RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting events, the focus has shifted from spectacle to systems.
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Under Vision 2030, building long-term capability in event-hosting has become as important as attracting the events themselves. And 2026 may be the year where that strategy is comprehensively tested more than ever.
The calendar alone hints at its significance. A mix of returning global fixtures and first-time arrivals will have Saudi Arabia host a near-continuous run of major events across multiple sports, creating an opportunity to refine and scale its hosting model.
The year begins with the Dakar Rally, which returns to Saudi Arabia for a seventh edition. More than 900 drivers will traverse over 7,000 km of desert terrain in one of the most logistically demanding events in world sport.
