Saudi’s Youth And Sports Calendar Set To Redefine Global Sports Tourism
Saudi continues its captivating presence at ITB Berlin 2025, showcasing the dynamic offerings of the Heart of Arabia. Building on its record-breaking tourism growth, Saudi is unveiling its exciting sports calendar, highlighting its position as a global hub for major sporting events and a top destination for youth and sports fans. With unmatched investment, world-class infrastructure, and an events calendar packed with major sporting events, Saudi is shaping a new era where sports, culture, tourism, and entertainment intersect.
Sports Calendar
Saudi has rapidly established itself as a global sports destination, hosting major events like:
- Esports World Cup | July 2024
- World Wrestling Entertainment tours (WWE) | November 2024
- Spanish Super Cup | January 2025
- Italian Super Cup | January 2025
- Dakar Rally | January 2025
Building on this momentum, Saudi’s youth and sports calendar is packed with exciting events coming up in the next ten years:
- Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | April 2025
- WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF | November 2025
- 39th WWE Royal Rumble | 2026
- Olympic Esports Games | 2027
- AFC Asian Cup | 2027
- Asian Winter Games | 2029
- FIFA World Cup | 2034
These events solidify Saudi’s position as a global sports hub for the next generation.
The unveiling of the youth and sports calendar further expands Saudi’s vision, showcasing the country as a global destination where sports, adventure, and cultural discovery intertwine. Young athletes and sports enthusiasts visiting for a championship can also explore UNESCO heritage sites, embark on thrilling adventures in the majestic dunes of Saudi, dive into the vibrant Saudi Red Sea, or experience world-class entertainment, creating a holistic and unforgettable experience.
Women in Sports
Saudi is committed to promoting women’s participation in sports. In 2021, the country launched the first-ever Saudi Women’s Football League, marking a significant milestone in the development of women’s sports. This initiative reflects Saudi’s ongoing efforts to empower women and girls through sports and create a more inclusive and diverse sporting landscape.
Connectivity
The country is investing in connectivity with 16 international airports and the e-visa program, offering visitors hospitality and package options at all price points, developing state-of-the-art stadiums, and cutting-edge fan engagement technology.
Venues
Fifteen FIFA-level venues, including the 92,000-seat King Salman Stadium and the state-of-the-art NEOM Stadium, are setting a new global benchmark for sports tourism infrastructure. The five FIFA World Cup 2034 host cities will be fully integrated with high-speed transport, diverse accommodations options, and immersive entertainment experiences for fans and visitors. Saudi aims to provide visitors with unique experiences, such as JCC Karting, stadium tours, and Esports World Cup zones.
Saudi’s presence at ITB Berlin is more than just a showcase—it is a glimpse into the future of sports tourism, an invitation to experience a world where adrenaline-pumping action meets breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
With a calendar brimming with landmark events, groundbreaking infrastructure projects taking shape, and an unwavering commitment to crafting unforgettable visitor experiences, Saudi isn’t just hosting the world’s biggest sporting moments—it’s shaping an entirely new era of sports tourism.
As Saudi paves the way for this thrilling future, the travel and tourism trade are invited to seize this opportunity and collaborate in accelerating this momentum, unlocking exciting new avenues for investment and innovation, and solidifying Saudi’s position as the ultimate global sports tourism destination.
