RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday praised the submission of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Cabinet said the hosting of the World Cup would show the Kingdom’s determination to present an exceptional version of the major sporting event.

The bid was submitted to FIFA officials in Paris on Monday by a delegation headed by the Saudi minister of sports, Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, and President of the Saudi Football Federation Yasser Al-Misehal.

 “With this candidacy, we intend to host the exceptional edition that brings together 48 teams for the first time in the history of the tournament in one country,” the minister said.

“Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 is a bid for the future. It is for our children and those who dream big.”

Separately, the ministers reviewed the progress of Saudi Vision 2030, and commended the advancement made in the housing and health transformation programs.

Particularly initiatives to elevate homeownership rates among Saudi families, delivering thousands of housing units to developmental housing beneficiaries, and improving healthcare accessibility.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s high rankings in labor-market indicators issued by the World Economic Forum, noting the record-breaking rise in the number of Saudis employed in the private sector.

The number of citizens in the workforce grew from 1.7 million in 2019 to over 2.3 million in 2024. Unemployment also decrease by 6.7% in the first quarter of this year.

Ministers welcomed the second consultative meeting on enhancing coordination of peace initiatives and efforts in Sudan, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to continue its efforts to resolve the crisis in this brotherly country and restore security and stability.

The Cabinet also emphasized the Kingdom’s continued support for Yemen, encouraging efforts to de-escalate tensions.