2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s game-changer in sports and travel

This visionary project aims to showcase the Kingdom’s progress by leveraging its dynamic football scene and cutting-edge infrastructure. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s game-changer in sports and travel

  • The visionary project aims to showcase the Kingdom’s progress by leveraging its dynamic football scene and cutting-edge infrastructure
  • Central to Saudi Arabia’s World Cup strategy is a major upgrade of its transport infrastructure

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is gearing up to elevate its global profile with the FIFA World Cup in 2034. This landmark event will transform the Kingdom’s central location into a vibrant travel nexus while celebrating its deep-rooted football legacy.

Unveiled in Paris, Saudi Arabia’s bid, dubbed “Growing Together,” has garnered enthusiastic support from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visionary project aims to showcase the Kingdom’s progress by leveraging its dynamic football scene and cutting-edge infrastructure to captivate a global audience.

Central to Saudi Arabia’s World Cup strategy is a major upgrade of its transport infrastructure. Riyadh Air, a new contender in the aviation arena, is spearheading efforts to boost connectivity. In an exclusive interview, a spokesperson from Riyadh Air shared insights on the airline’s preparations for the anticipated wave of World Cup visitors.

“Saudi Arabia is demonstrating how the power of sport brings people closer together. For many years, the Middle East has been developing as a global aviation hub, linking north to south and east to west, ideally situated between Europe, Africa, and Asia,” said Osamah Alnuaiser, senior vice president of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Riyadh Air, to Arab News.

He added: “With over 80 percent of the world’s population within an eight-hour flight of Saudi Arabia, it is one of the most accessible locations for the World Cup.”




Riyadh Air’s launch will significantly enhance connectivity for the capital, Riyadh, fostering growth in both business and sports. (Supplied)

Alnuaiser emphasized that Riyadh Air’s launch will significantly enhance connectivity for the capital, Riyadh, fostering growth in both business and sports. “When the FIFA World Cup 2034 takes place, Riyadh will be one of the best-connected G20 capital cities in the world. The country’s central location and expanding sector will create the perfect venue for the World Cup,” he said.

On the topic of connectivity, Alnuaiser elaborated on Riyadh Air’s vision for the World Cup’s legacy and its role in enhancing the Kingdom’s global travel status. “With the Kingdom set to welcome the world, the demand for seamless connectivity within and beyond its borders is rising. Riyadh Air is poised to meet this need in anticipation of the World Cup,” he said.

He added: “There will be a very positive legacy from the World Cup as it will introduce many more people to Saudi culture, history, and heritage, as well as showcase the Kingdom’s growth in business and technology.”

“Saudi Arabia has always been at the forefront of sports developments in the region, and its potential hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup clearly reflects its ambitious goals,” remarked Mohammed Makni, a university professor at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University, to Arab News.




Riyadh Air’s launch will significantly enhance connectivity for the capital, Riyadh, fostering growth in both business and sports. (Supplied)

He continued: “With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is entering a new phase of development, and hosting the 2034 World Cup represents a significant step toward achieving this vision.”

“Regarding transportation, the Kingdom’s strategic location makes it an ideal travel hub for fans. This move is part of a broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for commerce and tourism, supporting the objectives of Vision 2030 and enhancing its appeal as an international destination,” added the academic.

In May, Abdulaziz Al-Dahmash, vice president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation for Quality and Traveler Experience, told Arab News at the Future Aviation Forum that the sector has set “very ambitious targets.” These include tripling passenger numbers from 2019, handling 4.5 million tonnes of cargo, and establishing over 250 direct routes from the Kingdom’s airports.

“Those key targets require enablers, and one of the essential pillars is our passenger experience. We always say that the passenger comes first, so from that perspective, we started various programs from a regulatory standpoint,” Al-Dahmash said.

He added: “We initiated the Total Quality Evaluation program. This program focuses on the passenger experience across all touchpoints at the airport, from entrance to boarding.”

Infrastructure upgrades

Saudi Arabia’s transport infrastructure is undergoing a major overhaul. Significant upgrades to airports, including the expansion of King Abdulaziz International Airport, are set to handle increased passenger traffic. New facilities and enhancements to existing ones will ensure top-tier amenities for fans.

“To manage the surge in passengers expected during the World Cup in 2034, public transport providers must adopt a proactive and multi-faceted strategy,” Ashley Koussa, partner of Transport and Logistics at PwC, told Arab News.

