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Crown Prince Congratulates King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s Selection to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

A model of the proposed Roshn Stadium is seen inside the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid exhibition. (Reuters)
A model of the proposed Roshn Stadium is seen inside the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid exhibition. (Reuters)
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Crown Prince Congratulates King Salman on Saudi Arabia’s Selection to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

A model of the proposed Roshn Stadium is seen inside the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid exhibition. (Reuters)
A model of the proposed Roshn Stadium is seen inside the Saudi Arabia World Cup bid exhibition. (Reuters)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, congratulated on Wednesday Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Saudi Arabia’s selection to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.  

Saudi Arabia will bring more teams and more fans meeting in one place than ever before when it welcomes 48 nations to compete across its five proposed host cities 10 years from now.  

Crown Prince Mohammed underscored the Kingdom’s great determination to effectively develop football around the world and spread messages of peace and tolerance.  

He noted Saudi Arabia’s massive capabilities and the potential of its people and their motivation, which led to its selection to host the landmark global event.  

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi congratulated King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed and the Saudi people on the Kingdom’s hosting of the World Cup.

The selection reflects Saudi Arabia’s prestigious international standing and demonstrates its exceptional capabilities in organizing major sports events, he noted.

"It showcases its strategic planning excellence and ambitious future vision for hosting key global events, relying on the capabilities of Saudi personnel across various sectors, as well as its developed infrastructure," he stated.

He expressed his confidence that the Kingdom will deliver an exceptional edition of the tournament that reflects its aspirations and highlights its rich culture and heritage. It will also be a golden opportunity to showcase authentic Arab values and strengthen the bonds between people across the world.  

"It also represents a source of pride and honor for the citizens of the GCC states and boosts the region's status on both the regional and international stages," he added.

With a campaign entitled "Growing. Together." Saudi Arabia submitted its official bid book for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in July 2024, blueprinting its plan for hosting the tournament. The bid book unveiled the Kingdom’s ambitions to hold the tournament across five host cities – Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM – and in 15 state-of-the art stadiums.  

The centerpiece of those will be the new King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, that will host the opening and final matches and will become home to the Saudi National Football Team.  

Ten FIFA Fan Festival sites are proposed, including one at King Salman Park in Riyadh, built over 100,000 square meters, and another planned along the iconic Jeddah Waterfront.  

The compact tournament concept will offer an exceptional experience for players, fans, and officials alike, with outstanding facilities and accommodation to suit every budget – all with short travel times via well-connected transport links.

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Gulf

Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts US Ties to Promote Middle East Stability

US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)
US President and Saudi Crown Prince at a 2019 meeting (AFP)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday in the first call from an Arab leader since Trump took office. They discussed boosting cooperation to support peace, security, and economic ties.

The Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand investment partnerships with the United States. He revealed plans for Saudi investments totaling $600 billion over the next four years, with the potential for further increases should additional opportunities arise.

Moreover, the Crown Prince spoke with Trump about boosting ties in various fields. He voiced confidence in Trump’s ability to drive major economic reforms in the US.

The White House said Thursday that the two leaders discussed Saudi Arabia’s global economic goals, trade, and other opportunities. They also talked about efforts to stabilize the Middle East, improve security, and fight terrorism.

The Saudi Crown also received a phone call on Thursday from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, areas of mutual cooperation, and ways to strengthen their partnership. They also addressed regional and global developments and several issues of shared concern.

Rubio expressed his eagerness to advance shared interests in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and other areas, emphasizing the threats posed by Iran and its proxies, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

“They also discussed the benefits of the US-Saudi economic partnership and the opportunities to grow their economies in a variety of fields including AI. The Secretary expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s partnership and efforts to promote regional peace and stability,” said Bruce.

Saudi Arabia’s plans to expand investments in the US reflect the deep economic and strategic partnership between the two nations, analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat.

These investments, they said, build on promising opportunities and underscore the importance of bilateral efforts to bolster global peace and security.

Dr. Fawaz Al-Alami, an international trade expert, said the strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and the US, which spans eight decades, is set to grow further. Saudi Arabia aims to expand its partnerships in key sectors, including technology transfer, defense industries, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy development.

“Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on its rapid economic growth—the fastest among G20 nations—by strengthening its trade and investment ties with the US,” Al-Alami said.

He highlighted the kingdom’s plans to invest $600 billion in the US over the next four years, positioning this partnership as a cornerstone of mutual prosperity.

Al-Alami noted that trade relations are the foundation of Saudi-US economic cooperation, reflecting shared strategic interests and evolving global dynamics.

He added that Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil align with the United States’ ability to support this transition through investments in manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy—key pillars of the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan.

“By fostering innovation, developing human capital, and expanding into new industries, both nations can secure a resilient and prosperous future built on mutual growth and collaboration,” he said.

Dr. Saud Al-Otaibi, a political science professor at King Abdulaziz University, emphasized that shared interests bind Saudi Arabia and the US, benefiting both nations.

He noted that Saudi Arabia, as a pivotal regional power, leverages its positive relationship with the US to promote stability and peace in the Middle East.

“Saudi Arabia plays a central role in the region and uses its soft power to influence its surroundings positively,” Al-Otaibi said. “It consistently works toward regional stability and security through foreign policies aimed at the greater good.

Al-Otaibi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategy of diversifying its partnerships, maintaining strong ties with major powers like Russia and China while strengthening its relationship with the US.

He explained that these efforts are rooted in a commitment to global peace and security.

“Saudi Arabia’s partnership with the US remains crucial given America’s influence and the kingdom’s pragmatic approach to addressing regional challenges,” he said.

“The historical record demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s realistic and balanced perspective in navigating complex issues, making this relationship essential for both nations,” added Al-Otaibi.