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Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - RIYADH: The current investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s sports sector amount to SR18 billion ($5 billion), paving the way for the market to reach around SR85 billion by 2030, according to Basem Ibrahim, Sport Sector Investment Development Director at the Saudi Ministry of Investment.
Ibrahim told Asharq on the sidelines of the first day of the 2026 Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh that the ministry is working on developing and offering diverse investment opportunities, including projects related to sports infrastructure and preparations for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
He added that these preparations include offering at least 135 training camp sites across the Kingdom, with investments ranging from SR20 million to SR40 million per site, bringing the total expected investment for these projects to up to approximately SR5.4 billion.
Sports investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia
The ministry has invited the private sector to submit proposals for training camp projects, according to Ibrahim, who emphasized that investors can begin developing these projects without waiting for official tender dates.
He pointed out that these camps are part of the requirements for hosting the World Cup, which necessitates infrastructure that includes advanced training facilities and integrated amenities.
The Kingdom is focusing on building an integrated economic system around hosting the 2034 World Cup.
Former Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih stated in February: “The World Cup is now a reality, and the Kingdom must build not only a number of stadiums, but also an integrated economic system around them, with logistical connectivity and improved quality of life, not only for visitors but also for residents of the areas where the stadiums will be located.”
Upon winning the right to host the tournament in December 2024, Ibrahim said this would lead to an injection of approximately SR100 billion in additional funds to complete sports projects and facilities and final arrangements prior to hosting the World Cup.
Developing human resources alongside infrastructure
Ibrahim revealed an investment opportunity to develop a sports city in the Eastern Province, valued at up to SR1 billion. He explained that this opportunity is one of several projects being undertaken as part of the ministry’s plans to expand investment in the sports sector.
He also pointed out that preparations for the 2034 World Cup are not limited to infrastructure but also include developing human resources in the sports sector. He said there are plans to launch talent identification programs in schools, in addition to establishing sports academies aimed at preparing a new generation of players to participate in the tournament.
A report issued by the consulting firm Oliver Wyman in late 2025 predicted that the sports sector in the Middle East would undergo a qualitative transformation as countries in the region prepare to host a series of major international events in the coming years, creating an opportunity for economic growth worth $75 billion.
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