Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup: A Catalyst for Economic Transformation

As the official announcement approaches on December 11 for the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, all eyes are on Saudi Arabia, as this monumental sporting event is poised to bring about a transformative economic shift, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision of fostering a diversified and sustainable economy.
The tournament is expected to have a significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s local economy, driving foreign investments and revitalizing sectors such as tourism, transportation, and infrastructure. Additionally, it will serve as a catalyst for major projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global destination and supporting the goals of Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and the expansion of non-oil sectors.
On Saturday, FIFA announced that the Saudi bid to host the 2034 World Cup achieved a technical evaluation score of 419.8 out of 500, the highest score ever awarded in FIFA’s history for a World Cup bid. This milestone reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership and ongoing transformation into a hub of innovation and development.
The Kingdom officially submitted its bid in July at a FIFA ceremony in Paris. Experts believe that hosting the World Cup will attract millions of visitors worldwide, boosting key sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and entertainment. Furthermore, it is expected to attract substantial foreign investments in large-scale projects, including sports infrastructure and urban development.
Major Projects
Economic policy expert Ahmed Al-Shehri told Asharq Al-Awsat that hosting the tournament will significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s tourism economy. The influx of millions of visitors is expected to boost revenue across sectors such as hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment. He also noted that major projects like the Red Sea Project and Qiddiya will benefit from infrastructure upgrades, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s status as a global destination for tourism and investment.
Al-Shehri added that the event will strengthen international confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy, encouraging foreign investors to channel capital into sectors such as sports, entertainment, and technology. He highlighted that infrastructure improvements, including transportation systems and sports facilities, will yield long-term benefits for the local economy and citizens.
Investment Partnerships
Economic analyst Rawan Bin Rubayan described hosting the World Cup as a historic opportunity with multifaceted benefits for the Saudi economy. Global events of this magnitude, she explained, enhance the Kingdom’s reputation as a leading investment and tourism destination while unlocking growth opportunities across various industries.
She highlighted that hosting the World Cup will increase Saudi Arabia’s appeal to international investors, particularly in sectors like hospitality, entertainment, transportation, and infrastructure. Constructing state-of-the-art stadiums and facilities will foster major investment partnerships and position Saudi Arabia among the world’s top organizers of international sporting events.
Bin Rubayan emphasized how the event complements Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification and supports flagship projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project. These initiatives are expected to accommodate millions of visitors, ensuring their long-term sustainability through heightened global visibility and investment.
Boosting the Tourism Sector
Bin Rubayan pointed out that sectors such as tourism and hospitality—including hotels, restaurants, and local retail—are set to experience significant growth due to rising demand, which will stimulate the local economy and generate new job opportunities.
She also noted that infrastructure upgrades, including advanced road networks and mass transit systems, will leave a lasting legacy, benefiting future generations and improving overall quality of life, stressing that the event is expected to boost international confidence in the Saudi economy and create long-term strategic partnerships.
Bin Rubayan characterized the 2034 FIFA World Cup as a key driver of economic growth and a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward achieving Vision 2030. She added that the tournament promises to foster a more diverse, resilient, and sustainable economy while reinforcing the Kingdom’s status as a global powerhouse in sports, tourism, and innovation.

“Big achievements take time,” remarked university student Ahmed Al-Omari quoting a Saudi proverb as the Riyadh Metro officially began operations, opening three lines to passengers on Sunday morning. This long-anticipated mega-project is a significant milestone in advancing infrastructure to meet the needs of Riyadh’s rapidly growing population.

The proverb underscores that delays often reflect the scale and ambition of a project rather than inefficiency. After 11 years and a $22 billion investment, the Riyadh Metro, one of the largest transit systems in the Middle East, is now a reality, featuring six main lines spanning the city.

The metro boasts six lines extending 176 kilometers, making it the world’s longest driverless metro system. With 85 stations, including four major hubs, it has a daily capacity to serve 3.6 million passengers.

“I was worried about parking, but it turned out to be convenient and located right at the station,” said commuter Khuloud Al-Amri. The metro system provides 21 public parking facilities, each accommodating between 200 and 600 vehicles, to facilitate access. Additionally, 19 other parking sites with similar capacities are available across the network, along with seven maintenance and overnight facilities at its edges.

The Riyadh Metro offers the lowest transportation cost among G20 nations relative to daily income, according to Maher Shira, Director General of Smart Cities at the Royal Commission for Riyadh. Fares amount to just 0.5% of the average daily income of SAR 733 (approximately $195), compared to 0.9% in Türkiye and 1–3% in other G20 countries.

“My commute typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. I hope the metro will reduce this time,” said Hatem Al-Fawaz, one of the metro’s first passengers on launch day.

Environmentally, the metro aligns with Riyadh’s green initiatives. Existing city buses already use low-sulfur fuel, making them among the world’s most eco-friendly.

The metro further contributes by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, according to the Royal Commission. It also helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and urban heat through sustainable transport options.

The Riyadh Metro is expected to alleviate traffic congestion by 30%, marking a transformative step toward sustainable urban mobility and a better quality of life for residents.

Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup: A Catalyst for Economic Transformation