Ministry of Sport – وزارة الرياضة

Background

The Ministry of Sport of Saudi Arabia, established in 2020, is the governmental body responsible for overseeing and developing the sports sector within the Kingdom. Its mission is to regulate and enhance all aspects of sports, aiming to increase the number of athletes and achieve both local and international excellence. The Ministry's vision aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, focusing on fostering a vibrant and active society through sports.

Key Strategic Focus

The Ministry's strategic objectives include:

Mass Participation in Sports and Physical Activities: Encouraging widespread engagement in sports to promote a healthy lifestyle among citizens.

Developing Sports Infrastructure: Building and upgrading sports facilities to support both professional and community sports.

Enhancing Sports Governance: Strengthening the management and regulation of sports organizations and events.

Promoting Sports Investment: Attracting private sector investment to develop the sports industry.

International Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with international sports bodies to enhance the Kingdom's global sports presence.

The Ministry specializes in various sports disciplines, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, and esports, targeting both professional athletes and the general public.

Financials and Funding

The Ministry operates under the Saudi government's budget, with specific allocations for sports development, infrastructure projects, and event hosting. In 2025, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, launched the Sports Investment Forum (SIF) to attract private sector investments into the sports sector. The forum aimed to build effective partnerships and achieve sustainable development, contributing to the growth of a vibrant economy.

Pipeline Development

The Ministry is involved in several key initiatives:

Privatization of Sports Clubs: In August 2024, the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP, sought investors for the development and operation of six sports clubs, marking a significant step in the privatization of sports entities.

Hosting International Events: Saudi Arabia was confirmed as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, necessitating extensive infrastructure development, including the construction of 15 stadiums and transportation networks.

Community Sports Initiatives: The Ministry has launched various programs to increase physical activity among citizens, aiming to raise the percentage of adults engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly to 40% by 2030.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Ministry leverages several technological platforms and initiatives:

Digital Platforms: The Ministry utilizes digital platforms to promote sports events, engage with the community, and provide information on sports activities.

Sports Terminology Dictionary: In April 2025, the Ministry, in collaboration with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, launched a comprehensive Sports Terminology Dictionary to standardize sports terminology in Arabic, enhancing communication within the sports sector.

Leadership Team

The Ministry is led by:

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud: Minister of Sport since 2020, responsible for overseeing the Ministry's operations and strategic direction.

Adel Al-Zahrani: Undersecretary for Media and Marketing, involved in promoting the Ministry's initiatives and engaging with the media.

Mohammed Al-Sahib: Undersecretary for Investment Sector Development, focusing on attracting investments into the sports sector.

Competitor Profile

The Ministry operates in a competitive landscape, collaborating with and competing against various entities:

Saudi Pro League: The top-tier football league in Saudi Arabia, which has undergone significant transformations, including privatization efforts and attracting international players.

Saudi Esports Federation: Governs the esports sector, organizing tournaments and promoting esports culture within the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation: Oversees football activities, including national team management and grassroots development.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Ministry has engaged in several strategic collaborations:

Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF): Participated as a strategic partner in MESIF London 2025, aiming to attract global sports investors and enhance the Kingdom's sports investment landscape.

Bahraini Sports Authority: Signed a memorandum of understanding in August 2024 to enhance cooperation in sports investment, facility management, talent development, and event organization.

Operational Insights

The Ministry's strategic considerations include:

Privatization of Sports Clubs: Efforts to privatize sports clubs aim to improve management efficiency and attract private investment, with 25 companies expressing interest in six clubs as of August 2024.

Hosting International Events: The successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup positions Saudi Arabia as a global sports hub, necessitating significant infrastructure development and international collaboration.