In an announcement that has drawn global attention, Saudi Arabia has officially been confirmed as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034. This marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom, as it becomes the second Gulf nation to host the prestigious event, following Qatar’s 2022 World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the official declaration during a virtual conference in December 2024, confirming Saudi Arabia as the sole bidder for the event.
This decision, while expected, underscores the rapid transformation of Saudi Arabia, particularly its growing tourism sector. Although the country only opened its doors to international tourists in 2019, its ambitious Vision 2030 plan aims to position it as a leading global tourism destination by the end of this decade. By 2030, Saudi Arabia is aiming to attract 80 million domestic tourists annually, alongside 70 million international visitors.
The 2034 World Cup will come just a few years after Vision 2030’s full realization, setting the stage for a major leap in tourism infrastructure and global visibility. Hammad Albalawi, head of the country’s FIFA World Cup bid unit, expressed confidence in the success of the event, describing it as “the best-ever World Cup,” emphasizing a football festival full of excitement, culture, and unity.
A core element of Saudi Arabia’s strategy is the integration of sports into its tourism development. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sports have become a key vehicle for the Kingdom’s global image makeover. The country has recently signed high-profile football stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to play in its domestic leagues, using their celebrity status to bolster Saudi’s global profile.
While some critics have labeled this strategy as “sportswashing” an attempt to improve the nation’s image through its investment in sports Saudi officials embrace the term. In a 2023 interview, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman defended the approach, stating that any positive impact on the country’s GDP from sports investments would be welcomed, regardless of the label. This emphasis on sports not only enhances the country’s global brand but also serves as a catalyst for attracting tourism and investment, with the 2034 World Cup expected to be a key milestone.
However, Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the World Cup is not without controversy. Similar to Qatar’s experience in 2022, the Kingdom faces scrutiny over its human rights record, particularly regarding the treatment of migrant workers. Critics, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns that the World Cup could exacerbate existing human rights violations, with fears of forced evictions, worker exploitation, and discrimination against certain groups.
In response, FIFA has introduced stricter regulations for host countries, requiring adherence to the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Despite this, human rights organizations have expressed doubt, calling on FIFA to halt the bidding process. An independent evaluation report on Saudi Arabia’s bid found that while human rights posed a “medium” risk, the country’s ongoing reforms under Vision 2030 could potentially serve as a catalyst for positive change over the next decade.
Saudi Arabia has pledged to address these concerns, emphasizing its commitment to human rights as part of the World Cup hosting process. The government has promised to implement a comprehensive human rights strategy, ensuring that the tournament aligns with international human rights standards.
Accommodation was a major issue during Qatar’s World Cup, with the small nation facing challenges in housing the influx of visitors. Saudi Arabia, however, has the advantage of a larger territory and five proposed host cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM. Each of these cities has seen significant investments in tourism infrastructure as part of the broader Vision 2030 initiative, making them well-suited to accommodate the massive crowds expected during the tournament.
FIFA’s bid evaluation highlighted the extensive development in these cities, noting their readiness to host major international events across sports, arts, culture, and business. These developments will not only enhance the experience of World Cup visitors but also lay the foundation for long-term tourism growth in the Kingdom.
The 2034 FIFA World Cup is set to be a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. As the country continues to modernize and expand its infrastructure, the World Cup will serve as both a showcase of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and an accelerator for future growth. The global spotlight on the event is expected to bring millions of visitors to Saudi Arabia, potentially boosting the country’s tourism economy and solidifying its position as a leading travel destination.
However, the success of this venture will depend not only on sports and infrastructure but also on addressing the ongoing human rights challenges. If the Kingdom can navigate these issues and deliver a world-class tournament, the 2034 World Cup could mark the beginning of a new era for tourism in Saudi Arabia, transforming it into a global hub for both business and leisure travel.
