The sports sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented golden age, driven by the goals of Vision 2030, which has established sports as a cornerstone of quality of life and economic diversification. The sporting landscape is no longer merely about fleeting competitions; it has transformed into a comprehensive industry and a cultural showcase reflecting the rapid development the country is experiencing across all sectors.
Strategic transformation and advanced infrastructure
Historically, Saudi sports suffered in previous decades from a limited number of sports federations and a lack of institutional organization for some sports, confining competition to narrow spheres. Today, thanks to unlimited government support, the number of sports federations has jumped to approximately 97, opening wide the door for various segments of society to pursue their hobbies and pursue them professionally. This expansion has not been limited to quantity; it has been accompanied by tremendous development in infrastructure and facilities, making the Kingdom a global destination capable of hosting major international events.
The sports system: a qualitative leap in governance
In a pivotal step towards establishing institutional frameworks, the Cabinet's approval of the "Sports Law" forms the cornerstone for regulating the sector. This historic decision not only aims to enact laws but also seeks to strengthen governance and transparency, and stimulate sports investment through an attractive regulatory environment. This law is expected to transform sports from a hobby into a professional industry that contributes to the GDP and opens up broad opportunities for private sector participation in sports development.
Localization of jobs... empowering national talent
Reflecting the economic impact of sports, the decision to localize 12 sports professions in the private sector, including training and technical supervision, at a rate of 15% starting from late 2026, has emerged. This decision carries strategic dimensions aimed at reducing unemployment rates and enabling Saudi youth to lead the sports scene, not only as players, but also as professional administrators and technicians, thus enhancing the sustainability of the sector with qualified national talent.
Leading the way in hosting tournaments and winning titles
Internationally, the Kingdom has demonstrated its exceptional organizational capabilities. The Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh set records with over 1.5 billion social media views, reflecting the Kingdom's soft power and media influence. On the field, Saudi national teams continue to achieve gold. Youth football teams secured Gulf and regional titles and qualified for the World Cup in various age groups. Other sports also contributed to the success, with Special Olympics athletes winning 24 medals in Berlin, Thai boxing securing the Kingdom's first world gold medal through Al-Baraa Al-Amoudi, and the Saudi table tennis team dominating the West Asian Championships with 17 medals, confirming that Saudi sports are steadily progressing towards global recognition.
