2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s game-changer in sports and travel

2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s game-changer in sports and travel
This visionary project aims to showcase the Kingdom’s progress by leveraging its dynamic football scene and cutting-edge infrastructure. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s game-changer in sports and travel

2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s game-changer in sports and travel
  • The visionary project aims to showcase the Kingdom’s progress by leveraging its dynamic football scene and cutting-edge infrastructure
  • Central to Saudi Arabia’s World Cup strategy is a major upgrade of its transport infrastructure

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is gearing up to elevate its global profile with the FIFA World Cup in 2034. This landmark event will transform the Kingdom’s central location into a vibrant travel nexus while celebrating its deep-rooted football legacy.

Unveiled in Paris, Saudi Arabia’s bid, dubbed “Growing Together,” has garnered enthusiastic support from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visionary project aims to showcase the Kingdom’s progress by leveraging its dynamic football scene and cutting-edge infrastructure to captivate a global audience.

Central to Saudi Arabia’s World Cup strategy is a major upgrade of its transport infrastructure. Riyadh Air, a new contender in the aviation arena, is spearheading efforts to boost connectivity. In an exclusive interview, a spokesperson from Riyadh Air shared insights on the airline’s preparations for the anticipated wave of World Cup visitors.

“Saudi Arabia is demonstrating how the power of sport brings people closer together. For many years, the Middle East has been developing as a global aviation hub, linking north to south and east to west, ideally situated between Europe, Africa, and Asia,” said Osamah Alnuaiser, senior vice president of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, to Arab News.

He added: “With over 80 percent of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight of Saudi Arabia, it is one of the most accessible locations for the World Cup.”




Riyadh Air’s launch will significantly enhance connectivity for the capital, Riyadh, fostering growth in both business and sports. (Supplied)

Alnuaiser emphasized that Riyadh Air’s launch will significantly enhance connectivity for the capital, Riyadh, fostering growth in both business and sports. “When the FIFA World Cup 2034 takes place, Riyadh will be one of the best-connected G20 capital cities in the world. The country’s central location and expanding sector will create the perfect venue for the World Cup,” he said.

On the topic of connectivity, Alnuaiser elaborated on Riyadh Air’s vision for the World Cup’s legacy and its role in enhancing the Kingdom’s global travel status. “With the Kingdom set to welcome the world, the demand for seamless connectivity within and beyond its borders is rising. Riyadh Air is poised to meet this need in anticipation of the World Cup,” he said.

He added: “There will be a very positive legacy from the World Cup as it will introduce many more people to Saudi culture, history, and heritage, as well as showcase the Kingdom’s growth in business and technology.”

“Saudi Arabia has always been at the forefront of sports developments in the region, and its potential hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup clearly reflects its ambitious goals,” remarked Mohammed Makni, a university professor at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University, to Arab News.




Riyadh Air’s launch will significantly enhance connectivity for the capital, Riyadh, fostering growth in both business and sports. (Supplied)

He continued: “With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase of development, and hosting the 2034 World Cup represents a significant step toward achieving this vision.”

“Regarding transportation, the Kingdom’s strategic location makes it an ideal travel hub for fans. This move is part of a broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for commerce and tourism, supporting the objectives of Vision 2030 and enhancing its appeal as an international destination,” added the academic.

In May, Abdulaziz Al-Dahmash, vice president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation for Quality and Traveler Experience, told Arab News at the Future Aviation Forum that the sector has set “very ambitious targets.” These include tripling passenger numbers from 2019, handling 4.5 million tonnes of cargo, and establishing over 250 direct routes from the Kingdom’s airports.

“Those key targets require enablers, and one of the essential pillars is our passenger experience. We always say that the passenger comes first, so from that perspective, we started various programs from a regulatory standpoint,” Al-Dahmash said.

He added: “We initiated the Total Quality Evaluation program. This program focuses on the passenger experience across all touchpoints at the airport, from entrance to boarding.”

Infrastructure upgrades

Saudi Arabia’s transport infrastructure is undergoing a major overhaul. Significant upgrades to airports, including the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport, are set to handle increased passenger traffic. New facilities and enhancements to existing ones will ensure top-tier amenities for fans.

“To manage the surge in passengers expected during the World Cup in 2034, public transport providers must adopt a proactive and multi-faceted strategy,” Ashley Koussa, partner of Transport and Logistics at PwC, told Arab News.

He added: “The influx of visitors will create high demand for easy access and transport to various locations. Key to success will be increasing service frequency, capacity, deploying dedicated routes, and utilizing advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency.”

Koussa further explained that managing large crowds and peak times effectively will require improved access systems and data analytics for better predictions and management. Close collaboration with event organizers and other key stakeholders is crucial for seamlessly integrating transportation services with overall event logistics, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees.

“Other key stakeholders will play a vital role in creating a seamless integration of transport services with the broader event logistics,” Koussa continued.

Public transport services are also being upgraded. The Riyadh Metro and regional rail services are expanding to connect key World Cup venues, facilitating smooth and efficient travel for visitors. These enhancements aim not only to handle the World Cup but also to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the Kingdom long after the tournament concludes.

Saudi Arabia witnessed a 79 percent surge in the value of construction contracts awarded during the first quarter of 2024, reaching SR118.8 billion ($31.65 billion), according to the latest US-Saudi Business Council report. This is the second-highest figure on record, following SR147.1 billion awarded in the third quarter of 2015. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, contract values jumped by 35 percent.

“Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is experiencing exponential growth, marked by significant advancements in social and physical infrastructure, improved quality of life, and substantial foreign direct investments,” said Albara’a Al-Wazir, director of Economic Research at USSBC.

A unified vision

Football’s legacy in Saudi Arabia spans over a century. The first football clubs emerged in the early 1900s, laying the foundation for a vibrant sporting tradition. The Kingdom’s formal entry into football competitions began in the 1950s, marking the start of an era characterized by burgeoning local tournaments and the eventual establishment of the Saudi Pro League in the 1970s. This period not only saw football’s growth but also mirrored the nation’s development alongside its sport.

Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, commenting on the official bid book’s publication, said, “These plans will combine our rich football heritage with our deep passion for the game and will ensure Saudi Arabia’s success as the first nation to host a 48-team tournament in one country.”

“The government is strategically aligning transport infrastructure improvements with the broader objectives of Vision 2030. This has included implementing a comprehensive approach that integrates both planning and execution,” Koussa noted.

He further elaborated on how the government is synchronizing transport infrastructure improvements with Vision 2030’s broader goals and the economic benefits to the transport sector.

“The transport infrastructure plays a crucial role in this ambition, with the government coordinating improvements through several key initiatives, including integrated urban planning, public-private partnerships, and investments, as well as focusing on sustainability and innovation,” Koussa said.

Integrated urban planning involves aligning transport infrastructure development with other aspects of urban growth, such as economic zones, smart city projects, and sustainable development. Koussa explained that this approach ensures transportation networks complement and support new business districts and residential areas, contributing to the city’s overall economic and social development.

Regarding public-private partnerships and investments, Koussa elaborated that the Kingdom is leveraging collaborations between government entities and private companies to accelerate infrastructure development, particularly for major transportation changes. By combining resources and expertise from both sectors, they aim to enhance and expedite transportation system improvements.

He also noted that the government is incorporating cutting-edge technologies into transportation projects, investing in eco-friendly solutions and smart systems. This includes developing electric vehicle charging stations and upgrading public transport to reduce carbon emissions and enhance urban mobility.

These improvements aim to boost regional connectivity, shorten travel times, and facilitate the movement of goods and people. Additionally, enhanced infrastructure is expected to promote tourism, increase global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and support business expansion, all contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term economic growth.


Riyadh mayor receives English official

Riyadh mayor receives English official
Updated 8 sec ago
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Riyadh mayor receives English official

Riyadh mayor receives English official

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Faisal bin Ayyaf on Monday received the Mayor of North East England Kim McGuinness.

During their meeting the pair discussed ways to boost cooperation between Riyadh and the English region.

Ayyaf stressed the municipality’s keenness to establish international partnerships in various fields.

McGuinness praised the developments achieved by Riyadh and highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas of common interest.


Sri Lankan Embassy launches green campaign to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties

Sri Lankan Embassy launches green campaign to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties
Updated 10 December 2024
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Sri Lankan Embassy launches green campaign to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties

Sri Lankan Embassy launches green campaign to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties
  • Campaign coinciding with COP16 launched in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riyadh Municipality

Riyadh: The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Riyadh Municipality, launched a tree-planting campaign to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

A series of programs are being organized by the embassy to commemorate the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties, an embassy spokesperson told Arab News.

The planting event was organized at Al-Darseena Park in the capital and coincided with the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, or COP16, which is being hosted in Riyadh from Dec. 2 to 13 under the theme “Our Land Our Future.”

A number of officials participated in the event, planting trees, including embassy staff, Sri Lankan Ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, Himali De Costa of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Environment, and Dulanji Herath of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Members of the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh, staff and students of the Sri Lanka International School in Riyadh as well as senior officials of the Riyadh Municipality also participated.

