Saudi Arabia attracts 2.5 million sports tourists: Minister of Tourism

Riyadh: Over the past four years, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 2.5 million sports tourists, hosting 80 international sporting events as part of its rapid transformation under Vision 2030, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatteb.

“(Events such as) Formula 1 in Jeddah, which brought in visitors from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact,” said Al-Khatteb.

In a LinkedIn post, the Minister highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global sports tourism industry. He said sports tourism now accounts for 10 per cent of global tourism expenditure and is expected to grow by 17.5 per cent by 2030.

The Kingdom has hosted various global sporting events, including the WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, Formula E, E-Prix, International Handball Federation Super Globe and Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport. By 2030, Saudi Arabia is anticipating 150 million international tourists annually, with direct flights from 250 destinations.

“But our ambitions don’t stop there. 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,” said Al-Khatteb.

He added, “With 60 per cent 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 said it is “clear that the 2034 FIFA World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation journey.”

“The Kingdom’s investment in 15 stadiums is built with the future in mind—designed to accommodate a global influx of fans, support long-term infrastructure needs and sporting ambitions, and transform into vibrant sports and community engagement hubs,” he added.

'Far beyond stadium, statistics'

He also said that the impact of sports tourism extends far beyond the stadiums and statistics.

“It is reflected by the communities it uplifts, the opportunities it provides, and the future it builds. I am a firm believer that in Saudi Arabia, the future belongs to the youth and generations to come. With 63 per cent of Saudis under 30, this nation is driven by young talent, bold ambition, and an unstoppable drive for progress,” Al-Khatteb said.

The Minister said that over 20,000 players are now part of the Schools League, supported by 18 youth regional training centres across Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, a $300 million annual investment continues to strengthen the development of football clubs.

Women’s sports have surged by 149 per cent since 2015— reflecting a diverse, competitive and globally engaged sporting nation.