Saudi Arabia On It's Way To Become The Most Exciting Sports Destination In The World

Over the last half-decade, Saudi Arabia has burst into the global spotlight not just as a cultural and pilgrimage destination, but increasingly as a sports tourism powerhouse. Since 2019, the Kingdom has hosted more than 100 major sporting events across over 40 disciplines - from motorsports and boxing to esports. This surge is no accident: it is deeply intertwined with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's strategy to diversify its economy and attract tens of millions more visitors by developing world-class entertainment and sports infrastructure.

When the chants rise from Jeddah's stadiums and the Red Sea breeze carries the roar of thousands of fans, you know something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. Backed by ambitious leadership and major investments from the Public Investment Fund, the country is building not only stadiums but also smart sports cities and entertainment districts - all designed to support a new era of tourism and athletic spectacle.

A Sporting Revolution In Full Swing

Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has hosted over 100 major events across more than 40 sporting disciplines - from high-octane Formula 1 races and heavyweight boxing matches to world-class esports tournaments. Each one is part of a grander mission: to transform the country into a global sports and tourism hub.

The change is everywhere. Tour guides talk about the next big race, airline crew members discuss football fixtures, and local cafes buzz with match predictions. It's as if the whole nation is united by one vision - to make Saudi Arabia the place for sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Football Takes Centre Stage: Saudi Pro League (SPL)

At the heart of this transformation lies the Saudi Pro League (SPL) - home to 18 competitive clubs, including Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli. Founded in 1976 and rebranded in 2008, the SPL has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing leagues.

This season (August 2024 - May 2025), football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have turned Saudi football into a global spectacle. Their presence has elevated stadium energy to electrifying levels and drawn travellers from across continents to witness the action live.

^{King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah. Photo: stadiumdb}

Match Night In Jeddah: Energy You Can Feel

Few experiences rival the thrill of a live game in Jeddah. The night begins with chants, flags, and excitement rippling through the air long before kickoff. Inside the stadium, fans unfurl massive tifos, songs fill the stands, and the atmosphere feels like a festival - intense, emotional, and completely unfiltered.

Those with VIP Gold Seats enjoy a touch of luxury: perfectly planned hospitality, delicious food, Arabic coffee, fan merchandise, and even an AI-powered photobooth that lets you imagine yourself as one of the players.

But the real magic is shared - between strangers high-fiving after a goal, parents teaching kids the chants, and rival fans united by the same love of the game. Even when their team loses, the sportsmanship stays alive, and the applause rarely fades.

^{Al Ittihad's fans unveil their tifo. Photo Credit: X/SPL_EN}

Tickets Details For Saudi Pro League (SPL)

Despite the glitz, watching football in Saudi Arabia is surprisingly affordable. Tickets start at SAR 10 (around ₹225), and nearly 30% of all stadium seats are capped at SAR 30 or less, making it accessible to everyone - from families to solo travellers chasing their football dreams. For international fans, ticket bookings have become seamless via Webook.com.

The Ronaldo Effect: Witness The Star In Action

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in the SPL didn't just change the game - it changed how the world sees Saudi football. His influence has drawn millions of new fans and a wave of sports tourists eager to witness "CR7" in action under the Saudi floodlights.

^{Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo Credit: X/SPL_EN}

It's not just about star power, though. Saudi Arabia's investment in local talent, youth academies, and women's sports is reshaping its sporting identity from the ground up.

Women In Sport: A New Era

A few years ago, women's participation in professional sports here was rare. Today, that's rapidly changing. Initiatives like the PIF WTA Maternity Fund Program and the Saudi Sports for All Federation are opening new doors for female athletes.

In a symbolic move, Indian footballer Payal Ramesh Basude, a national-level goalkeeper, was featured in a Saudia Airlines campaign promoting sports tourism - highlighting how both Saudi Arabia and India are encouraging women in sports.

Beyond Football: Saudi Arabia's Wider Sporting Horizon

From the Jeddah Grand Prix to the Esports World Cup, the Kingdom is setting records and reimagining what a modern sporting destination can look like. In 2025, Riyadh hosted the Esports World Cup with a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, cementing Saudi Arabia's position at the forefront of the global gaming scene. It's a reminder that the sports boom here isn't just about football - it's about building a diverse, future-facing ecosystem of competition and culture.

Travel Essentials For Sports Fans And Tourists Visiting Saudi Arabia

• Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR); most places accept cards.
• Visa: Apply online for an e-visa before your trip.
• Weather: Jeddah enjoys mild winters and warm autumns - ideal for match nights under open skies.
• Getting There: Saudia Airlines connects major Indian cities to Jeddah and Riyadh with over 51 weekly flights. The business class is a great option for a comfortable flying experience.

^{Photo Credit: Instagram/saudi_airlines}

Saudia Routes Operating Between Saudi Arabia and India:

• Jeddah - Mumbai (JED-BOM) - 9 flights per week
• Jeddah - Delhi (JED-DEL) - 9 flights per week
• Jeddah - Hyderabad (JED-HYD) - 6 flights per week
• Jeddah - Lucknow (JED-LKO) - 6 flights per week
• Jeddah - Bengaluru (JED-BLR) - 4 flights per week
• Riyadh - Mumbai (RUH-BOM) - 3 flights per week
• Riyadh - Delhi (RUH-DEL) - 3 flights per week
• Riyadh - Kozhikode / Calicut (RUH-CCJ) - 6 flights per week
• Riyadh - Kochi (RUH-COK) - 5 flights per week

Rise Of Saudi Arabia Tourism: Vision 2030 In Motion

Saudi Arabia is embracing and promoting sports tourism as a cultural movement. Each match, race, or tournament is a step toward Vision 2030's larger goal: welcoming 150 million annual visitors while showcasing a more open, diverse, and globally connected Kingdom.

For football enthusiasts and sports tourists, Saudi Arabia offers something rare: the chance to experience top-tier football in a rapidly evolving cultural and infrastructure landscape. In a world where many major European leagues have become familiar, Saudi Arabia stands out as something new. For travellers seeking the next big thing in football tourism, it might just be the destination they didn't know they needed.