He added: “The influx of visitors will create high demand for easy access and transport to various locations. Key to success will be increasing service frequency, capacity, deploying dedicated routes, and utilizing advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency.”

Koussa further explained that managing large crowds and peak times effectively will require improved access systems and data analytics for better predictions and management. Close collaboration with event organizers and other key stakeholders is crucial for seamlessly integrating transportation services with overall event logistics, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees.

“Other key stakeholders will play a vital role in creating a seamless integration of transport services with the broader event logistics,” Koussa continued.

Public transport services are also being upgraded. The Riyadh Metro and regional rail services are expanding to connect key World Cup venues, facilitating smooth and efficient travel for visitors. These enhancements aim not only to handle the World Cup but also to leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the Kingdom long after the tournament concludes.

Saudi Arabia witnessed a 79 percent surge in the value of construction contracts awarded during the first quarter of 2024, reaching SR118.8 billion ($31.65 billion), according to the latest US-Saudi Business Council report. This is the second-highest figure on record, following SR147.1 billion awarded in the third quarter of 2015. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, contract values jumped by 35 percent.

“Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is experiencing exponential growth, marked by significant advancements in social and physical infrastructure, improved quality of life, and substantial foreign direct investments,” said Albara’a Al-Wazir, director of Economic Research at USSBC.

A unified vision

Football’s legacy in Saudi Arabia spans over a century. The first football clubs emerged in the early 1900s, laying the foundation for a vibrant sporting tradition. The Kingdom’s formal entry into football competitions began in the 1950s, marking the start of an era characterized by burgeoning local tournaments and the eventual establishment of the Saudi Pro League in the 1970s. This period not only saw football’s growth but also mirrored the nation’s development alongside its sport.

Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, commenting on the official bid book’s publication, said, “These plans will combine our rich football heritage with our deep passion for the game and will ensure Saudi Arabia’s success as the first nation to host a 48-team tournament in one country.”

“The government is strategically aligning transport infrastructure improvements with the broader objectives of Vision 2030. This has included implementing a comprehensive approach that integrates both planning and execution,” Koussa noted.

He further elaborated on how the government is synchronizing transport infrastructure improvements with Vision 2030’s broader goals and the economic benefits to the transport sector.

“The transport infrastructure plays a crucial role in this ambition, with the government coordinating improvements through several key initiatives, including integrated urban planning, public-private partnerships, and investments, as well as focusing on sustainability and innovation,” Koussa said.

Integrated urban planning involves aligning transport infrastructure development with other aspects of urban growth, such as economic zones, smart city projects, and sustainable development. Koussa explained that this approach ensures transportation networks complement and support new business districts and residential areas, contributing to the city’s overall economic and social development.

Regarding public-private partnerships and investments, Koussa elaborated that the Kingdom is leveraging collaborations between government entities and private companies to accelerate infrastructure development, particularly for major transportation changes. By combining resources and expertise from both sectors, they aim to enhance and expedite transportation system improvements.

He also noted that the government is incorporating cutting-edge technologies into transportation projects, investing in eco-friendly solutions and smart systems. This includes developing electric vehicle charging stations and upgrading public transport to reduce carbon emissions and enhance urban mobility.

These improvements aim to boost regional connectivity, shorten travel times, and facilitate the movement of goods and people. Additionally, enhanced infrastructure is expected to promote tourism, increase global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and support business expansion, all contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term economic growth.


Japanese orchestra meets video gaming in Riyadh

In the first part of the concert, the orchestra performed works like “Victory Fanfare” and “Moebius.” (Supplied)
Updated 13 min 27 sec ago
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Japanese orchestra meets video gaming in Riyadh

  • Japanese orchestra meets video gaming in Riyadh

RIYADH: What does video gaming and the orchestra have in common? Collaboration, immersive experiences, and the art of storytelling at its finest.

The world-renowned Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra spoiled guests with two nights of concerts powered by Qiddiya Gaming at Princess Nourah University’s Red Hall on Thursday and Friday.

Producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV Naoki Yoshida and renowned sound editor and composer Masayoshi Soken took the opportunity to introduce themselves to a full house of fans, wearing traditional Saudi thobes.

More than 100 musicians traveled from Japan, accompanied by vocalists, to bring the soundtrack from Final Fantasy XIV to life. (Supplied)

Arab News had the opportunity to interview Yoshida, Soken, senior story designer Natsuko Ishikawa, and localization supervisor Michael-Christopher Koji Fox.

