Saudi Arabia attracts 2.5m sports tourists in last 4 years: Al-Khateeb
RIYADH: Some 2.5 million tourists have been drawn to Saudi Arabia in the past four years thanks to its ever-growing sports offerings, according to a senior government official.
In a post on Linkedin, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that 80 international events staged in the Kingdom over that time have helped reshape the Saudi economy.
According to the minister, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix alone, which debuted in Jeddah in 2021, has brought in spectators from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated SR900 million ($240 million) in economic impact.
Saudi Arabia is using sports tourism to advance its Vision 2030 goals, reducing reliance on oil while expanding its tourism sector, with a target of 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.
'For Saudi Arabia, sports tourism is a pillar of transformation, deeply embedded in Saudi Vision 2030,' Al-Khateeb said.
The minister highlighted the Kingdom's pivotal role in the global industry, which now accounts for 10 percent of tourism expenditure across the world and is projected to grow by 17.5 percent by 2030.
Major international events hosted in Saudi Arabia include WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, and Formula E. It has also staged the E-Prix, the International Handball Federation Super Globe, and the Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport.
In November, Saudi Arabia hosted the 2025 Indian Premier League auction, a major cricketing event which features 10 professional clubs.
Al-Khateeb called the Kingdom's hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup the 'natural next step' in Saudi Arabia's ongoing transformation journey.
'As the first country to host a 48-team FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia will unite more fans from around the world like never before — creating an unprecedented global gathering,' he said, adding: 'With 60 percent of the world's population within an eight-hour flight, this positions us to deliver one of the most accessible and connected tournaments in history.'
The minister noted that the Kingdom is investing in 15 new stadiums designed to meet long-term infrastructure needs and accommodate a growing influx of international fans.
Al-Khateeb said the collaboration between Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports is turning sporting events into platforms for storytelling, expression, and national pride.
He added that sustainability is central to the Kingdom's sports tourism strategy, with green principles at its core.
'Through the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has pledged to source 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060,' he said. 'Saudi Arabia has therefore been ensuring, as well as proving, that not only do sustainability and progress go hand in hand, but sustainable practices remain central to our sporting infrastructure.'
The minister said Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in youth and grassroots sports to strengthen the sector.
More than 20,000 players are part of the Schools League, supported by 18 regional youth training centers across the Kingdom.
Women's sports are also growing, with participation rising 149 percent since 2015, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to a diverse sports environment.
Al-Khateeb added that Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million international tourists annually, with direct flights from 250 destinations, reinforcing its position as a global sports tourism hub.
'The road ahead is an unprecedented opportunity — for players, for fans, and for nations harnessing the power of sport as a driver for transformation. As Saudi Arabia continues this visionary journey, it is not only preparing to host the world, it is shaping the future of sports tourism beyond the game,' he said.
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