The Sports Investment Forum (SIF), held in Riyadh over three days, recently concluded with the participation of decision-makers, investors, and experts from 20 countries. The forum attracted significant attendance, with over 2,800 participants, more than 3,500 participants in workshops, and over 30 million digital views of content related to the event, reflecting the growing local and international interest in transforming sports into a vital economic sector.
During the forum, more than 60 investment agreements were signed, with participation from over 50 entities and strategic partners. Over 50 sessions and workshops were organized, featuring 140 international and local speakers, creating a rich dialogue platform to shape the future of sports in the Kingdom.
Sports sector emerges as sustainable economic contributor
The Sports Investment Forum highlighted opportunities in privatization, infrastructure development and investment in media and e-sports, affirming that Saudi sport is steadily advancing towards becoming a sustainable economic contributor as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals. The event’s organizers said that the inaugural forum is just the beginning of a series of upcoming forums that will continue to support the sports investment movement and enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the sports industry.
Saudi Arabia is hosting the forum at a time when its sports sector is valued at $8 billion. The sector is expected to grow to $22.4 billion by 2030. The Ministry of Investment also revealed that since 2020, the private sector has invested around SAR10 billion in the sector.
Over the three days, the Sports Investment Forum covered key topics and pillars of Saudi Arabia’s sports sector. The event highlighted that sports have transformed from traditional competition into a strategic industry with economic, social and cultural significance—an evolution deeply embedded in the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Esam Alwagait emphasized the pivotal role artificial intelligence (AI) can play in advancing the sports sector. He underscored the need to leverage AI’s capabilities, particularly as the Kingdom continues to host high-profile international events and prepares for major tournaments, including the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Alwagait noted that AI holds vast potential to maximize returns on sports investments and ensure long-term sustainability. He highlighted the value of data-driven insights in guiding decisions on infrastructure development, sponsorship strategies, and community sports programs—key components in supporting the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030.
Saudi sports events attract 24 million tourists annually
In a session titled “From Vision to Implementation: Government Integration to Achieve Investment Growth Goals in Sports,” Vice Minister of Sport Badr Al-Kadi emphasized that achieving the objectives of the National Sports Strategy requires cross-sectoral integration. He described the sports sector as a strategic partner in driving national development and advancing Saudi sports.
For her part, Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed highlighted that the forum is the result of private sector initiatives and aligns closely with the objectives of Vision 2030. She underscored the role of sports in advancing the tourism sector and noted that such events help generate job opportunities and support economic growth.
She also pointed out that the Kingdom currently attracts approximately 24 million tourists annually to attend sports events and activities, generating around SAR22 billion in spending.
Saudi Arabia leads in esports industry
During the forum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan said that loyalty and unity have always characterized the relationship between the Kingdom’s leadership and its people.
He also noted that Saudi Arabia has established a federation for esports and electronic games as part of a strategic plan to develop youth skills and invest in the sector. This includes building infrastructure, producing champions and launching global initiatives that have positioned the Kingdom as a hub for esports. These efforts support Saudi Vision 2030 by contributing to economic diversification and positively impacting the local economy.
Sports media’s challenges and potential
The final day of the Sports Investment Forum opened with a session titled “Sports Media — Between Challenges and Aspirations,” where discussions centered on the challenges facing sports media, the drivers of its development, the need to adapt to the digital revolution, and the growth of the Saudi sports sector.
Communications Executive Director at Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Fatma Al-Nuaimi shared insights into the media experience during Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing its broader economic, tourism and entertainment impact beyond the sporting aspect.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Saudi Sports Media Federation Jabr Al-Shaigi underscored sports media’s integral role in the realm of sports and investment, highlighting its vital function in rapidly conveying the progress and prosperity of Saudi sports. He also discussed Saudi Arabia’s upcoming hosting of major international events, such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, noting that these events require modern, strategic media approaches to showcase their global significance.
Women’s sports take center stage
During the forum, Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs at the Ministry of Sport Adwa Al-Arifi stated that Saudi Vision 2030 aims to empower women and enhance their quality of life through sports, tourism, entertainment, health and culture, all within the framework of the national sports strategy.
This strategy encourages participation in and fostering of elite sports for both genders, helping increase community sports participation to over 48 percent, up from less than 30 percent before the vision.
Al-Arifi’s remarks were made during the “Women’s Sports: From Vision to Empowerment” session at the Sports Investment Forum. The session highlighted initiatives driving women’s participation, development, and empowerment in the private sports sector, supported by the Kingdom’s leadership.
Moreover, Director General of the Leadership Development Institute Dr. Mezna AlMarzooqi outlined efforts to empower private sector partnership in women’s sports through training and market insights. She also highlighted global social, material, and cultural challenges for female athletes.
