro League match between Al Hilal and Damac at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on August 28, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The influx of international stars and the subsequent growth in tourism are just the beginning. The Kingdom aims to leverage this momentum to drive further investments in infrastructure, grassroots development, and community engagement, with the goal of creating a sustainable football ecosystem that benefits all levels of the sport, and contributes to the country’s broader economic and social objectives.

This spotlight boosts the league’s visibility, and helps to shape global perceptions of Saudi football as a serious and competitive force.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup adds another layer to its footballing ambitions. The country’s significant investments in the SPL and its infrastructure are part of a strategic push to demonstrate its capability to host major international sporting events. Securing the World Cup would not only solidify Saudi Arabia’s status on the global football stage, but also align with its Vision 2030 goals by showcasing its evolving sports infrastructure and organizational prowess.

As the SPL continues to grow, it will be interesting to observe how this investment reshapes global football dynamics. The league’s success in attracting big names and expanding its international footprint could potentially inspire other regions to follow suit, leading to a more diverse and globally interconnected football landscape. 


GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity
Updated 31 min 34 sec ago
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GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

GACA launches integrated digital platform, unveils new brand identity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority launched an integrated digital platform and unveiled a new brand identity on Wednesday.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation made the announcements, which also included an updated website, at an event at its headquarters in Riyadh.

The new platform, known as “Ajwaa,” provides all civil aviation services, ensuring quick and efficient access for users and creates a fully digital environment for stakeholders, improving operational efficiency, transparency, and GACA’s regulatory role, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The event was attended by Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi transport minister and chairman of the board of directors of GACA; Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, president of GACA; and vice presidents, CEOs, as well as other officials.

Al-Duailej said the new identity, slogan “Together for New Horizons,” “Ajwaa” platform, and updated website mark a new era for GACA, shaping the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia with the leadership’s full support, SPA reported.


The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
Updated 31 min 16 sec ago
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The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve

The geological wonders of Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve
  • Rock formations hold geological records that reveal the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time
  • Formerly known as the al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve is less than an hour's drive from Riyadh city center

RIYADH: The King Khalid Royal Reserve boasts rock formations shaped over thousands of years by natural erosion and fluctuating climatic conditions, sculpting its varied terrain into one of Saudi Arabia's most significant and captivating nature reserves.

Formerly known as the al-Thumamah Wildlife Park, the royal reserve located northeast of national capital is less than an hour's drive from the city center.

Among the main geological features in the reserve are the Al-Urumah mountains, known for their striking rock formations, including natural caves, rock columns, and stone bridges.

With the arrival of winter and cooler temperatures, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. (SPA)

Stretching over 700 kilometers, the dramatic landscape provides an ideal destination for photography and adventure enthusiasts, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Yet, these landscapes are not just an aesthetic marvel; within their layers, they hold a geological record that reveals the environmental and climatic changes the region has experienced over time.

With the arrival of winter and cooler temperatures, the reserve becomes a perfect destination for ecotourism and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Visitors can hike among towering rocks, enjoy picnics, cycle along scenic trails, stargaze on clear nights, and experience an exceptional environment for astronomical observation.

The preservation of these rock formations is crucial for protecting geological diversity and promoting environmental sustainability, while responsible practices contribute to the safeguarding of natural landmarks for future generations, SP said.

 


Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh
Updated 20 February 2025
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Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

Trump thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting Ukraine peace talks in Riyadh

RIYADH: US President Donald Trump said Saudi Arabia did a “great job” in hosting talks aimed at moving toward a resolution of the Russian-Ukraine war, and thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for facilitating the discussions in Riyadh.
Trump said on Wednesday that the conflict, which began three years ago this month, would have never started had he been president.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “talked the US into spending $350 billion to go into a war that that could not be won, that never had to start and never would have started if I was president,” said Trump, adding that Ukraine would never settle the war without US involvement.
Senior US and Russian officials attended a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday to start working toward ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting was also attended by senior Saudis, but no Ukrainians.
Trump said that Zelenskyy could have attended the discussions in the Saudi capital had he wanted to.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two sides agreed broadly to pursue three goals: to restore staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, to create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks, and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.
Trump, talking at the FII PRIORITY Miami event, which runs between Feb. 19-21, said he hopes that a ceasefire arrives soon.
The president’s speech was wide-ranging, touching on efforts to cut government waste, boosting energy production, and his foreign policy objectives.
Dignitaries included Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund; Elon Musk, the head of a new US federal entity — called DOGE — meant to cut government waste; and Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US.


Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
Updated 20 February 2025
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Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends

Digital Cooperation Organization signs multiple memorandums of understanding as fourth general assembly ends
  • Secretary-general says event marked 4 years of progress

AMMAN: The Digital Cooperation Organization signed numerous memorandums of understanding during its fourth general assembly in Amman, which concluded on Wednesday.

The memorandums were signed between the DCO and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, the Agency for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Sultanate of Oman and 500 Global.

A statement of intent was also signed between the DCO and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

The signings came after a delegation from the DCO visited Jordan’s Prime Minister Jaafar Abdel Fattah Hassan.

Sami Smeirat, the Jordanian minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, and the chairman of the DCO Council, said that Jordan’s presidency of the organization in 2024 had demonstrated the country’s ability to lead global efforts toward building an inclusive digital economy.

He said: “Throughout this year we have launched ambitious initiatives, strengthened public-private partnerships, and laid solid foundations to empower youth and women in the technology sector.”

Smeirat spoke of the 2025 presidency, which was handed to Kuwait.

He said: “We hand over the presidency to our brothers in the State of Kuwait. We reaffirm Jordan’s commitment to remaining an active partner in achieving the organization’s goals. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to realize our shared vision: a digital world marked by prosperity and fairness for all.”

Deemah Al-Yahya, the secretary-general of the DCO, said that the general assembly marked four years of progress for the organization.

The secretary-general highlighted DCO’s upcoming ambitions, adding: “While we have achieved much over the past four years, there is still important work ahead to drive digital economic growth for all.”

Wednesday’s event featured panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.

The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer and partner organizations.


Piece of Kaaba’s Kiswah gifted to Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
Updated 19 February 2025
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Piece of Kaaba’s Kiswah gifted to Uzbekistan’s Center of Islamic Civilization

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (SPA)
  • Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah is currently on a visit to the Central Asian country
  • He handed over the piece of cloth to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

RIYADH: A piece of the holy Kaaba’s Kiswa was gifted by the Kingdom to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, currently on a visit to the Central Asian country, handed over the piece of cloth to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the directive of King Salman.

Mirziyoyev commended the Kingdom’s efforts to develop Hajj and Umrah experiences and facilitate the journeys of Uzbek pilgrims to the Kingdom, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said.