Exclusive: Abdulaziz bin Turki: Saudi General Sport Authority Undergoing Restructuring

Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Exclusive: Abdulaziz bin Turki: Saudi General Sport Authority Undergoing Restructuring

Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal has said that “the latest steps taken by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 are visible.”

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of a UK forum, Prince Abdulaziz said that “the sports sector is witnessing changes pivoted on the economic sports sector.”

“We are currently studying the governance of sports economy and the role of the General Sport Authority in granting licenses, means and regulations to any concerned private sector party.”

Faisal added that the government seeks to facilitate the process of entering the Saudi sports sector, whether it is for investment reasons or for building academies or for developing athletes.

He pointed out that this will lead to the restructuring of the General Sport Authority.

He added that the Crown Prince’s historic visit to the UK opens the way for the General Sport Authority to learn and benefit from experiences existing in Britain (in both public and private sectors).

As for Saudi Arabia hosting the Olympics one day, Faisal said: "Why not?"

“We are restructuring the Olympic Committee, and one of the most important conditions is to increase the number of Saudis in international sporting events.”

“We are still at the beginning of the road, but we aspire towards reaching that goal.”

More so, the Saudi General Sport Authority signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding with the PGA European Tour in cooperation with King Abdullah Economic City.

The European Tour is an organization which operates the three leading men's professional golf tours in Europe.



Saudi Crown Prince, Emir of Qatar Discuss Fraternal Ties, Regional and Global Developments

Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)
Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince, Emir of Qatar Discuss Fraternal Ties, Regional and Global Developments

Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)
Combined photo of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia on the right, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the left. (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, received a phone call on Thursday from Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Saudi Press Agency said.

They discussed ways to strengthen fraternal ties between the two countries and addressed recent regional and international developments.


Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
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Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Shahabuddin a similar cable.


Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
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Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.