Saudi Arabia’s FIFA 2034 blitz: top-tier upgrades and luxury unveiled

Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps to expand its hospitality infrastructure. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s FIFA 2034 blitz: top-tier upgrades and luxury unveiled

  • The endeavor is closely aligned with the broader Vision 2030 strategy
  • Saudi Arabia prepares for influx of tourists through rapid expansion of its hospitality infrastructure

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 potentially, the Kingdom is undertaking an extensive, multifaceted effort to accommodate the anticipated influx of millions of tourists.

Central to this initiative is the expansion and enhancement of its hospitality sector and infrastructure. This endeavor is closely aligned with the broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and bolster the Kingdom’s global profile.

Expanding capacity

One of the most significant steps Saudi Arabia is taking to prepare for the influx of tourists is the rapid expansion of its hospitality infrastructure. The Kingdom has launched an ambitious plan to increase the number of hotel rooms nationwide.

This includes adding thousands of new rooms in major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, as well as developing luxury resorts in emerging tourist hotspots such as AlUla and the Red Sea Project. Reports suggest that by 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to offer over 500,000 hotel rooms, a substantial rise from its current capacity. Major international hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Accor are expanding their presence in the Kingdom.

Emphasizing the importance of this expansion, Ramine Behnam, vice president of development at Minor Hotels EMEA, told Arab News: “Already there are a significant number of hotels and resorts announced by many well-known international brands; this needs to include a variety of offerings from uber-luxury through upscale and mid-market.”

This diverse range of accommodations will be crucial for meeting the varied needs of World Cup visitors. Alongside increasing the number of rooms, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in training and developing a skilled workforce to ensure top-notch service standards.




Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps to expand its hospitality infrastructure.(Supplied)

Taking to Arab News, David Vely, vice president of development & asset Middle East and Africa at Club Med, said:“Providing opportunities for career advancement, personalized training programs, and fostering a supportive work environment is essential for cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce.”

Infrastructure upgrades

To accommodate the surge in tourism, Saudi Arabia is making substantial investments in its transportation infrastructure. The Kingdom is expanding airports, enhancing public transit, and improving road networks to facilitate easy navigation. A major project is the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, set to handle up to 80 million passengers annually upon completion. Likewise, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is undergoing significant upgrades to boost capacity and enhance the passenger experience. These improvements are essential for managing the anticipated influx of international visitors during the World Cup.

Commenting on these developments, Behnam said: “Infrastructure must be well developed allowing easy access for the local market and overseas tourists flying into the destinations.”

Developing attractions

Beyond infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is focused on creating captivating tourist attractions for the World Cup and beyond. Key projects include the Red Sea Project, NEOM, and Diriyah Gate, offering a blend of luxury, heritage, and adventure.

The Red Sea Project aims to be a major luxury tourism destination with plans for 50 resorts across 22 islands, adding 8,000 hotel rooms to the Kingdom’s inventory, featuring ultra-luxury and eco-friendly accommodations.




Saudi Arabia is taking significant steps to expand its hospitality infrastructure. (Supplied)

Stefano Lopez, tourism project director at Baheej Group, told Arab News: “These new lifestyle and leisure offerings are accessible to a broader audience. Let’s not forget that destinations are not only built, they are also discovered. There are a lot of hidden gems in Saudi Arabia yet to be discovered, and we are here to enable them to become the destinations of tomorrow.”

Similarly, the historic Diriyah Gate project aims to transform the birthplace of the Saudi state into a cultural and heritage destination, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich history. These attractions are not only designed to draw in tourists but also leave a lasting impression, encouraging repeat visits and longer stays.

Technology and innovation

Saudi Arabia is also leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the visitor experience. The Kingdom is integrating smart city technologies into new developments like NEOM, which is slated to host World Cup matches. This will offer visitors seamless digital services, covering everything from transportation to accommodations.

Shahbaz Tufail, executive vice president at DAR Engineering, highlighted the need to align with global standards in hospitality and travel. He noted: “To appeal to a broader audience, providers must align with international trends such as ecotourism, wellness, smart hotels, sustainability, and AI.”

The Saudi eVisa system has been streamlined to facilitate easier entry for international tourists. Already issued to millions, the eVisa will be crucial in managing the high visitor volume expected for the World Cup. Additionally, digital platforms are being developed to offer real-time information on accommodations, events, and attractions, helping tourists plan their visits more effectively and fully experience what Saudi Arabia has to offer.

