Saudi Arabia has become a major player in global sports tourism, attracting 2.5 million tourists over the past four years. This surge is due to the country’s growing range of sports events, according to Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb.
Al-Khateeb shared on LinkedIn that the Kingdom hosted 80 international sports events during this period, significantly boosting the local economy. Notably, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, launched in 2021 in Jeddah, alone brought spectators from 160 countries. The event also generated $240 million and created 20,000 jobs.
Sports tourism is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. The country aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade. Al-Khateeb emphasized that sports tourism plays a central role in this transformation.
The global sports tourism sector now represents 10% of worldwide tourism spending and is expected to grow by 17.5% by 2030. Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role by hosting major events like WWE Super Showdown, Formula E, and the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship. The country also hosted the Indian Premier League auction in November 2025.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is preparing for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Al-Khateeb calls a “natural next step.” The Kingdom will be the first to host a 48-team World Cup, making it a truly global event. With 60% of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight, Saudi Arabia is poised to host one of the most accessible World Cups in history.
In preparation for this, the Kingdom is investing in 15 new stadiums to accommodate an influx of international fans. Al-Khateeb pointed out the collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports, turning sports events into platforms for national pride and storytelling.
Sustainability is also a core focus of Saudi Arabia’s sports tourism strategy. The Saudi Green Initiative aims to source 50% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Al-Khateeb further mentioned the Kingdom’s investment in youth sports, including over 20,000 players in the Schools League and 18 regional youth training centers. Women’s participation in sports has also surged by 149% since 2015, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a more inclusive sports environment.
The Kingdom is positioning itself as a global sports tourism hub, with plans to attract tourists from 250 destinations worldwide. Saudi Arabia’s sports tourism is not just about hosting events—it’s about shaping the future of sports on a global scale.
