Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sports excellence reached a new milestone as the 6th International Conference and Exhibition on Sport Sciences and Physical Activity opened today in Riyadh under the distinguished patronage of Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal. The groundbreaking event, organized by King Saud University’s College of Sport Sciences and Physical Activity, marks the first conference of its kind in both the region and the Arab world.
Context and Background
The conference emerges at a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s sporting journey, following the Kingdom’s successful bids to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 and the AFC Asian Cup 2027. These achievements underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports and its capability to organize world-class sporting events.
Under the theme “Hosting Sporting Events,” the conference serves as a strategic platform for discussing the complexities and opportunities associated with organizing major international sporting competitions. This timing is particularly significant as the Kingdom continues to expand its presence in the global sports arena.
Conference Highlights and Exhibition
Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Masmali, Acting President of King Saud University, emphasized that the conference aligns perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives, reflecting the wise leadership’s directives to enhance the Kingdom’s sports sector. The event brings together leading academics, sports professionals, and industry experts to share insights and best practices in sports event management.
A major highlight of the conference is its accompanying exhibition, featuring more than 50 prominent local and international sports companies. These exhibitors showcase cutting-edge products and services essential for hosting major sporting events, from infrastructure solutions to event management technologies.
International Impact and Knowledge Exchange
The conference represents a significant step in positioning Saudi Arabia as a knowledge hub for sports sciences and event management in the Middle East. By bringing together international expertise and local capabilities, the event facilitates valuable knowledge transfer and strengthens the Kingdom’s capacity to host world-class sporting events.
Industry leaders and specialists are participating in various sessions focusing on key aspects of sports event hosting, including infrastructure development, crowd management, athlete support services, and sustainable event planning.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This pioneering conference directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by enhancing the Kingdom’s sports infrastructure and expertise. As Saudi Arabia prepares to host major international sporting events in the coming years, the knowledge and partnerships developed through this conference will play a crucial role in ensuring successful execution while contributing to the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global leader in sports event management and hosting capabilities.