The Ministry of Sport hosted a two-day sports media meeting on Shura Island on November 29, 2025, bringing together Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary, and more than 85 representatives of local media to strengthen sector-wide communication and announce a new sports media club, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Context and Background
The gathering took place on Shura Island, the main hub at The Red Sea development on Saudi Arabia’s west coast, underscoring the Kingdom’s strategy of pairing major national initiatives with platforms for dialogue and collaboration. SPA reported that the meeting focused on exchanging views on the latest developments within the sports ecosystem and enhancing transparency by addressing media inquiries directly.
Held over two days, the forum assembled senior officials from the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Media alongside editors, broadcasters, and content leaders from across the Kingdom. By convening the media at a flagship tourism destination, organizers emphasized the interconnection between Saudi Arabia’s sports ambitions, its cultural and creative industries, and the continued expansion of its tourism and hospitality offerings.
According to SPA, the Ministry of Sport highlighted that the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to integration and cooperation with various sectors. The objective is to advance operations within the sports sector and improve the quality of outputs, reflecting a broader, standards-driven approach to governance and service delivery.
Key Details
A central outcome of the meeting was the announcement of a new sports media club designed to serve as an inspiring, professional environment equipped with modern technologies. As set out in the official communication, the club will promote professional practices, elevate production quality, and operate as a knowledge platform for dialogues, training workshops, and skills development tailored to the needs of Saudi sports media practitioners.
The planned club aims to provide structured pathways for capacity-building—supporting editorial excellence, technical production, data-informed reporting, and ethical standards. By offering a dedicated venue for peer exchange and upskilling, the initiative seeks to strengthen the pipeline of talent serving clubs, federations, and major events, while also enhancing the depth and reliability of coverage for fans inside the Kingdom and abroad.
SPA noted that the two-day program prioritized practical engagement. Sessions addressed current trends in sports coverage, best practices in media relations, and mechanisms for timely and accurate information-sharing between institutions and newsrooms. The presence of both the Minister of Sport and the Minister of Media underlined a coordinated approach to communications policy and the professionalization of the wider sports-information landscape.
Implications and Impact
The meeting’s emphasis on transparency is intended to foster greater trust between stakeholders, enabling more consistent, high-quality reporting that supports informed public engagement. For international audiences and partners, a more open and responsive media interface signals a mature, accountable sports sector aligned with global standards.
Enhanced production capabilities and training are expected to raise the caliber of Saudi sports storytelling across platforms—from live broadcasts and digital highlights to investigative features and data-rich analysis. In turn, this strengthens the visibility of domestic leagues, national teams, and hosted competitions, supporting long-term growth in viewership, sponsorship, and tourism.
Holding the forum at Shura Island also highlights the synergies between sports, media, and the Kingdom’s tourism objectives. As The Red Sea destination advances, it provides a world-class setting for convenings that attract international attention and catalyze new partnerships. Improved media infrastructure and professional practices can help showcase Saudi Arabia’s sporting calendar and hospitality sector to a global audience, contributing to diversified economic activity and cultural exchange.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The outcomes from Shura Island align with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, empower youth, and elevate quality of life through sport, culture, and entertainment. By investing in a dedicated sports media club and formal mechanisms for dialogue, the Ministry of Sport is enabling a more resilient, skills-based ecosystem that supports job creation, innovation, and world-class standards in content and communications.
As Saudi Arabia expands its portfolio of international events and domestic competitions, the professionalization of sports media will be central to amplifying achievements on and off the field, strengthening institutional accountability, and deepening engagement with fans and partners worldwide. The Shura Island meeting reflects a forward-looking commitment to excellence, setting the stage for continued collaboration, transparent reporting, and sustained sector growth in line with the Kingdom’s long-term vision.