The first International Conference and Exhibition on Sports Culture, organized by the Saudi Federation for Sports Culture in strategic partnership with Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, commenced today, Tuesday, in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. This prominent event is held under the patronage of the Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, and will continue from January 27 to 29, 2026, at the university campus.
This inaugural conference, themed “Sports, Tourism, and Entertainment Culture,” is being held at a crucial time, coinciding with the major transformations taking place in the sports sector in Saudi Arabia. The conference primarily aims to highlight the growing role of sports culture as a fundamental pillar in supporting the tourism and entertainment sectors, as well as promoting quality of life and activating sports as a comprehensive development tool with cultural and economic dimensions, perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Strategic context and support for Vision 2030
This conference cannot be viewed as a mere passing event; rather, it is an integral part of the National Sports Strategy and the Quality of Life Program, one of the most important programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Kingdom has become a global destination for major sporting events, hence the importance of establishing a "sports culture" both academically and within society. The conference seeks to link sports practice with cultural awareness, contributing to the creation of a vibrant society and a thriving economy that relies on diversifying income sources through sports tourism, which has become a global industry injecting billions into national economies.
A platform for exchanging global expertise
In a statement regarding the launch of the events, Dr. Sulaiman bin Omar Al-Jaloud, President of the Saudi Federation for Sports Culture and Chairman of the Conference's Higher Committee, explained that the patronage of His Royal Highness the Minister of Sports for this event clearly reflects the unlimited support that the leadership provides to the sports sector. Al-Jaloud emphasized that the conference represents a unique national and international platform aimed at establishing the concept of sports culture as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive human development.
Al-Jaloud added that the partnership with academic institutions like Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University provides a robust scientific and practical environment, bringing together a select group of sports leaders, experts, and decision-makers from within the Kingdom and abroad. This intellectual exchange will effectively contribute to the development of the sports tourism and entertainment sector and enhance the Kingdom's image on the international stage as a center of sporting and cultural influence.
Comprehensive scientific program
The conference features a rich and diverse scientific and practical program, including a series of peer-reviewed scientific sessions and specialized workshops discussing the latest trends in the world of sports and tourism, as well as training courses for practitioners and those interested in the field. A specialized exhibition showcasing the latest innovations and services in this sector, with broad participation from experts and specialists, will accompany the conference, ensuring the event's success and the achievement of its strategic goals in building a sustainable sporting future.