Yoshida expressed his gratitude toward the game’s loyal fans in the Middle East, saying: “I’m really appreciative of the fans in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia that have loved the Final Fantasy franchise.

“We are finally here to give back to the community that’s loved us and supported us for so long. To be able to bring them the excitement, we are bringing them sound and music.

The event also offered fans a dedicated merchandise area featuring exclusive items and other products shipped directly from Tokyo. (Supplied)

“We don’t envision this as the end; we envision this as something that’s going to connect us into the future.”

In the first part of the concert, the orchestra performed works like “Victory Fanfare” and “Moebius.”

In order to give gamers a true gaming experience, Soken had the idea of creating the same in-game pause during the orchestra’s performance to reflect the battle in the game.

In the first part of the concert, the orchestra performed works like “Victory Fanfare” and “Moebius.” (Supplied)

Soken said: “During that battle, there’s an in-game mechanic where time stops and the player stops, so when playing that song in concert we want the players to feel like that in music; the game experience and their memories of the game are connected in that way.

“We wanted to figure out a way to recreate that time stop while being played in the concert by an orchestra. So the idea we came up with is if time stops in the game, how about making the concert stop?”

Soken’s idea was turned into reality and the crowd was in awe as the orchestra paused for a few seconds.

In charge of creating graphics and videos, Ishikawa said her job was about picking scenes that resonated with the players.

She said: “What we created here feels like it was created by the Final Fantasy development team, even though it’s a concert.”

Unlike a typical concert, in which each song evokes different emotions to each individual, Soken said gaming concerts created a joint emotional experience.

Soken said: “With a game concert, everyone is experiencing the same thing because they experienced the same game, so everyone shares that excitement.”

More than 100 musicians traveled from Japan, accompanied by vocalists, to bring the soundtrack from Final Fantasy XIV to life.

Soken said: “We know that Saudi Arabia and Japan have a long history of friendly collaboration but there has not been a lot with music, and there’s probably been nothing with gaming music.

“The people that experience (the concert) will be able to go home and tell their friends how exciting an experience it was and how these people from Japan brought this great thing that we have never seen before.”

The event also offered fans a dedicated merchandise area featuring exclusive items and other products shipped directly from Tokyo.

Diamond ticket holders also had the opportunity to meet Yoshida, Soken, Ishikawa, and Fox, receiving a signed poster and photo.

With over 30 million total registered players, Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most popular MMORPG games today, while Qiddiya, which was launched in 2018 under the leadership of King Salman, is an emerging capital for entertainment, sports and culture that aims to enhance the quality of life of visitors and residents.

 


Saudi Heart Association teams up with Bayer to enhance cardiac care

Updated 21 sec ago
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Saudi Heart Association teams up with Bayer to enhance cardiac care

  • Partnership aims to educate Saudi healthcare professionals on cardiovascular disease
  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Saudi Heart Association has entered a partnership with healthcare leader Bayer to enhance cardiac care and educate Saudi healthcare professionals on cardiovascular disease to reduce mortality and improve heart health.

“We are proud to announce a new partnership between Bayer and the SHA aimed at advancing cardiovascular care in Saudi Arabia, focusing on improving early detection and prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease,” Bayer, a global leader in life sciences with a strong emphasis on healthcare and nutrition, posted on X.

“The goal of the partnership is to strengthen bilateral cooperation to improve cardiac care in Saudi Arabia in alignment with Vision 2030. The agreement will prioritize early detection of at-risk patients of cardiovascular diseases who exhibit a combination of modifiable risk factors (such as hypertension, smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, high cholesterol) and non-modifiable risk factors (such as age, family history, gender, and genetic predisposition),” a statement from Bayer said.

Saudi Heart Association, Bayer enter partnership aimed at advancing cardiovascular care in Saudi Arabia, focusing on improving early detection and prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. (Supplied)

CVDs are a major health concern globally. In 2016, more than 200,000 Saudi citizens were living with CVD and the current prevalence of CVD in Saudi Arabia is expected to be significantly higher, given the rise of CVD risk factors in the country (obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension and others).

Saudi Vision 2030 aims to reduce the clinical and economic burden of CVD and scale up vitality and longevity in a new era of comprehensive healthcare.

From a health economics standpoint, CVDs are a burden on healthcare systems directly through expenditure and indirectly through years living with the disease, low productivity, premature morbidity and mortality.

Under the terms of the partnership, Bayer and the SHA will seek to advance educational initiatives for healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Throughout the partnership, emphasis will be on delivering educational lectures and hands-on workshops for healthcare professionals, introducing them to the latest diagnostic tools that streamline early CVD detection in a cost-effective manner.

