Sports

To promote sports awareness and foster a community centered around physical activity, the Ministry of Sports has developed a strategic vision with key objectives focusing on several core aspects:

First Axis

Organizing the sports sector through:

• Leading strategic planning within the sector.  
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework.  
• Governing and managing a well-organized and efficient sector.  
• Enhancing the efficiency of planning and financial management processes in the sector.  

Second Axis

Empowering the sports sector through:

• Raising awareness about sports in Saudi Arabia.  
• Engaging the private sector.  
• Developing an efficient digital sports sector.  
• Enhancing the presence of Saudi sports on the international stage.
• Building effective partnerships and promoting corporate social responsibility practices.  

Third Axis

Enhancing the quality of the sports sector through:

• Enhancing the experience of beneficiaries.  
• Developing a system for hosting major global events.  
• Providing world-class sports facilities and optimizing their utilization.  
• Developing human capabilities within the sector.  

Fourth Axis

Achieving organizational excellence through: 

• Developing and establishing an appropriate operational model.  
• Growing and diversifying revenue streams.  
• Enhancing institutional culture and attracting the best human resources.  
• Digitizing services and processes at the ministry level.  
• Adopting advanced and flexible standards and principles at the ministry level.  

The Quality of Life Program, a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030, promotes the training and development of national talent in sectors related to quality of life, including the sports sector, which has experienced significant development in recent years. This development involves developing strategies for the sports sector, empowering the private sector, hosting global sports events, and achieving numerous local and international sports accomplishments.

One of the initiatives of the Quality of Life Program is the "Development and Implementation of the National Sports Training Strategy" initiative aims to train and support the qualification of national cadres. The Ministry of Sports oversees its implementation through various entities, including the Leaders Development Institute.  Since early 2021, the institute has offered about 165 in-person and virtual training courses, benefiting about 6,025 participants. It has provided a distinguished range of specialized diplomas and educational programs in the sports sector, including the "Diploma in Sports Marketing and Investment Management", which involved 50 participants.  This diploma focuses on equipping participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in sports management, marketing, and investment. It focuses on training them to utilize modern technologies for marketing sports programs and optimizing facility investments. Additionally, it encourages them to adopt advanced technological solutions for planning and implementing marketing and investment strategies.  

The institute also introduced the "Advanced Diploma in Sports Management" program as part of the Quality of Life Program initiatives, in collaboration with the University of London and the World Academy of Sport, with 25 participants taking part in the program. This program aims to prepare specialized professionals in sports management who are capable of competing in the labor market and supporting the requirements of sustainable development, in addition to developing their professional skills to keep abreast of the latest scientific advancements in this field.

As part of its international partnerships, the institute launched the "Executive Diploma in Sports Management" in collaboration with Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. The program benefited six members from the Ministry of Sports, the Olympic Committee, and sports federations. It aimed to enhance managerial skills and foster leadership values among the participants.

All of these programs and training courses aim to refine and develop competencies across various sports fields, contributing to the objectives of the Quality of Life Program as part of Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering an integrated and sustainable sports community.

The Sports Boulevard

The Sports Boulevard emerged as one of the key projects of Saudi Vision 2030, gaining importance with its inauguration by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2019. It aims to elevate Riyadh's global ranking among world cities and encourage residents to participate in sports and adopt a healthy lifestyle.  This initiative integrates sports with cultural, artistic, and environmental interests, transforming it into a modern destination encompassing all aspects of life and a bridge to Riyadh's urban future. This contributes to enhancing the quality of life, which is a core objective of Vision 2030.  

The Sports Boulevard extends through Riyadh, connecting Wadi Hanifa in the west to Wadi Al-Sulai in the east via Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road. Stretching over 135 kilometers, it is classified as the world's largest linear park.  It includes pathways for pedestrians, professional and amateur cyclists, as well as horse trails and other sports facilities. Its unified architectural style reflects the urban code of the Sports Boulevard.  

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To inspire and promote a healthy lifestyle for all members of society through physical activity and proper nutrition, and to encourage regular participation in physical activity through empowerment and promotion, the federation focuses on community sports. Community sports are defined as "physical activities, whether regular or irregular, practiced routinely in a non-professional setting to achieve health and social goals." Any physical activity can be considered a community sport if it involves physical movement that elevates the heart rate, thereby providing health benefits.

Key Stages of Community Sports in Saudi Arabia

• 2018: Establishment of the Saudi Sports for All Federation 

  The Saudi Sports for All Federation was established as a regulatory body to lead and develop community sports in the Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030 to promote healthy lifestyles.  

