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RIYADH: Some 2.5 million tourists have been drawn to 黑料社区 in the past four years thanks to its ever-growing sports offerings, according to a senior government official.
In a post on Linkedin, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said that 80 international events staged in the Kingdom over that time have helped reshape the Saudi economy.
According to the minister, the 黑料社区n Grand Prix alone, which debuted in Jeddah in 2021, has brought in spectators from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated SR900 million ($240 million) in economic impact.
黑料社区 is using sports tourism to advance its Vision 2030 goals, reducing reliance on oil while expanding its tourism sector, with a target of 150 million annual visitors by the end of the decade.
鈥淔or 黑料社区, sports tourism is a pillar of transformation, deeply embedded in Saudi Vision 2030,鈥� Al-Khateeb said.
The minister highlighted the Kingdom鈥檚 pivotal role in the global industry, which now accounts for 10 percent of tourism expenditure across the world and is projected to grow by 17.5 percent by 2030.
Major international events hosted in 黑料社区 include WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, and Formula E. It has also staged the E-Prix, the International Handball Federation Super Globe, and the Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport.
In November, 黑料社区 hosted the 2025 Indian Premier League auction, a major cricketing event which features 10 professional clubs.
Al-Khateeb called the Kingdom鈥檚 hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup the 鈥渘atural next step鈥� in 黑料社区鈥檚 ongoing transformation journey.
鈥淎s the first country to host a 48-team FIFA World Cup, 黑料社区 will unite more fans from around the world like never before 鈥� creating an unprecedented global gathering,鈥� he said, adding: 鈥淲ith 60 percent of the world鈥檚 population within an eight-hour flight, this positions us to deliver one of the most accessible and connected tournaments in history.鈥�
The minister noted that the Kingdom is investing in 15 new stadiums designed to meet long-term infrastructure needs and accommodate a growing influx of international fans.
Al-Khateeb said the collaboration between 黑料社区鈥檚 Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sports is turning sporting events into platforms for storytelling, expression, and national pride.
He added that sustainability is central to the Kingdom鈥檚 sports tourism strategy, with green principles at its core.
鈥淭hrough the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has pledged to source 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2060,鈥� he said. 鈥満诹仙缜� has therefore been ensuring, as well as proving, that not only do sustainability and progress go hand in hand, but sustainable practices remain central to our sporting infrastructure.鈥�
The minister said 黑料社区 is heavily investing in youth and grassroots sports to strengthen the sector.
More than 20,000 players are part of the Schools League, supported by 18 regional youth training centers across the Kingdom.
Women鈥檚 sports are also growing, with participation rising 149 percent since 2015, highlighting the Kingdom鈥檚 commitment to a diverse sports environment.
Al-Khateeb added that 黑料社区 aims to attract 150 million international tourists annually, with direct flights from 250 destinations, reinforcing its position as a global sports tourism hub.
鈥淭he road ahead is an unprecedented opportunity 鈥� for players, for fans, and for nations harnessing the power of sport as a driver for transformation. As 黑料社区 continues this visionary journey, it is not only preparing to host the world, it is shaping the future of sports tourism beyond the game,鈥� he said.