Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is signaling the kingdom's ambition to host the Olympic Games as part of its broader economic transformation agenda. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and enhance its global image [ae290c43]. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud emphasized that hosting the Olympics is a logical step for the country, reflecting its growing investment in sports and entertainment [ae290c43].
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the sports sector, notably with a record US$60 million prize pot for the inaugural Esports World Cup held in Riyadh [ae290c43]. The kingdom has also secured a 12-year deal with the International Olympic Committee to host the first Esports Olympics in 2025, showcasing its commitment to becoming a leader in the rapidly growing esports industry [ae290c43]. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, marking a series of high-profile international sporting events [ae290c43].
While the Olympics will be hosted by Italy, the US, France, and Australia from 2026 to 2032, Saudi Arabia's interest in bidding for future events underscores its ambition to enhance its global standing in sports [ae290c43]. Additionally, neighboring countries like Egypt and Qatar are also considering bids for upcoming Olympic events, indicating a competitive landscape in the region [ae290c43].
The crown prince's focus on sports is part of a larger strategy to attract tourism and investment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global sports arena. As the kingdom continues to invest in various sectors, its bid for the Olympics could further solidify its reputation as a host for major international events [ae290c43].