First Sports Investment Forum Kicks Off in Riyadh

Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
TT
20

First Sports Investment Forum Kicks Off in Riyadh

Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the launch of the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

The first edition of the Sports Investment Forum (SIF), sponsored by the Ministries of Sport and Investment, kicked off in Riyadh on Monday with over 140 speakers, more than 3,000 attendees, and 50 sessions and workshops for the three-day event.

Deputy Minister of Sport Badr Al-Qadi, representing Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, expressed appreciation for the Saudi leadership's support of the sports sector, which has contributed to the development of the sports system and its many accomplishments in recent years.

The audience watched a presentation on SIF, which reviewed its objectives and highlighted the most prominent national sports achievements.

Several initiatives related to sports investment were launched, accompanied by the signing of various agreements in real estate development, technology, and sports sector.

One panel session featured Al-Qadi, Deputy Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed, and Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak.

Al-Qadi said that achieving the objectives of the National Sports Strategy requires cross-sectoral integration, adding that the sports sector is a strategic partner in driving national development and advancing Saudi sports.

Princess Haifa stressed that the forum is the result of private sector initiatives and aligns closely with the objectives of Vision 2030. She underscored the role of sports in advancing the tourism sector, generating job opportunities and supporting economic growth.

The Kingdom currently attracts approximately 24 million tourists annually to attend sports events and activities, generating around SAR22 billion in spending, she revealed.

Al-Mubarak said the Kingdom has achieved significant milestones across numerous sectors since the launch of Vision 2030, including the sports sector, which demonstrates its promising investment potential.

 



Howe Recovering from Pneumonia and Will Miss Newcastle’s Upcoming Games 

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - April 2, 2025 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match. (Reuters) 
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - April 2, 2025 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match. (Reuters) 
TT
20

Howe Recovering from Pneumonia and Will Miss Newcastle’s Upcoming Games 

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - April 2, 2025 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match. (Reuters) 
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Brentford - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - April 2, 2025 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the match. (Reuters) 

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is recovering in the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia and will miss at least the team’s next two games, the club has said.

In a statement released by Newcastle late Monday, the 47-year-old Howe thanked everyone at the club and “the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes.”

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs typically caused by an infection. According to Britain’s National Health Service, most people get better in 2-4 weeks but people at most risk of getting seriously ill and needing hospital treatment are babies, older people and those with heart or lung conditions.

Howe will miss Premier League games against Crystal Palace at home on Wednesday and Aston Villa away on Saturday. He already missed the 4-1 win over Manchester United on Sunday, having been admitted to the hospital on Friday after feeling unwell for several days.

Assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will continue to lead the team in Howe’s absence, Newcastle said.

Newcastle is in fourth place in the Premier League and attempting to qualify for next season’s Champions League by finishing in the top five. By beating Palace, Newcastle would jump above Nottingham Forest into third.