Saudi international judges Hisham Al-Masari and Hilal Al-Senari officiated at the IFBB World Men’s and Women’s Championships in Santa Susanna, Spain, from October 29 to November 2, 2026, marking another milestone in the Kingdom’s expanding role in global sports governance. The event, organized by the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), brought together elite bodybuilders from around the world, and the presence of Saudi officials on the judging panel underscores the growing recognition of Saudi expertise in international fitness and bodybuilding. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the two judges served on the championship’s judging panel, overseeing competitions that featured some of the world’s top athletes. Their participation highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering sports diplomacy and promoting its national talent on the world stage.
This development is part of a broader strategy by the Kingdom to enhance its influence in international sports, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports, from hosting major events to developing homegrown talent and infrastructure. The appointment of Saudi judges to such a prestigious competition reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to excellence and its ability to contribute to the global sports community. It also signals the increasing professionalism of Saudi sports officials, who are now sought after to adjudicate at the highest levels. As Saudi Arabia continues to open up to the world, its presence in international sports forums serves as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Context and Background
How did Saudi Arabia emerge as a credible player in international bodybuilding judging? The journey began with sustained investments in sports education and infrastructure, driven by Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program. Over the past decade, the Kingdom has established national federations, hosted regional and international competitions, and sent delegations to global events. The Saudi Bodybuilding Federation, under the Ministry of Sport, has been instrumental in training judges and athletes to meet international standards. Hisham Al-Masari and Hilal Al-Senari are products of this system, having accumulated years of experience in domestic and regional competitions before earning IFBB international judge certifications. Their selection for the World Championships in Spain is a testament to their expertise and the rigorous preparation they received.
The IFBB World Men’s and Women’s Championships is one of the most prestigious events in the bodybuilding calendar, attracting competitors from over 100 countries. Held in Santa Susanna, a coastal town in Catalonia, the championship showcased a range of categories, including men’s bodybuilding, classic physique, and women’s bikini and wellness. Judging such an event requires not only deep knowledge of the sport but also impartiality and adherence to international standards. The participation of Saudi judges demonstrates that the Kingdom’s sports officials are trusted to uphold these values. It also reflects the global nature of bodybuilding, where nations come together to celebrate athletic excellence, and Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a valued partner in this endeavor.
Historically, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in bodybuilding dates back to the 1980s, but it was only after Vision 2030 that the sport received significant governmental support. The Ministry of Sport, led by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, has prioritized the development of all sports, including bodybuilding, as part of a wider push to increase physical activity and promote healthy lifestyles. The Kingdom has since hosted the IFBB Diamond Cup and other regional championships, providing local judges and athletes with exposure to international competition. This groundwork has now borne fruit, as Saudi judges are invited to officiate at the world’s biggest stages. Their presence in Spain is not an isolated event but the culmination of a strategic plan to elevate Saudi sports governance.
Key Details
What exactly did the Saudi judges do at the championships? According to the Saudi Press Agency, Hisham Al-Masari and Hilal Al-Senari served on the judging panel for the duration of the event, from October 29 to November 2. They evaluated competitors in various categories, ensuring that performances were scored fairly and in accordance with IFBB rules. The championship featured some of the world’s top bodybuilders, making the judges’ role crucial in determining the winners. The two Saudis were among a select group of international judges chosen by the IFBB, a recognition of their qualifications and experience. Their participation was not merely symbolic; they actively contributed to the adjudication process, demonstrating the high level of competence that Saudi sports officials now possess.
The IFBB, founded in 1946, is the governing body for fitness and bodybuilding worldwide, with over 190 national federations. Its World Championships are the pinnacle of the sport, and judging at this level requires certification and a proven track record. Al-Masari and Al-Senari have both served as judges at numerous international events, including Asian and Arab championships. Their selection for the World Championships in Spain followed a rigorous evaluation by the IFBB’s technical committee. The event itself was a showcase of athletic prowess, with competitors from every continent. The Saudi judges’ presence added a Gulf dimension to the panel, ensuring diverse representation. This diversity is valued by the IFBB, which seeks to maintain global credibility in its officiating.
Beyond the judging panel, the Saudi delegation also used the opportunity to network with international sports officials and discuss potential collaborations. The Ministry of Sport has emphasized that such engagements are part of a broader effort to learn from global best practices and share Saudi Arabia’s own experiences. The Kingdom’s judges were able to observe the latest trends in bodybuilding, including new categories and judging criteria, which they can apply to domestic competitions. This knowledge transfer is essential for the continued growth of the sport in Saudi Arabia. The participation also allowed the judges to promote the Kingdom as a destination for future IFBB events, further integrating Saudi Arabia into the global sports calendar.
International and Regional Impact
How does the presence of Saudi judges at the IFBB World Championships influence the Kingdom’s international standing? It sends a powerful message that Saudi Arabia is not just a participant but a contributor to global sports. In recent years, the Kingdom has hosted Formula 1, WWE, and football events, but having its officials officiate at world championships adds a new dimension. It shows that Saudi expertise is respected and sought after, enhancing the country’s soft power. For the Middle East, this is a source of pride, as it demonstrates that Gulf nations can produce world-class sports officials. It also encourages other countries in the region to invest in sports governance, fostering a more integrated and professional sporting ecosystem.