Sustainability at the core

Sustainability is a key focus in Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the World Cup. The Kingdom is committed to ensuring that its tourism development is environmentally responsible. Projects such as the Red Sea Project and NEOM are being developed with strict sustainability guidelines, including the use of renewable energy, conservation of marine ecosystems, and minimizing carbon footprints.

Behnam emphasized this commitment, stating, “Ensuring sustainable initiatives are in place will be crucial, along with offering exceptional guest services, iconic design, and cultural integration.” By prioritizing sustainable practices, Saudi Arabia aims not only to protect its natural resources but also to attract eco-conscious travelers.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, the Kingdom is demonstrating its readiness through extensive preparations that extend beyond the football pitch. From expanding hospitality capacity to upgrading infrastructure and developing world-class tourist attractions, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork to welcome millions of visitors.

These efforts, as highlighted by industry experts in conversations with Arab News, underscore the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global tourism powerhouse, aligning with its Vision 2030 objectives. By the time the first match kicks off in 2034, Saudi Arabia seeks not only to host a world-class sporting event but also to establish itself as a premier destination for international tourists.


OIC discusses draft humanitarian funds statute

Updated 3 min 18 sec ago
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OIC discusses draft humanitarian funds statute

  • It discussed the draft humanitarian funds statute
  • Taha added that it was important to make every effort to finalize the statute of these funds

JEDDAH: The general secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held a meeting of the open-ended Group of Governmental Experts in Jeddah on Thursday.
It discussed the draft humanitarian funds statute, in accordance with the Council of Foreign Ministers.
OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha said that the meeting was held amid difficult and harsh humanitarian circumstances that required concerted efforts and collective action to adopt actions to help contain humanitarian crises and hardships.
In his speech, Taha added that it was important to make every effort to finalize the statute of these funds, undertake the necessary reforms to their working mechanism and support them with the financial resources to enable them to fulfil their role.
The statement delivered by assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, cultural and social affairs, ambassador Tariq Ali Bakhit, on behalf of OIC’s secretary-general, highlighted the significant challenges faced by member states in the humanitarian field.


KSrelief distributes shelter supplies in Afghanistan

Updated 6 sec ago
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KSrelief distributes shelter supplies in Afghanistan

  • KSrelief will distribute 4,882 shelter items, such as tents, blankets, plastic mattresses and other supplies

KABUL: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has launched a shelter project for people returning from Pakistan to Afghanistan and victims of the 2024 floods.

It will distribute 4,882 shelter items, such as tents, blankets, plastic mattresses and other supplies across the provinces of Kabul, Ghazni, Bamyan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Baghlan, Parwan, Kapisa, Panjshir, Herat, Nimroz, Nangarhar and Laghman. The project will help 29,292 people.

The scheme is part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian and relief efforts, through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.


KSrelief wins Global Humanitarian Achievement Award

Delano Roosevelt, CEO of National Council on US-Arab Relations, presents the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief.
Updated 14 November 2024
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KSrelief wins Global Humanitarian Achievement Award

  • Delano Roosevelt, the council’s second president and CEO, presented the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, in Washington
  • Dr. Al-Rabeeah said the award is an international acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in relief efforts

WASHINGTON: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief was honored with the Global Humanitarian Achievement Award by the National Council on US-Arab Relations, in recognition of relief efforts that have made a substantial impact in crisis regions around the world.

Delano Roosevelt, the council’s second president and CEO, presented the award to the supervisor general of KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, in Washington, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Dr. Al-Rabeeah said the award is an international acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia’s leading role in relief efforts.

He underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to assisting people in need, supporting those affected by crises, and assisting refugees wherever possible.

He also affirmed that Saudi Arabia has consistently been a leader in charitable and humanitarian initiatives and is at the forefront of donor countries on regional and international fronts.


4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum hosted in COP16 Green Zone in Riyadh next month

Updated 14 November 2024
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4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum hosted in COP16 Green Zone in Riyadh next month

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Initiative announced on Thursday that the SGI Forum 2024 will take place on Dec. 3-4 under the theme “Action is in our nature.” 

