RIYADH: Discipline and focus is turning Saudi Arabia into a regional hub for sporting events, along with organizational prowess, its young population and a proven history of determination, experts have told Arab News.
In October, a report released by PwC Middle East projected that Saudi Arabia’s sports market is expected to triple to $22.4 billion by 2030, creating 39,000 jobs and adding $13.3 billion to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.
Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host major sporting events in the near future, including the 2029 Asian Winter Games and the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup in 2034.
Strengthening the sporting sector is one of the crucial goals outlined in the Vision 2030 agenda, as the Kingdom continues its economic diversification journey by reducing its reliance on crude revenues.
Speaking to Arab News, Nicolas Mayer, PwC Middle East partner, and tourism, sports and entertainment leader, said the defining factor for the Kingdom’s success in the sector has been discipline.