Regionally, the participation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen ties with Spain and the European Union. Sports diplomacy has become a key tool in Saudi foreign policy, building bridges and fostering goodwill. The event in Santa Susanna provided an opportunity for Saudi officials to engage with their Spanish counterparts and discuss future cooperation. Spain, with its strong sporting culture, is a natural partner for Saudi Arabia in this field. The two countries have already collaborated on football and other sports, and bodybuilding can be another avenue. Such exchanges also promote people-to-people connections, as athletes and officials interact beyond the competitive arena. This people-to-people dimension is vital for long-term diplomatic relations.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What economic benefits can Saudi Arabia derive from its growing role in international sports governance? The sports sector is a significant contributor to the Kingdom’s economy, with the government aiming to increase its GDP share. By having Saudi judges at major events, the country showcases its capabilities, potentially attracting investment and partnerships. The sports industry, including fitness and bodybuilding, is expanding rapidly in Saudi Arabia, with a growing market for gyms, supplements, and apparel. International recognition of Saudi judges can boost the credibility of the domestic industry, encouraging more Saudis to participate in the sport. It also opens doors for Saudi businesses to sponsor events and athletes, creating a virtuous cycle of growth.
Strategically, the presence of Saudi judges at the IFBB World Championships supports the Kingdom’s goal of diversifying its economy away from oil. Sports is one of the thirteen priority sectors identified in Vision 2030, with the aim of increasing its contribution to GDP and creating jobs. The Ministry of Sport has set ambitious targets, including raising the number of sports practitioners and improving performance at international levels. Successes like this demonstrate that the strategy is working. Moreover, it enhances Saudi Arabia’s image as a modern, dynamic nation, which is essential for attracting tourists and foreign investment. The Kingdom’s sports diplomacy also helps counter negative stereotypes and presents a positive narrative on the global stage.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does this achievement fit into Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030, launched in 2016, aims to transform Saudi society and economy, with sports playing a central role in improving quality of life and promoting national pride. The Quality of Life Program, one of the Vision’s executive programs, seeks to increase sports participation and develop talent. The success of Saudi judges at the IFBB World Championships is a direct outcome of this focus. It shows that the Kingdom is not only investing in infrastructure but also in human capital, producing professionals who can compete globally. This aligns with the Vision’s emphasis on excellence and leadership in all fields.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia plans to continue its engagement with international sports federations, hosting more events and training more officials. The Ministry of Sport has outlined a roadmap to increase the number of internationally certified Saudi judges and referees across various sports. The participation of Al-Masari and Al-Senari will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. As the Kingdom prepares to host major events like the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the Asian Games, the experience gained from such engagements will be invaluable. Ultimately, the presence of Saudi judges at the IFBB World Championships is a small but significant step toward realizing the Vision’s goal of a vibrant society and a thriving economy, with Saudi Arabia taking its rightful place on the world stage.
20 Questions
Q1. What event did the Saudi judges participate in?
A1. Saudi judges Hisham Al-Masari and Hilal Al-Senari participated in the IFBB World Men’s and Women’s Championships held in Santa Susanna, Spain, from October 29 to November 2, 2026.
Q2. Who are the Saudi judges involved?
A2. The Saudi judges are Hisham Al-Masari and Hilal Al-Senari, both internationally certified by the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB).
Q3. What was the role of the Saudi judges at the championship?
A3. They served on the judging panel, evaluating competitors and ensuring fair scoring according to IFBB rules throughout the event.
Q4. Where was the championship held?
A4. The championship took place in Santa Susanna, a coastal town in Catalonia, Spain.
Q5. When did the championship take place?
A5. The event was held from October 29 to November 2, 2026.
Q6. What organization organized the championship?
A6. The International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) organized the championship.
Q7. Why is the participation of Saudi judges significant?
A7. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international sports and showcases the expertise of its national judges on a global stage.
Q8. How does this reflect Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy?
A8. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to enhance sports governance, develop talent, and increase international engagement.
Q9. What is the IFBB?
A9. The IFBB is the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation, the global governing body for fitness and bodybuilding with over 190 national federations.
Q10. How many countries participated in the championship?
A10. Competitors from over 100 countries participated in the IFBB World Men’s and Women’s Championships.
Q11. What categories were judged at the championship?
A11. Categories included men’s bodybuilding, classic physique, and women’s bikini and wellness, among others.
Q12. How did the Saudi judges qualify for this event?
A12. They earned IFBB international judge certifications after years of experience in domestic and regional competitions, meeting rigorous standards.
Q13. What impact does this have on Saudi bodybuilding?
A13. It raises the profile of Saudi bodybuilding, inspires local athletes and judges, and encourages growth of the sport within the Kingdom.
Q14. Does this event contribute to Saudi sports diplomacy?
A14. Yes, it strengthens ties with Spain and the international sports community, promoting cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Q15. How does this align with Vision 2030?
A15. It supports Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program by developing sports talent, enhancing international presence, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Q16. What economic benefits might arise from this?
A16. It can attract investment, boost the domestic fitness industry, and create opportunities for Saudi businesses in sports sponsorship and related sectors.
Q17. Will there be more Saudi judges in future international events?
A17. Yes, the Ministry of Sport aims to increase the number of internationally certified Saudi judges and referees across various sports.
Q18. What other international sports events has Saudi Arabia participated in?
A18. Saudi Arabia has hosted and participated in Formula 1, WWE, football tournaments, and other global events, demonstrating its commitment to sports.
Q19. How does this reflect on Saudi Arabia’s leadership?
A19. It highlights the Kingdom’s forward-looking leadership under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who champions sports as a tool for development and global engagement.
Q20. What is the next step for Saudi sports officials?
A20. They will continue to gain experience at international events, aiming to officiate at more world championships and contribute to the growth of sports globally.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.
Related articles
12 Saudi Shooters Compete at ISSF World Championship in Doha
Saudi Olympic Committee VP Visits Athletes at Dakar 2026
Aramco Stadium Redefines Sporting and Cultural Landscape
Qiddiya, Golf Saudi Sign 5-Year Deal for National Golf Club
Saudi U-23 Team to Hold Eastern Region Training Camp
Saudi Futsal Team Opens Hungary Camp Ahead of Three Friendlies