Gulf Nations Set to Bid for 2035 Rugby World Cup in Landmark Sporting Collaboration

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are reportedly preparing a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, signalling a potential shift in the global landscape of rugby and underlining the Gulf region’s ongoing investment in major international sports events.

According to recent reports, the three Gulf nations are in discussions with World Rugby regarding the logistics and viability of a shared hosting arrangement. If successful, it would mark the first time the tournament is held in the Middle East and only the second time it would be staged in Asia, following Japan’s successful hosting in 2019.

The bid reflects a broader regional strategy aimed at leveraging sport as a tool for international engagement, economic diversification, and tourism development. All three countries have made significant investments in global sport over the past decade. Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the UAE’s long-standing involvement with cricket and Formula 1, and Saudi Arabia’s recent surge in hosting rights across football, boxing, and motorsport collectively demonstrate a sustained commitment to positioning the Gulf as a hub for high-profile sporting events.

The proposed bid for the Rugby World Cup comes at a time when World Rugby is actively exploring new markets to expand the game’s global footprint. The governing body has previously expressed interest in diversifying host nations and formats, and the Middle East presents a commercially attractive proposition given its infrastructure, climate-controlled venues, and strategic geographic location bridging East and West.

From a business perspective, a successful bid could offer World Rugby and its commercial partners access to new sponsorship opportunities, government backing, and a growing base of regional sports consumers. It also aligns with the broader trend of sports bodies targeting non-traditional markets to drive long-term audience growth and diversify revenue streams. A Middle East-hosted tournament would likely feature significant corporate hospitality potential, supported by modern stadia and integrated transport networks already in place or under development.

As discussions progress, the joint Gulf bid is expected to highlight regional collaboration, innovation in event delivery, and a shared vision for expanding rugby’s global reach. With a track record of hosting complex international events and a clear appetite for sporting excellence, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are well-positioned to present a compelling case to World Rugby.

The formal bidding process for the 2035 Rugby World Cup is expected to commence in the coming years, with confirmation of host nations typically announced five to six years in advance. Should the Gulf bid materialise, it would represent a landmark moment not only for rugby but for the broader international sports calendar—cementing the Middle East’s role as an increasingly influential player in the global sports economy.