• 2019: Mandate to Lead Community Sports Initiatives 

  The federation was granted the official mandate to lead community sports initiatives under the Ministry of Sports as part of the Quality of Life Program. This mandate aims to enhance community participation rates in physical activities.  

• 2020: Launch of a Five-Year Strategy to Promote Sports  

  The Saudi Sports for All Federation has unveiled a five-year strategic plan (2020–2025) aimed at expanding community sports throughout the Saudi Arabia. This strategy focuses on developing sports infrastructure, increasing community awareness of the importance of physical activity, and launching innovative events and initiatives to promote regular sports participation among all segments of society. It is a targeted five-year plan designed to advance community sports in Saudi Arabia.

To promote a healthy and active society that inspires all its members, the Ministry of Sports established the Saudi Sports for All Federation. As the main entity responsible for developing community sports, the federation aims to increase the percentage of physical activity participation to 40% of Saudi Arabia’s population by 2030.

The federation was established in 1439 AH as a regulatory body for community sports. In 1440 AH, it was granted the official mandate to broaden the participation of individuals in regular weekly physical activities. The federation aims to support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by implementing a diverse array of programs and initiatives that are essential for fostering a healthy and active society. It strives to motivate all members of the community, regardless of age or ability, to lead healthier and more active lifestyles, increase their levels of physical activity, and enhance social participation and engagement. Additionally, the federation seeks to involve the private sector in executing initiatives that drive key strategic elements.

The strategy of the Saudi Sports Federation focuses on fostering an active and vibrant community by promoting physical activity among adults. Its goal is to reduce rates of physical inactivity by 1% to 10% within the current year.

Studies indicate that physical activity has significant positive effects on public health, as well as on the social and economic well-being of society. By designing innovative programs and initiatives, the federation aims to increase physical activity rates across the Saudi Arabia, thereby contributing to the development of a healthier and more productive community.

The strategy aims to promote comprehensive physical activity across diverse segments of society by providing programs specifically designed to meet the needs of each age group.

Children and Adolescents (Under 18 Years):  

• Objective: To encourage younger generations to adopt physical activity as a lifestyle.
• Mechanisms: Developing tailored educational programs within and outside schools to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and promoting adherence to the World Health Organization's recommendation of 60 minutes of daily physical activity.  

Young Adults (18-25 Years):  

• Objective: To promote the adoption of sustainable, healthy habits and to cultivate a culture that emphasizes the significance of physical activity as a way of life.
• Mechanisms:  Launching awareness campaigns and interactive sports programs aligned with youth interests to encourage group participation.  

Adults (26-50 Years):  

• Objective: To enhance physical activity habits and incorporate them into daily life.
• Mechanisms:  Providing innovative sports solutions that facilitate engagement in physical activity at work or home, with a focus on activities that can be adapted to busy schedules.

Seniors (50 Years and Older): 

• Objective: To increase physical activity levels and enhance quality of life.  
• Mechanisms:  Creating customized exercise programs designed to enhance mobility and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

The strategy for each age group is based on a comprehensive analysis of existing gaps to identify challenges and provide tailored recommendations that address the needs of each segment. The emphasis is on.

• Programs

Providing customized and sustainable participation opportunities for individuals of all age groups.

• Locations

Ensuring the availability of accessible and appropriate locations for physical activity.

• Individuals

Developing a robust network of qualified personnel and volunteers to effectively implement programs.

• Policies

Contributing to policy changes that enhance access to opportunities and support the implementation process.  

• Administrative Communications and Campaigns

Developing impactful campaigns to ensure the effectiveness of daily administrative communications.  

The Saudi Sports for All Federation focuses on investing in nine key areas that have the most significant impact on increasing and promoting physical activity levels, including the following:

School Programs  

• Designing engaging sessions for girls' schools.  
• Creating online booklets and tools to assist teachers in training students in schools.
• Developing a physical activity test and standard for school students.

University Programs  

• Establishing effective partnerships with universities to provide accessible and sustainable sports opportunities, while also supporting student clubs to promote physical activity and integrate it into university life across the Saudi Arabia. 

Corporate Programs 

• Designing tools and programs to assist companies in implementing solutions effectively.
• Supporting employers in providing diverse physical activity programs for their employees, catering to various age groups.

Community Programs  

• Designing comprehensive programs in public areas.  
• Developing programs to engage community centers.  
• Encouraging shopping malls to provide more opportunities for physical activity.
• Collaborating with implementation partners to organize community competitions for all age groups.
• Establishing dedicated sports domes throughout the Saudi Arabia to provide community members with opportunities to practice and learn a variety of sports.
• Designing and implementing virtual programs.  

