Saudi Sports Market Set to Top $22B by 2030

Saudi Arabia's sports sector is on track for rapid expansion, with its market value projected to reach $22.4 billion by 2030, up from around $8 billion. The growth is driven by a wave of large-scale infrastructure projects in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other cities across the Kingdom.

Among the flagship developments is the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh, which stretches more than 135 km and features over 50 sports facilities. The project combines walking and cycling paths, green spaces, cultural venues, and dedicated investment areas, aiming to make physical activity part of daily city life.

Stadium construction is also accelerating ahead of major tournaments. Saudi Arabia's plan for the 2034 FIFA World Cup includes 15 stadiums across five cities — 11 newly built and four upgraded venues. The planned King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh is scheduled for completion in 2029 and is set to host the World Cup final. Its facilities will include training fields, fan zones, a closed sports hall, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an athletics track, and outdoor volleyball, basketball, and padel courts.

In the Eastern Province, the Aramco Stadium in Al-Khobar is planned to seat 47,000 and is set to host matches during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. In Jeddah, a hotel project at King Abdullah Sports City covers 16,000 square metres under a 35-year contract.

For residents and expats, the expansion means more accessible sports venues, recreational spaces, and opportunities to attend international events close to home. It also signals growing investment and employment potential across the sports, hospitality, and construction sectors in the years ahead.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving