Saudi Arabia has signaled its ambition to bid for the Olympic Games, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader push to boost its international profile through sports. This comes as part of its massive economic transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependency and into sectors like sports, entertainment, and tourism.
A Strategic Move in Sports
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, hinted at this possibility during the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Bloomberg revealed. “We as a country are setting up for doing more and more, and I think the Olympics is a logical step,” he said, emphasizing that the bid would come when Saudi Arabia is ready.
The Esports World Cup, with its record $60 million prize pool, underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global gaming industry, particularly among its youth. Riyadh’s success in hosting this event signals its readiness to take on larger, more traditional sporting events.
Building on Success
Saudi Arabia’s interest in hosting the Olympics follows its success in securing major sporting events on the global stage. The Kingdom is set to host the inaugural Esports Olympics in 2025 and the Asian Winter Games in 2029. It is also almost certain to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, strengthening its international presence. These events are pivotal in Saudi Arabia’s strategy to attract global attention, investment, and tourism. This approach aligns perfectly with the Vision 2030 goals, driving economic diversification and international influence.
A Competitive Landscape
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a strong contender, but Turkey, Indonesia, and India are also eying bids. Chile, Egypt, and Qatar are likely joining the race for the 2034 Olympics, adding to the competition. This competition underscores the growing global interest in hosting prestigious events, particularly in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are both vying for regional leadership in this increasingly competitive arena.
Vision 2030: Transforming the Kingdom
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 is a multi-trillion-dollar initiative aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy. Sports, entertainment, and tourism are key to this vision, aiming to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on crude oil revenues. These industries also focus on improving citizens’ quality of life by engaging a population largely under 30 years old. Promoting a more active, vibrant society is essential, given the youthfulness of the Kingdom’s demographic. Saudi Arabia’s expanding portfolio of major events supports its potential Olympic bid, marking a major step forward. This bid is crucial in the Kingdom’s journey to becoming a global powerhouse in sports and entertainment.
