Sports in Saudi Arabia: From the Deserts to the Global Stage

Sports in Saudi Arabia have become a pillar of national transformation, symbolizing national identity rather than merely serving as a recreational activity. The kingdom has experienced a meteoric rise in the global sports arena, hosting prestigious events that draw worldwide attention.

Today, Saudi Arabia’s stadiums are filled with passionate fans, its tracks host world-class horse races, its doors are open to women and youth participation, and its ambitions for sports development know no bounds.

Sports in Saudi Arabia are more than just activities—they are a catalyst for progress and development, paving the way toward a bright and globally recognized sporting future.

What are the Popular Sports in Saudi Arabia

Football

Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia, and it is widely practiced among the youth. The country boasts a professional league known as the Saudi Pro League (SPL), featuring prominent clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad. These clubs have achieved remarkable success, fostering widespread support for football and reflecting the Saudi people’s enduring passion for the sport.

Basketball

Basketball is the second most popular sport in Saudi Arabia, attracting numerous professional athletes and young enthusiasts. The country has established a league known as the Saudi Premier Basketball League, featuring competitive teams from various regions. Saudi Arabia also hosts international tournaments, boosting the sport’s popularity and expanding its reach.

Horse Racing

The Saudi Cup, one of the world’s richest horse races, is held annually over two days at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has long prioritized equestrian sports, achieving global prominence in horse racing. Notably, Prince Khalid bin Abdullah Al Saud’s horse “Arrogate” won the Dubai World Cup in 2017, further cementing the nation’s reputation in this field.

Cricket

Cricket is a rapidly growing sport in Saudi Arabia, with the playing season running from October to April. The kingdom boasts 149 cricket clubs and one grass field, and though it is not a traditional Saudi sport, it has gained popularity, particularly among expatriate communities.

Major Sporting Events in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia hosts numerous major international sporting events that capture global attention. Among the most famous of these events are:

Formula 1: Jeddah hosts the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, one of the season’s most prominent races, attracting car enthusiasts and media from around the globe.

Dakar Rally: Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s toughest and most prestigious rally races, traversing the kingdom’s vast deserts and challenging terrains.

WWE Wrestling: The kingdom hosts WWE wrestling events, which enjoy immense popularity among fans of professional wrestling.

Spanish Super Cup: Saudi Arabia has successfully hosted the Spanish Super Cup, showcasing its capability to organize and manage global sporting events.

Women’s Participation in Sports in Saudi Arabia

In recent years, groundbreaking developments in women’s participation in sports in Saudi Arabia have been witnessed. The government has launched numerous initiatives to promote women’s roles in sports by establishing women’s teams in various disciplines, including football, basketball, and tennis, marking a milestone in gender equality in sports.

The kingdom has also organized women’s sports tournaments at both local and international levels, providing a platform for women to compete. Physical education for girls has been integrated into school curricula, encouraging them to engage in sports from an early age. Additionally, the government offers substantial support for women in sports, including the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure and training programs.

Saudi Arabia’s Goals in the Sports Field

Saudi Arabia aims to achieve several ambitious goals in sports, including hosting global mega-events to establish itself as a central hub for international sports. This enhances its global standing and contributes to developing world-class sports infrastructure. The government is also focused on promoting sports among all segments of society by building community sports facilities and organizing nationwide programs that encourage physical activity.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia emphasizes identifying and developing local talent through the establishment of sports academies and advanced training centers. Sports also serve as a means to boost tourism, with the kingdom hosting major events that attract visitors from around the world.

Saudi Arabia is making unprecedented steps in sports development, focusing on youth and sports initiatives to achieve one of the key goals of Vision 2030: enhancing physical and social well-being and improving quality of life.