How Saudi Arabia ticked all the boxes to host the 2034 World Cup

How Saudi Arabia ticked all the boxes to host the 2034 World Cup
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman endorses Saudi Arabia’s final preparations ahead of FIFA World Cup 2034™ Bid Book for submission to FIFA. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 22 September 2024
Follow

How Saudi Arabia ticked all the boxes to host the 2034 World Cup

How Saudi Arabia ticked all the boxes to host the 2034 World Cup
  • FIFA’s criteria for selecting a host nation focuses primarily on infrastructure, services and commercial potential

In ten years, it will be time for the 2034 World Cup — which means the countdown is entering a new phase for Saudi football fans and the rest of the sport’s community.

For everyone else, there are two more World Cups before Saudi Arabia lays out the welcome mat, but as soon as the final ball has been kicked in the 2030 tournament, all eyes will turn to the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia will be the first nation to host a 48-team World Cup alone; 2026 will be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, and 2030 by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

It is an exciting prospect. The Kingdom’s football culture goes back far further than those tuning into the current revolution that is sweeping the Saudi game might imagine.

“Football culture is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia,” Omar Mugharbel, Saudi Pro League CEO told Arab News. “Everybody grew up playing football, everybody grew up watching football and it’s deeply knitted into our culture.”

FIFA’s selection criteria for a host nation go beyond a strong football heritage and love of the game, however. Infrastructure, service, commercial potential and sustainability are among the prime categories on which bids are judged.




HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman endorses Saudi Arabia’s final preparations ahead of FIFA World Cup 2034™ Bid Book for submission to FIFA. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia first held a FIFA event in 1989 — the World Youth Championship. In 1997 there was the Confederations Cup. But during the last five to 10 years, the number of events and tournaments — not just football — held in the Kingdom has skyrocketed, earning it a solid reputation as a host.

The influx of some of the world’s best international players may have added stardust to the Saudi Pro League, but Mugharbel says it is about much more than the big names.

“It’s not only about signing of the star players,” he explained. “It’s also about what we’re doing in infrastructure and really improving the game. It’s important for us that people not only look at what we are doing from afar but to actually come to the ground and experience it firsthand.”

Top of FIFA’s list of important criteria is infrastructure fit to accommodate the world’s favorite tournament. Stadiums are given most weight, followed by team and referee facilities, accommodation, transport, international broadcasting facilities and fan festival sites.

Each hosting stadium must have a capacity of at least 40,000, with quarterfinal and semifinal venues able to accommodate 60,000 spectators. Stadiums for the opening match and the final must have a minimum capacity of 80,000.




 Saudi Arabia submitted on Monday its official bid to FIFA to host the World Cup 2034. (SPA)

By the time the World Cup arrives, the Kingdom will have 15 world-class stadiums. Some are still being completed while others, such as the King Fahd International Stadium, are being renovated.

Both the opening game and final will be held in the 92,760-capacity King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, and the city will also host other matches along with Jeddah, Alkhobar, Abha and NEOM.

Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, called the 2034 bid — which had the slogan “Growing Together” — a pivotal moment for football in the Kingdom.

“It is a moment that marks the natural step in the journey of developing Saudi Arabia’s football and sports sectors,” he told Arab News. “Fans will have the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s diverse locales, from the coastal cities of Jeddah and Alkhobar to the vibrant heart of the desert in Riyadh. They will experience our culture and hospitality firsthand.”

Other factors also played a part in Saudi Arabia being chosen as host for the 2034 World Cup. Geographically, it bridges three continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. Most of the world is within easy reach of a flight to Riyadh or Jeddah, and there are direct flights to many North American cities.

This will be a World Cup that belongs to the Arab world. Fans from North Africa and West Asia will have a level of convenience and accessibility first witnessed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Major investment in public transport and a new metro in Riyadh, for example, will make it easy for visitors to get around the venues and fan zones while enjoying all that the capital has to offer.

Saudi Arabia is firmly established as the continent’s premier football destination and will, crucially, also host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

This tournament, a major event in its own right, will be the perfect rehearsal for the global party set to start seven years later.


Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan

Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributes over 3,000 food parcels in Pakistan
  • Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 3,007 food parcels in Pakistan’s Matiari and Thatta districts of Sindh province and the Tank and Torghar districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Monday’s aid delivery benefitted 20,444 people from the most vulnerable groups in flood-affected areas, as a part of this year’s Food Security Support Project in Pakistan.

The project aims to provide 147,500 food parcels, each weighing 95 kg and containing essential food for one month.

KSrelief will continue to provide aid to vulnerable people in Pakistan, the SPA reported.


Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Saudi Arabia appoints Japan envoy as commissioner for pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
  • Kingdom’s Dr. Ghazi Binzagr takes on new duties for global exhibition which opens in April

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr has been appointed the general commissioner for the Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The announcement comes as construction on the pavilion enters its final stages in preparation for the Kingdom’s participation in the global exhibition, set to start in April.

Binzagr, who has been ambassador since 2024, will continue his current duties alongside his new responsibilities as the general commissioner, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

He has also served as a member of the Shoura Council for three terms and previously held the position of deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2024.

As ambassador, Binzagr oversees initiatives to boost relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan.

He also recently contributed to the Saudi-Japanese Business Forum and has been actively engaged in collaborative initiatives in key areas including energy security, technology, trade and investment.

The Kingdom’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka embodies its commitment to international efforts for sustainable human development.

In February of last year, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to begin constructing their pavilions at the Expo 2025 Osaka site.

The design reflects the Kingdom’s history, culture and current economic transformation, the SPA reported.


Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits

Thriving lavender in Saudi’s Northern Borders has environmental benefits
  • The plant has been observed to grow on the edge of the Nafud Desert, an indication that it could be propagated to fight desertification, says environmentalist

ARAR: The Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, spanning approximately 104,000 sq. km, boasts an aromatic, seasonal and annual plant biodiversity, with lavender emerging as a prominent species.

These plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, combating desertification, increasing vegetation cover, stabilizing soil, and fostering ecotourism, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Lavender, characterized by its fragrant scent and vibrant purple hue, has been observed on the edge of the Nafud Desert, signaling its potential expansion throughout the region.

This emergence highlights the region’s ecological significance and capacity to support diverse plant life.

Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told SPA that the lavender species is Horwoodia dicksoniae.

This annual herbaceous plant features branching stems, typically reaching about 30 centimeters in height, and large, lobed leaves. Its dark lilac flowers, gathered in spike inflorescences, release a distinctive fragrance.

The plant thrives in shallow sandy loam and is valued for its ornamental qualities, making it suitable for cultivation in both homes and gardens. Its smooth brown seeds further contribute to its propagation.

Al-Majlad emphasized the positive impact of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative on the region’s ecology.

These initiatives have facilitated afforestation, land reclamation, and the protection of wild areas, contributing to the resurgence of numerous trees and plants, including lavender, within the environmental landscape, he added.


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

Saudi crown prince, French president discuss bilateral relations, regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The pair also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments.


Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister
Updated 16 January 2025
Follow

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah deputy governor receives Indian minister

Madinah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal recently met Indian Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju during his official visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah, India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs said in an official statement.

Rijiju also visited the Hajj Terminals at the Jeddah and Madinah airports, and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims as well as baggage handling.