Inside Saudi Arabia’s sports shift: World Cup 2034, Qiddiya, and Esports
Saudi Arabia is refocusing its huge sports investments around the 2034 World Cup and long-term hubs like Qiddiya City. They’ve cut costly projects like LIV Golf and the Trojena ski resort to prioritize the tournament’s massive infrastructure needs. Qiddiya, a new $40 billion sports and entertainment city near Riyadh, will host tennis, F1, esports, and World Cup venues. Esports is a major bet, with the Esports World Cup and a new Lenovo factory in Riyadh. Even Premier League club Newcastle United may see reduced PIF ownership to free up funds. Experts say this isn’t a retreat but a strategic reset toward sustainable, profitable domestic industries.
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