Policies  

• Collaborating with education policymakers to shape and influence relevant policies.
• Working with relevant entities to improve infrastructure offers in urban areas.
• Working with healthcare policymakers to connect patients with opportunities for physical activity and to collaborate on program implementation.
• Collaborating with insurance policymakers to develop incentive programs for insurance companies.
• Establishing regulations in collaboration with relevant entities.
• Collaborating with selected universities to optimize the utilization of their sports facilities.

Media Campaigns

• Designing comprehensive media campaigns that target all segments of society, connecting them to the offerings of the Sports for All Federation and other initiatives. The goal is to engage various community groups, motivate them, and influence their behavior to achieve the desired positive outcomes.

Digital Technology  

• Developing nationwide electronic incentive programs to encourage individuals to participate in physical activity, while also connecting physical activity with other areas of interest, such as video games.

Research  

• Conducting detailed research on different age groups, community segments, and demographic categories to improve our understanding of behaviors and motivations.

The Desired Impact of Sports Investments

The strategy implemented by the Saudi Sports Federation seeks to achieve a significant and comprehensive transformation in the sports sector, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It aims to promote community participation in sports activities while enhancing awareness of the value of sports as a means to improve quality of life. Investments in sports positively impact public health and productivity, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable generations.

Adolescents (0-18 Years):  

Adolescents who participate in physical activity are ten times more likely to avoid obesity compared to their inactive peers. They are also less likely to become smokers at the same rate. Additionally, children who engage in physical activity are 15% more likely to enroll in university than their less active counterparts.

Young Adults (18-25 Years):  

Young adults who engage in physical activity are 7% more likely to secure job opportunities compared to their peers, with additional lifetime opportunities increasing by 7% to 8%. Moreover, physical activity decreases the likelihood of engaging in inappropriate behaviors. Furthermore, young adults who participate in sports demonstrate 13% higher leadership skills than those who do not participate.

Adults (26-50 Years):

Participation in sports and physical activities among adults reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by an average of 30% for both genders. Furthermore, increased physical activity in this age group enhances activity levels among adolescents, demonstrating the positive influence of parents on their children.

Seniors (50 Years and Older):

Seniors who engage in physical activity have a 25% higher chance of preventing cardiovascular diseases and may extend their life expectancy by up to five years. Additionally, regular physical activity in this age group helps reduce depression and alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Sport For All Expo

In 2023, the Saudi Sports for All Federation launched the "Expo – Saudi Sports for All Federation" for the first time, marking a groundbreaking event in the Saudi Arabia. The exhibition aimed to showcase the latest global and local developments in sports and fitness. It attracted an impressive attendance of over 100,000 visitors from diverse age groups, including both children and adults.

The event focused on providing an integrated experience that combined sports and entertainment activities, such as football and interactive quizzes, alongside competitions designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness. Additionally, the event included workshops and informative lectures addressing various topics, including physical health, mental well-being, and the importance of dedicating time to physical activities.

As a result of the remarkable success of the 2023 edition, the "Sports for All Expo 25" is scheduled to return with a new edition in February 2025. This upcoming event promises innovative sports experiences and a broader range of activities designed to meet the aspirations of all segments of society.

"Move With Us" Initiative

The "Move with Us" initiative, launched by the Saudi Sports for All Federation, aims to encourage all community members to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. It is directly supported by the Ministry of Sports and the Quality of Life Program.

The "Move with Us" initiative involves organizing running and cycling races in 13 cities across various regions of the Saudi Arabia. It was officially launched by the Saudi Sports for All Federation on October 29, 2022, in Mecca.

Saudi Olympic Committee  

The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee was established in Riyadh in 1964 (1384 AH) and received recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 1965 (1385 AH). This recognition followed the affiliation of Saudi federations for athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, and cycling with their respective international federations. The committee serves as the supreme sports authority with an independent legal personality, supported and sponsored by the state to fulfill its objectives. It is the sole representative of the Saudi Arabia in all Olympic activities, as well as in regional, Arab, continental, and international competitions, in collaboration with various sports federations.

As part of its vision, the committee is working to build a sustainable Saudi sports system that places athletes at the forefront of its priorities. Its goals include achieving sporting excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and promoting broader community participation in sports. This system is rooted in Olympic and Paralympic values and aims to foster an integrated sports community, with the aspiration of seeing Saudi teams at the forefront of global podiums.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation 

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation was officially established in 1956, becoming part of the international sports scene by joining FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the same year. Since its inception, the federation has spearheaded the development of football in the Saudi Arabia by organizing local tournaments that have elevated competition levels and achieving remarkable international successes that have positioned Saudi football on the global sports map.

