Riyadh played host to the third edition of the Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) this week, marking a significant milestone for the region's burgeoning sports industry. Held at the Ministry of Investment headquarters, the forum was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Sport and EY, building on the success of previous editions in London and Milan in 2024.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih emphasized the transformative role of sports in the global economy and underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging its potential. Al-Falih highlighted how Saudi Vision 2030 is positioning the Kingdom as a global sports hub by attracting top-tier investments, talent, and expertise while embracing innovative technologies. He also celebrated Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a historic achievement that reflects the nation’s growing influence in international sports.
The forum brought together over 120 global leaders, decision-makers, and sports professionals to discuss the future of sports investment in the Middle East. Attendees explored strategies for fostering growth, strengthening regional cooperation, and addressing challenges while identifying lucrative opportunities for investors.
The event featured an engaging agenda of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and dialogue sessions on topics such as the economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup hosting, investment opportunities in the sports sector, the Kingdom’s sports development initiatives, and the evolution of sports clubs.
As the Middle East continues to position itself as a key player in the global sports industry, MESIF provided a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the future of sports investment in the region.