The flagship climate and environment action event, now in its fourth year, will return to Riyadh for the first time since its launch in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prime minister and chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Saudi Green Initiative.

The SGI Forum 2024 will coincide with the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties, or COP16, of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, or UNCCD. 

According to an SGI press release, the Riyadh COP16 (Dec. 2-13) will be the largest-ever UNCCD conference, the first to be held in the Middle East region, and the largest multilateral conference hosted by Saudi Arabia.

At this year’s SGI Forum, hundreds of policymakers, business leaders and subject-matter experts from across the world will convene in a dedicated SGI Pavilion in the UNCCD COP16 Green Zone. 

Dozens of tailored sessions will explore best practices, innovations and progress against SGI targets, with the goal of deepening collaboration and scaling up action for a greener future.

Since the launch of SGI, a significant positive impact has been achieved, with 4+ GW of renewable energy capacity installed, more than 95 million trees and shrubs planted, and more than 1,660 endangered animals re-wilded across the Kingdom.

For the duration of COP16, the SGI will welcome the public to a 4,000 sq m SGI Pavilion, where visitors can enjoy an interactive journey through Saudi Arabia’s whole-of-society climate and environment efforts in the SGI Gallery. 

A multimedia showcase and a broad range of experts will enable guests to learn more about the more than 80 initiatives already launched as part of SGI. 

Visitors can also attend and exchange ideas during daily SGI Talks, an expert-led speaker series that launched in 2023.

The SGI was launched by the crown prince in 2021 to drive climate action across all levels of society and achieve Saudi Arabia’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. 

The initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to improving the quality of life for current and future generations and addressing the region’s environmental challenges, including high temperatures, low rainfall, dust storms and desertification.

In 2022, the SGI Forum was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in tandem with UNFCCC COP27. The event revealed major climate action projects, including the launch of a circular carbon economy knowledge hub, and the establishment of a regional center for advancing emissions reduction with UNESCWA.

In 2023, the third SGI Forum took place in conjunction with UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai.

During the event, the Kingdom unveiled a 300 percent increase in installed renewable energy capacity since 2022, and more than 43 million trees were planted toward the goal of 10 billion.


Film review: ‘Gladiator II’ — entertaining, and a fun romp

Updated 14 November 2024
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Film review: ‘Gladiator II’ — entertaining, and a fun romp

RIYADH: After years of waiting, “Gladiator II,” a sequel to the epic saga “Gladiator” (2000), has finally hit the screen.

The film, released in VOX Cinemas, Saudi Arabia on Nov. 14, had a premiere at VOX Cinemas, Roshn Front in Riyadh on Tuesday evening.

Directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott, “Gladiator II” continues the epic saga of power, intrigue and vengeance in Ancient Rome.

Starring Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Fred Hechinger, the action genre release offers full entertainment, and serves as a follow-up to Scott’s “Gladiator,” released almost 25 years ago.

Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist.

With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

With “Gladiator II” expected to have its work cut out trying to prove it can stand toe to toe with Scott’s highly regarded epic, the film is not exactly what fans have been expecting. It is no patch on the original, to be sure, but it is still a good fun time at the movies, with Mescal and Washington stealing the show. It is entertaining, and a fun romp.

Scott’s return to the Roman arena is something of a repeat, but it is still a thrilling spectacle and Mescal a formidable lead.

Set about 25 years after “Gladiator,” we are reintroduced to Lucius (Mescal), the now grown son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Maximus (Russell Crowe). He lives with his wife and child in Numidia as a respected warrior, but a far cry from his birthright. When a battalion of Roman soldiers, led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invades his land, his wife is killed in the battle, resulting in Lucius’ capture and enslavement. Passed along, he ends up in Rome, seen as fodder for the masses.

Obviously inspired by the similar predicamen    t of Maximus, Lucius quietly resolves to fight as a gladiator in the Colosseum. His silent reasoning and overwhelming abilities are noteworthy, capturing the attention of Macrinus (Denzel Washington), a former slave. Macrinus has designs on the throne of Rome, plotting to overthrow young emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn), taking Lucius under his wing in the process. As all of these people come together and realize Lucius’ connection; blood is spilt and lives are lost, but in the end Lucius takes his revenge.

“Gladiator II” is a good time at the multiplex, both for fans of the first one and those who do not have any extra affection.