Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome increased private sector investment in its sports industry as the Kingdom builds momentum toward hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, according to Basim Ibrahim, Sport Sector Investment Development Director at the Saudi Investment Ministry.
Speaking to Asharq Business on the sidelines of the Sports Investment Forum (SIF) in Riyadh, Ibrahim highlighted the significant investment opportunities emerging in the sports sector. “The government will handle the development of major sports facilities, while the private sector is expected to support these plans by investing in residential areas, hotels, fan zones, and national teams’ training camps,” he said.
Ibrahim noted that sports technology projects can start with investments of less than SAR 1 million, while infrastructure-related ventures range between SAR 10 million and SAR 80 million.
He also revealed that Saudi Arabia has received proposals to establish sports academies from countries including Brazil, those in Europe and North America, as well as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and other parts of Asia.
The Kingdom's push to attract global partners and investors reflects its broader ambition to become a regional hub for sports and entertainment, especially as it positions itself on the global stage in the lead-up to the 2034 World Cup.