Additionally, the partnership will promote evidence-based early risk management local guidelines and strategies in clinical practice, aligning resources to achieve superior patient outcomes.

Elaborating on the partnership, Maged ElShazly, managing director, Bayer Saudi Arabia, and country commercial lead for Bayer Consumer Health, said: “This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing cardiovascular health in the Kingdom. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, our goal is to collaborate closely with the SHA to support the government’s efforts in reducing CVD mortality and morbidity, improving heart health, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals at high risk.

“Additionally, this collaboration with SHA will further propel our efforts to develop and implement local guidelines for effective CVD management, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability in healthcare practices across the Kingdom,” ElShazly said.

Bayer will support SHA with two main initiatives — a key opinion leaders’ engagement campaign to promote early CVD risk management among healthcare professionals and a media campaign to raise public awareness about CVD risk factors, early detection, and prevention strategies.

 


KSrelief’s Masam Project clears 840 mines

Updated 29 November 2024
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KSrelief’s Masam Project clears 840 mines

  • The Masam team successfully cleared four unexploded ordnances in Zinjibar
  • The team successfully removed 14 unexploded ordnances from Al-Waht district

ADEN: The Masam Project, an initiative launched by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, successfully dismantled 840 mines across various regions of Yemen during the third week of November, including 29 anti-personnel mines, 129 anti-tank mines, and 682 unexploded ordnances.
The Masam team successfully cleared four unexploded ordnances in Zinjibar in the Abyan Governorate, and 162 in Aden Governorate. Two anti-tank mines in Al-Khawkhah and one unexploded ordnance in Hays, in Al-Hudaydah Governorate, were also removed. The team cleared one anti-personnel mine and one unexploded ordnance in the Qataba district of Al-Dhale Governorate.
The team successfully removed 14 unexploded ordnances from Al-Waht district and 22 from Al-Madaribah in Lahj Governorate, while in Marib Governorate four unexploded ordnances were cleared in the Al-Wadi district, along with 12 anti-personnel mines and 120 anti-tank mines in the Marib district.


Authorities enforce ban on non-compliant trucks

Updated 29 November 2024
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Authorities enforce ban on non-compliant trucks

  • This initiative reflects the authority’s commitment to regulating the sector
  • Foreign trucks are restricted to transporting goods from abroad to designated delivery points

RIYADH: The Transport General Authority has announced the seizure of many foreign trucks found violating transportation regulations and legislation while transporting goods between cities in the Kingdom.
This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with relevant authorities, reflects the authority’s commitment to regulating the sector, promoting compliance, ensuring fair competition, enhancing the security and safety of transportation services, and preserving public resources and road infrastructure.
The authority said that the mechanism adopted to control foreign truck transport operations — in coordination with various government entities — prohibits traders, factories, importers, institutions and companies from contracting with non-Saudi vehicles.
Foreign trucks are restricted to transporting goods from abroad to designated delivery points in Saudi cities or on their way back to their country of origin. This return must originate from the same delivery point or from any city along the return route. Such operations also require a permit issued by the authority.


Saudi citizen wanted on suspicion of corruption extradited to Kingdom from Russia

Updated 29 November 2024
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Saudi citizen wanted on suspicion of corruption extradited to Kingdom from Russia

  • Abdullah bin Awadh Aydha Al-Harthi was wanted on suspicion of financial and administrative corruption crimes

RIYADH: A Saudi citizen suspected of corruption crimes has been extradited back to the Kingdom from Russia, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, Nazaha, announced on Friday.

Abdullah bin Awadh Aydha Al-Harthi was wanted on suspicion of financial and administrative corruption crimes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The transfer was carried out as part of a memorandum of understanding between Nazaha and Russia’s Public Prosecution, and “underscores the strong commitment of both nations to uphold the rule of law and promote international cooperation in the fight against corruption,” SPA added.

Nazaha highlighted the role played by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office in responding to its official request to extradite Al-Harthi and praised the support of the global Globe E Network and INTERPOL for its continued assistance in tracking individuals involved in corruption crimes and curtailing their safe havens.

Nazaha reaffirmed its resolve to pursue corrupt individuals both within and beyond the Kingdom’s borders, holding them accountable in accordance with Sharia and legal frameworks.

The authority said it remained steadfast in its mission to recover state funds and assets misappropriated through corruption, ensuring they are returned to the national treasury.