Sports Investment Forum 2025 to boost growth in Saudi Arabia's sports sector

Under the patronage of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Investment, the 2025 Sports Investment Forum will open in Riyadh on April 7. This event will be the region's premier gathering for the sports and investment industries, bringing together leading athletes, investors, government officials, club presidents, and international experts to explore key challenges and opportunities in reshaping the local and international sports economy.

The three-day 2025 Sports Investment Forum will provide an excellent opportunity for investors, business leaders, and decision-makers in the sports industry. It will unite all relevant stakeholders to jointly develop a strategic blueprint for the future development of sports in Saudi Arabia. The forum will explore several key issues through panel discussions, seminars, accompanying exhibitions, and an investment opportunities hall, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the sports industry to investors.

Forum topics will include sports infrastructure, focusing on developing facilities and venues according to the latest global standards to improve the fan experience and increase economic returns. The forum will also focus on human resources and talent empowerment, showcasing strategies for cultivating national talent and preparing them to lead the future of sports. Ibrahim Al-Bakri, CEO of the Sports Investment Forum, emphasized the forum's commitment to advancing sports infrastructure development and supporting clubs and sports academies. He pointed out that this aligns with Saudi Arabia's determination to create a comprehensive sports environment that nurtures talent and enhances the sports economy.

Al-Bakri also noted that the forum aims to encourage investment and explore new opportunities for cooperation between the public and private sectors, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a global sports destination. He also expressed pride in Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, highlighting Saudi Arabia's prominent role on the international sports stage.

The 2025 Sports Investment Forum will host dialogues and seminars to discuss topics such as sports tourism, smart stadium technology, and club financing. Accompanying exhibitions will showcase the most advanced innovations in the sports field, while dedicated events will highlight Saudi Arabia's efforts in developing sports and investment sectors. The participation of women in sports will also be a focus of the 2025 Sports Investment Forum, showcasing efforts to increase women's involvement in various sports fields, including competitions and leadership positions.

The forum will also explore global championships and hosting issues, discussing the economic and social impact of major sporting events and their impact on sports tourism. In addition, the forum will examine the diversification of sports investment, identifying new opportunities in club ownership, commercial partnerships, private investment, and specialized funds. Furthermore, the 2025 Sports Investment Forum will host a sports exhibition, bringing together leading companies in the industry to showcase the latest innovations and solutions that support the development of the industry. At the same time, the investment opportunities hall will provide investors with an ideal venue to explore available opportunities in various areas of the sports industry.

The 2025 Sports Investment Forum emphasizes its strategy of attracting global headquarters, investment, and specialized factories, while strengthening the connection between sports and the private sector, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to play a greater role in developing the sports industry. To this end, the forum announced earlier this year a cooperation agreement with a professional sports consulting and management company, designating it as the forum's commercial partner. This collaboration aims to strengthen the forum's marketing and strategic efforts, highlight investment opportunities in the sports field, and connect SMEs with promising prospects.

The forum is expected to significantly strengthen cooperation opportunities between local and international investors, support entrepreneurs in the sports field, and promote the development of SMEs, thereby consolidating Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in sports investment.