Despite previously limited focus, the sports sector has received growing attention in KSA, benefiting from the tide of recent attention to increasing recreation, culture, and tourism projects overall.
The Ministry of Sport was converted in 2020 from the previously-named entity (“General Sports Authority”), and has been tasked with a wide-ranging mandate to build and support sports infrastructure in KSA. The Ministry has since initiated a number of projects to further this mandate, including seeking to enhance the participation of women in sport, and to host a number of internationally renowned sports events within the Kingdom, such as the Formula One Grand Prix.
This commitment to furthering the development of sports in the Kingdom is also demonstrated by the Qiddiya Entertainment City, a Public Investment Fund project – 334km2 to be built 40km from the capital city, Riyadh. This project anticipates the construction of exemplary sporting facilities and world-class infrastructure to host international competitions, as well as world-class training facilities and sports academies.
