Riyadh: As anticipation mounts for the third Saudi Games, organizers promised a grander and more inclusive event than ever before. Officials speaking to Arab News behind the scenes said the event will build on the successes of previous years to showcase an impressive array of sports, greater participation, and an innovative fan experience.
This year’s Games, running in Riyadh from Oct. 3 to 17, will feature a record 52 sports, an increase from the 45 featured in the inaugural event. Overall participation will increase by 30 percent, organizers added, reflecting a significant rise in athlete engagement and public interest.
Mohammed Al-Salem, the head of sports management for the Saudi Games, said the increase in participation among women and youths is particularly notable.
“From our side, we are trying to make the best preparations possible,” he said. “So we are in direct communication with all the sports federations, with all the venues, with all the athletes.
“Last year, we had nearly 30 events specifically for women; now we have more than 50 because that directly contributes to the goals of the Games.”
This expansion highlights the commitment of organizers to the principles of inclusivity and gender equality, he added
“We have seen an increase (in youth participation) from last year,” Al-Salem said, adding that the young athletes will compete in 15 sports, compared with only five last year.
The Games experience will also be bigger and better for spectators, with the fan zone, strategically located in the vibrant Boulevard area, promising to be a highlight. Fan zone manager Hanan Al-Zaid said it will feature competitions in four dynamic sports: beach volleyball, 3x3 basketball, skateboarding and wall climbing.
“The Saudi Games have a history of two successful editions,” she said. “So this year we are becoming bigger and better. As you know, it’s now 52 sports and four of them are in the fan zone.”
This approach is part of a broader strategy to make sports more relatable and accessible through an immersive experience for fans that aims to spark interest and foster deeper connection with the sports community.
“We chose the Boulevard to increase the sports awareness,” said Al-Zaid. “We’re meeting the fans where they are. If you’re attending the Boulevard as a normal guest and you see a game, then you develop an interest in the beginning, then you develop a passion. After that you develop a profession, then you choose this as a career.”
Abdullah Al-Azzam, project manager for the Games, emphasized the sheer scale and complexity of organizing such a significant event.
“We’re talking about the largest sports event in the Kingdom,” he said. “So the preparation is up to speed. We’re doing it on a yearly basis. It is a challenge. However, we’re up to the challenge and we have overachieved that challenge by making the third edition right now.”
The increased focus on young athletes demonstrates the commitment of the Games to nurturing emerging talent, he added.
Tickets for the games are now on sale, and Al-Azzam encouraged fans to guarantee their place in the crowd so that they can witness the excitement firsthand.
“We have amazing athletes,” he said. “We have opportunities for everyone. It’s about competing, and trying, and getting on the podium. People will visit so they can enjoy it and watch their family members compete on the field of play.”