Ghada binth Abdullah Al-Omran, director of volunteer services at the Riyadh Municipality, extended thanks to the Sri Lankan Embassy for launching the initiative and the Sri Lankan community for their active participation.

Addressing the gathering, Ajwad noted that the event aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees.

It also adds value to the commemoration of ties between Saudi Arabi and Sri Lanka as it shows solidarity with COP16, being hosted in Riyadh, which aims to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought, Ajwad added.

The ambassador expressed his sincere appreciation to Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, mayor of the Riyadh Region, for allocating parks for this tree-planting initiative and the excellent arrangements made by the municipality to this end.

Senior Director Arif Al-Sulami and his team at the Riyadh Municipality helped organize the tree planting event in five prominent parks in the Riyadh Region.

As part of a series of events to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the embassy is also organizing the Ambassador’s Cup Cricket Tournament with matches being played by the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.


Saudi Arabia reaffirms centrality of Palestinian cause

Saudi Arabia reaffirms centrality of Palestinian cause
Updated 10 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia reaffirms centrality of Palestinian cause

Saudi Arabia reaffirms centrality of Palestinian cause
  • Minister urges unified Arab media strategy, and artificial intelligence integration to enhance content

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary has emphasized the importance of leveraging Arab efforts in the sector to support the Palestinian cause. 

Al-Dossary made the comments while chairing the 20th session of the Executive Office of the Arab Information Ministers Council in Abu Dhabi, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by heads of Arab delegations, institutions, and unions engaged in media-related activities. 

Al-Dossary stressed the need for all Arab media outlets to highlight the resolutions issued during the recent Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh. 

These resolutions reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause, unwavering support for the national rights of the besieged people, and the pursuit of a just and comprehensive solution based on international agreements. 

“We meet today to discuss 12 items as part of Arab efforts to enhance joint Arab media work, foremost among them the Palestinian cause,” the minister said. 

He also emphasized the importance of the unified Arab plan for media engagement with environmental issues.

Al-Dossary highlighted Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the One Water Summit, stressing the importance of showcasing their outcomes in Arab media. 

He underscored the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence technologies in Arab media to enhance content and analyze audience behavior.

Furthermore, he called for the insights from the Global AI Summit held in Riyadh to be implemented to improve the performance of Arab media.

He noted that discussions were held on key issues, including the role of the media in combating terrorism.

In addition, there was a focus on the Arab League’s efforts to follow up on the Arab Media Action Plan abroad, and the Arab Media Map for Sustainable Development 2030.


Saudi Arabia launches first cruise ship in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia launches first cruise ship in Jeddah
Updated 18 min 18 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia launches first cruise ship in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia launches first cruise ship in Jeddah
  • Ship features 19 decks and 1,678 cabins and suites, can accommodate up to 3,362 passengers

Riyadh: Cruise Saudi, dedicated to advancing the Kingdom’s cruise industry, has introduced its first ship, AROYA, at Jeddah Islamic Port.

The ship’s launch marks a significant step toward bolstering maritime tourism across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The vessel, which features 19 decks and 1,678 cabins and suites, can accommodate up to 3,362 passengers.

It offers a diverse culinary experience with 12 restaurants and 17 cafes, serving dishes from five continents while highlighting Saudi flavors.

AROYA is equipped with various entertainment facilities, including a shopping area, a 1,018-seat theater, a children’s zone, and prayer areas, according to the SPA.

It also features designated women’s hours in health and entertainment venues, along with extensive sports amenities such as a walking track, and football and basketball courts.


Saudi Arabia says Israel’s Golan buffer zone seizure confirms continued Israeli violation of international law

Israeli soldiers patrol near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria.
Israeli soldiers patrol near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria.
Updated 10 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia says Israel’s Golan buffer zone seizure confirms continued Israeli violation of international law

Israeli soldiers patrol near the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria.
  • Foreign Ministry statement said the move showed Israel’s determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability, and territorial integrity

RIYADH: Israel’s decision to seize Syrian-held areas in a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights and its attacks on Syrian territory confirm continued Israeli violation of international law, Saudi Arabia said on Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday he had ordered the army to “seize” the demilitarised zone in the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights after militants swept Syrian president Bashar Assad from power.

A statement issued by the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said the move showed Israel’s determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability, and territorial integrity. 

“Saudi Arabia stresses the need for the international community to condemn these Israeli violations, affirm respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and confirm that the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian Arab land,” the statement said.