Saudi Arabia has welcomed 2.5 million sports tourists over the past four years, hosting 80 international sporting events, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb.

This influx is part of the Kingdom's broader objectives under Vision 2030, aiming to transform its economy and boost its role within the global sports tourism industry, which currently constitutes 10% of worldwide tourism expenditure and is projected to grow by 17.5% by 2030.

The Kingdom's emergence as a significant player in sports tourism is highlighted by high-profile events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah, which has attracted visitors from 160 countries.

This event has generated approximately 20,000 job opportunities and contributed an estimated SR900 million to the local economy.

Saudi Arabia has also been the venue for a variety of major sporting competitions, including the WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro Golf Championship, the Battle of the Champions, Formula E, the International Handball Federation Super Globe, and the Saudi International Meeting for Disability Sport.

Minister Al-Khateeb emphasized that the Kingdom's ambitions for sports tourism extend beyond current achievements, citing plans to host the 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2034, a move that positions Saudi Arabia as a pioneering host nation for such a large-scale event.

With 60% of the world's population living within an eight-hour flight radius, the Kingdom aims to deliver one of the most accessible tournaments in history.

As part of its long-term vision, Saudi Arabia is investing in the development of 15 new stadiums, designed to cater to both global sports fans and to serve as long-term hubs for sports, entertainment, and community engagement.

This investment reflects a broader commitment to creating a lasting cultural and economic impact through a collaborative approach between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sport.

Al-Khateeb stated that the sports tourism strategy is focused not only on hosting events but also on ensuring a long-lasting economic and cultural impact, with events serving as platforms for storytelling and cultural exchange.

Sustainability is a key element of Saudi Arabia's sports tourism strategy.

Under the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has committed to sourcing 50% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. The Minister has highlighted that sustainable practices are integral to the country's sporting infrastructure developments.

Significant investments are also being directed towards youth and grassroots sports, with over 20,000 young athletes engaged in the Schools League and supported by 18 regional training centers.

Furthermore, an annual investment of $300 million is dedicated to the development of football clubs to ensure sustained sporting excellence.

Participation in women's sports has increased by 149% since 2015, showcasing Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering a diverse and competitive sports environment.

Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million international tourists annually by 2030, with plans for direct flights from 250 global destinations.

This strategy is expected to further solidify its position as a global hub for sports tourism.