Saudi Pro League Association 

The Saudi Pro League Association was established in 2008 under the auspices of the Saudi Football Federation, granting it full administrative and financial independence. This autonomy enables the association to manage all commercial rights associated with the premier league competitions. The association's objective is to elevate the Saudi Pro League to rank among the world's top ten leagues in terms of technical performance, marketing, financial management, and media influence. It supports clubs by attracting sponsors and implementing strategic commercial plans, while also enhancing electronic media and improving the quality of its content. The association is committed to protecting the commercial rights of clubs and preventing unauthorized use of their logos, thereby ensuring the sustainability of both the clubs and the league on local and international levels.

Hosting the 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the world's largest sporting event, in a move that signifies the culmination of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. This opportunity to host the tournament highlights the Saudi Arabia's capability to organize major global sporting events to international standards while showcasing its cultural identity and rich heritage.

The tournament will be held in five Saudi cities, each equipped with advanced infrastructure and featuring 15 world-class stadiums designed to meet the highest standards, ensuring a comprehensive sports experience. Saudi Arabia will also provide over 230,000 hotel units to accommodate visitors and fans from around the globe. As part of the preparations, the Saudi Arabia will offer state-of-the-art training facilities, including sports academies and training fields equipped with the latest technologies, to support participating teams and ensure their complete readiness for the competition. Saudi Arabia's extensive airport network will play a crucial role in facilitating the movement of players and fans, with 16 international airports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina. These airports have undergone comprehensive upgrades to deliver world-class services that meet the needs of visitors during the tournament.

The tournament will feature 48 international teams, providing an exceptional platform for cultural interaction and promoting the values of unity and passion for football. By hosting this event, Saudi Arabia is writing a new chapter in the history of global football, demonstrating its remarkable ability to organize sporting events that inspire generations and reflect the essence of its identity and culture. This event is more than just a sporting tournament; it represents a historic milestone that embodies the Saudi Arabia's aspirations for the future and leaves a lasting legacy on the international stage.

• Digital Platforms and Research  

Leveraging technology and insights to improve and optimize planning and execution processes.

• Organizational Structure and Governance  

Establishing effective organizational and governance frameworks while appointing appropriate implementation partners.

• Funding  

Ensuring sustainable funding sources and investing in high-impact areas.

• Partnerships 

Building a robust network with influential local and international partners.

Sports associations serve as a fundamental pillar in supporting official sports institutions, playing a key role in talent discovery and the promotion of sports practices. These associations provide an official platform for amateurs and sports enthusiasts, enabling them to participate in their activities within a structured and organized framework under the supervision of relevant government authorities.

Sports associations possess legal personality regulated by relevant laws and regulations, with administrative and financial oversight provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These associations play a vital role in fostering a community that engages in sports within an ideal and motivating environment, with a strong emphasis on promoting nonprofit organizations to achieve developmental objectives. Additionally, they strive to encourage the formation of civil associations that contribute to various areas of development, thereby reinforcing their role in achieving comprehensive societal progress.

Sports Medicine 

In response to the needs of young athletes in the Saudi Arabia and to enhance the sports infrastructure, the government established the Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Hospital for Sports Medicine in 1986 (1406 AH). This initiative reflects the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' commitment to and care for young athletes. The hospital aims to provide comprehensive care based on the latest advancements in modern sports medicine, focusing on both prevention and treatment. Its goal is to enable athletes to perform at their best while maintaining optimal health and fitness.

The hospital was established as a specialized facility offering exceptional services in various areas of modern sports medicine. Its role extends beyond merely diagnosing and treating sports injuries; it serves as a comprehensive center that adopts a holistic approach focused on the prevention and care of athletes' health.

The hospital provides comprehensive clinical sports medicine services that cover all preventive and therapeutic aspects, utilizing the latest advanced medical technologies. This approach facilitates accurate diagnosis of sports injuries and the identification of appropriate treatments tailored to the specific demands of athletic performance, ensuring that athletes can return to their favorite sports quickly and safely.

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The "Sports for All" app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

iPhone: Sports for All

Google Play: Sports for All

• Ministry of Sports  
• Quality of Life Program
• Saudi Sports Federation  
• Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee  
• Saudi Football Federation  
• Saudi Pro League Association  

• Electronic services of the Ministry of Sport
• Communication with private sports associations.
• Sports federations and clubs
• Rules and Regulations
• Online Consultations
• Joint Development and Innovation  
• Indicators for Government Services Surveys
• Expo – Saudi Sports for All Federation  
• Sports for All Expo 25 – Saudi Sports for All Federation  
• FIFA World Cup – Saudi Arabia 2034™