As it diversifies its economy away from oil, Saudi Arabia, which is frequently criticized for its human rights record, is attempting to improve its image and attract foreign interest.
The most recent in a series of high-profile sports acquisitions by oil-rich Saudi Arabia is Al Nassr’s surprise acquisition of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
As it diversifies its economy away from oil, the conservative Gulf monarchy, which is frequently criticized for its human rights record, is attempting to improve its image and attract foreign interest.
The following are some of the actions that have made Saudi Arabia a major sports powerhouse:
Winter sports When it was chosen to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games in October, Saudi Arabia, a mostly desert nation where summer temperatures reach 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), raised eyebrows.
The occasion, which has previously procured the fury of natural campaigners, will be held at NEOM, an under-development $500 billion megacity that is arranging an all year winter sports complex.
After five years, the capital Riyadh will put on the 2034 Asian Games, an Olympic-style multi-game. In August, Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal told AFP that the kingdom’s “ultimate goal” is to host the Olympics.
Formula One In 2021, a night race flanking the coastline brought the glitzy world of Formula One closer to Jeddah, a city on the Red Sea that serves as a gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. This year, the wealthy Gulf will host one of four grand prix.
Last year’s release was eclipsed by an assault by Huthi rebels from Yemen, Saudi’s conflict torn neighbor, that left oil offices burping dark smoke inside sight of the circuit during training meetings.
Football A Saudi-funded consortium completed its lengthy dispute with regulators to acquire English Premier League club Newcastle United in October 2021, well before the swoop for Ronaldo.
At St. James’s Park stadium, Arab headdressed fans of the “sleeping giant,” who had been at odds with the previous owner for years, celebrated. Newcastle’s fortunes have improved, and they are currently third in the table.
Officials say that Saudi Arabia, which will host the Asian Cup in 2027 and hopes to host the women’s tournament in 2026, has talked to Egypt and Greece about a joint World Cup bid.
The LIV Tour, which is heavily financed by Saudi Arabian money and has attracted some of the best players with record-breaking prize money and exorbitant signing fees, has caused a divide in the golf community.
One of the primary beneficiaries was Dustin Johnson, who won $35 million in prize money in the inaugural season in addition to a reported $150 million just for agreeing to play.
LIV will expand its 54-hole, part-team format this year with a 14-tournament international schedule offering a record $405 million in prize money, despite upsetting golf’s establishment.
Anthony Joshua, a British boxer and heavyweight boxer, has fought twice in Saudi Arabia. Both fights have brought in a lot of money, and Joshua has dodged criticism about alleged sportswashing.
In December 2019, Joshua defeated Andy Ruiz, an American, in a retaliation match at King Abdullah Sports City. In August of that same year, Joshua returned to the ring after Oleksandr Usyk, a Ukrainian master, defeated him.
Cricket Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil exporter and one of the richest companies in the country, began sponsoring major International Cricket Council events last year, including the men’s and women’s one-day and Twenty20 World Cups.
Rallying Since 2020, the harsh terrain of Saudi Arabia has been the site of the Dakar Rally, which was originally held between Paris and the capital of Senegal.
When French driver Philippe Boutron was seriously injured in an explosion that French investigators claimed was caused by an improvised explosive device stowed in his car, the previous year’s edition was embroiled in controversy.
Dashing
Saudi Arabia has dashed to the front in horse racing with the $20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s most extravagant race. Saudi-owned horses have won the last two races, including the 66-1 longshot Emblem Road’s victory last year.
