Saudi Arabia looking to become a global football powerhouse
Saudi Arabia’s selection to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup marks a major step
in its Vision 2030 reform agenda, highlighting the Kingdom’s focus on economic
diversification, global integration, and enhanced international standing. The
tournament aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader ambitions to become a global hub
for sports, culture, and entertainment.
Key Initiatives in Vision
2030
Saudi Arabia has aggressively invested in sports as a cornerstone of its
Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on
oil. These investments are part of a broader effort to promote tourism, attract
foreign talent, and stimulate infrastructure development. Hosting the 2034
World Cup complements other significant milestones, including the 2029 Asian
Winter Games, the 2030 World Expo, and the 2034 Asian Games.
The event will showcase the transformative changes in Saudi Arabia under
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) since his leadership began in 2016. It
also offers a platform to strengthen international connections and project the
Kingdom as a modern, forward-looking nation.
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Arabia's Vision 2030: transforming football into a global powerhouse
Lessons from Qatar's 2022 World Cup
Saudi Arabia is expected to follow Qatar’s development model, where the 2022
World Cup was a catalyst for extensive infrastructure upgrades. Qatar invested
$200–300 billion, with the majority allocated to transportation, hospitality,
and urban development rather than stadium construction.
Read More Saudi
Arabia officially announces bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup
Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s preparations for 2034 will likely focus on
large-scale infrastructure projects, including transportation networks and
accommodations, fostering both economic growth and regional pride. The Kingdom
aims to replicate the surge in pan-Arab solidarity and positive regional
sentiment witnessed during Qatar’s World Cup.
Economic Impact of the 2034
World Cup
If Saudi Arabia’s expenditures mirror Qatar’s mid-range investment of $250
billion, the World Cup could boost its non-oil GDP by an estimated 1.25%
annually over the next decade. This growth, though modest compared to Qatar’s
impact, reflects Saudi Arabia’s significantly larger economy and broader
diversification efforts.
The influx of visitors and global attention is expected to elevate Saudi
Arabia's reputation as a premier destination for high-profile events. The
tournament will also provide opportunities to modernize infrastructure, enhance
tourism, and drive regional development.
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Shuhub Community Program to cultivate Saudi football talent
A Transformative Opportunity
Hosting the 2034 World Cup represents a monumental development project for Saudi Arabia, offering both challenges and unparalleled opportunities.
A successful World Cup in 2034 will not only solidify Saudi Arabia’s
position on the global stage but also promote the Gulf region as a hub for
world-class sporting and cultural events. This milestone will underscore the
transformative power of Vision 2030, setting the stage for sustained growth and
international collaboration.
Source: https://crisis24.garda.com/
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