Saudi Games 2025 postponed to prioritize athlete readiness for major events
RIYADH — The Supreme Organizing Committee of the Saudi Games has announced that the fourth edition of the event, originally scheduled for 2025, will not take place this year, with new dates to be determined and announced at a later time.
In a circular issued to all participating federations and sports clubs, the committee emphasized that the decision was made to ensure an optimal competitive environment for Saudi athletes and to allow national teams to better prepare for a series of major international sporting events in the latter half of 2025.
Among the key events cited are Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in November, the World Games in China this August, and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in October.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience and supporting athletes in their preparations for these critical tournaments.
The Saudi Games, considered the largest multi-sport national event in the Kingdom, were launched to develop the sports sector and promote grassroots participation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi PIF named most valuable and fastest-growing sovereign wealth fund
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has been named the most valuable and fastest-growing sovereign wealth fund in the world, with a brand value of $1.2 billion, a new report showed. According to Brand Finance's 2025 Asset Management and Sovereign Wealth Fund 50 report, PIF also secured seventh place globally in brand value-to-assets under management ratio, making it the only SWF to enter the top 10 across both asset management and SWF categories. PIF's strong brand growth reflects its ranking as the fourth-largest sovereign wealth fund globally, as reported in Global SWF's July update. With assets under management exceeding $1 trillion, the fund now ranks just behind Norway's Government Pension Fund Global and two Chinese entities — the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the China Investment Corporation — surpassing regional peers such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the Kuwait Investment Authority. The report from Brand Finance also highlighted the role of high-profile sports partnerships in elevating brand value. 'In 2024, PIF signed groundbreaking global partnerships accelerating the growth of sports with ATP and WTA tennis, Concacaf and Formula E, Extreme E and E1 under the E360 umbrella while its ownership of LIV Golf is helping to expand the game's audience around the world,' Brand Finance CEO David Haigh said. PIF's brand growth was underpinned by strong scores in brand awareness, purpose, and its commitment to long-term value creation. It has seen substantial expansion in its portfolio, driven by the maturation of key projects and robust performance from its portfolio companies. The Saudi wealth fund holds an A+ brand strength rating, with its Brand Strength Index rising to 62.9 out of 100 in 2025. Additionally, PIF's ownership of LIV Golf continues to expand the game's global audience and bolster its brand visibility. BlackRock retained its position as the world's most valuable asset management brand for the second consecutive year, with its brand value rising 17 percent to $8.3 billion, according to the Brand Finance report. The increase is attributed to a surge in AUM, strategic acquisitions in private markets, and sustained leadership in technology and artificial intelligence. In the asset management space, JP Morgan Asset Management ranked second globally with a brand value just under $7.2 billion, reflecting a 3 percent year-on-year increase. Vanguard held third place with a brand value of $6 billion, unchanged from 2024. While BlackRock trails JP Morgan in terms of brand strength — scoring 87 out of 100 to JP Morgan's 87.6 — both firms retained an AAA brand strength rating. Haigh noted the strategic importance of sports affiliations in brand development. 'Formula 1 and football are powerful and popular ways for asset managers and sovereign wealth funds to raise their international profiles in a way that is consistent with the brands' wealth and stature,' Haigh said. He cited JP Morgan's banking unit Chase's recent sponsorship of Arsenal FC's VIP Lounge as an example of how these investments can significantly boost brand recognition among targeted audiences. Among sovereign wealth funds, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority was identified as the strongest brand in terms of BSI, with a score of 64.1, also earning an A+ rating. PIF remains the leader in overall brand value within the SWF category, reflecting the fund's expanding global influence and strategic visibility.
Saudi Gazette
20 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Games 2025 postponed to prioritize athlete readiness for major events
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Supreme Organizing Committee of the Saudi Games has announced that the fourth edition of the event, originally scheduled for 2025, will not take place this year, with new dates to be determined and announced at a later time. In a circular issued to all participating federations and sports clubs, the committee emphasized that the decision was made to ensure an optimal competitive environment for Saudi athletes and to allow national teams to better prepare for a series of major international sporting events in the latter half of 2025. Among the key events cited are Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in November, the World Games in China this August, and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in October. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience and supporting athletes in their preparations for these critical tournaments. The Saudi Games, considered the largest multi-sport national event in the Kingdom, were launched to develop the sports sector and promote grassroots participation.
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Saudi Gazette
Al Nassr beat Benfica to €50m João Félix signing after Ronaldo, Jesus intervene
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Al Nassr have completed the signing of Portuguese forward João Félix from Chelsea in a deal worth up to €50 million, ending a nearly finalized move that would have seen the 25-year-old return to his former club, Benfica. The Saudi Pro League side agreed to pay €30 million upfront with an additional €20 million in performance-based add-ons, according to Sky Sports. Félix is expected to undergo a medical in Riyadh on Sunday evening, with personal terms already agreed. Sources close to the negotiations confirmed that Al Nassr's Portuguese contingent — head coach Jorge Jesus and team captain Cristiano Ronaldo — played a decisive role in convincing Félix to choose Saudi Arabia over Lisbon. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo called their intervention 'crucial,' while transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported the player is 'excited' to play alongside Ronaldo and reunite with Jesus.Félix spent the latter half of last season on loan at AC Milan, making 21 appearances and registering three goals and one assist. Though Milan paid €5.5 million for the loan, they opted against a permanent signed Félix on a permanent basis from Atlético Madrid in August 2024 for £44.5 million ($58 million) following a six-month loan spell the previous flashes of quality, he failed to secure a regular starting role at Stamford Bridge, featuring in just three Premier League starts last season. His contract with Chelsea had been due to run until 2030, with an option for an additional Portuguese international was initially expected to be part of Chelsea's squad for the FIFA Club World Cup this summer but was omitted from the final 28-man list, signaling his imminent departure.A crowded attacking unit at Chelsea — featuring summer signings Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, João Pedro, Liam Delap, and Estevão — further limited Félix's role in the Nassr's move underscores their ambitions ahead of the new season, with the club continuing to build around Ronaldo, who joined in late 2022. Félix's arrival is seen as part of a broader strategy to assemble a competitive team capable of challenging for domestic and continental is expected to earn an annual salary of €6 million in Riyadh.
