‘World Cup dream is becoming reality,’ says Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabian Football Federation FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit

Hammad Albalawi, head of the Saudi Arabian Football Association’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid, delivers a speech. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2024
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‘World Cup dream is becoming reality,’ says Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabian Football Federation FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit

1. With 10 years to go, how would you gauge the progress the Kingdom is making toward the FIFA World Cup 2034?

Our dream of hosting the world in 2034 is becoming a reality thanks to the steadfast support from our leadership, our love for the game, our country’s ongoing transformation, and the energy of our young people. Saudi Arabia is already making great strides, driven by our passion for football, and we are incredibly proud of the proposals we’ve put forward to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 in our official bid book to FIFA.

Yet the demand for football in Saudi Arabia is apparent even today, which is why we continue to invest in our Saudi Pro League teams and enable grassroots football with opportunities like never before. We are already well underway with the development of incredible new infrastructure and stadiums that we will be proud to call our football homes.

If we are awarded the honor to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, we are ready to live up to our ambition for the people of Saudi Arabia and the global football community.
2. What were the biggest challenges in making sure Saudi had the best bid?

Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest and most exciting growth stories in world football. It was key that this story — our story — shone through in our bid.

We knew we had to put together a tournament footprint of stadiums, training sites, host cities, accommodation and transportation plans that cater for the needs of the players and fans that would come to Saudi Arabia from all over the world. We had to do justice to our ambition and showcase the best of our ability and our deep-rooted love for hospitality.

3. Did the rise of the Saudi Pro League with Ronaldo and other international superstars play a part in making the bid successful?

We are still in the bidding phase, and it’s important to remember that. We look forward to working with our partners across football in the coming months in the lead-up to the December award announcement.

Our bid is built on the foundations of Saudi’s historic love for football and is a natural step in our journey toward growing the game nationwide. Bringing international football stars to our own professional league catalyzes the development and the success of our clubs. Our Saudi players and fans get to rub shoulders with the world’s best. It brings a global energy and excitement to the millions of fans in Saudi Arabia, and it helps to showcase to the world our country’s true passion for the beautiful game. It’s this passion that is the driving force behind the bid — a passion that has seen our fans follow our national team around the world, including to six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

4. Going forward, can we expect the Saudi 2034 bid to continue having big-name ambassadors such as Ronaldo, etc.?

We already have millions of bid ambassadors — the people of Saudi Arabia. We are country of football fans, and you can see our love of the game shining through on our journey to bid for the FIFA World Cup. Supporting them are those who have come to Saudi Arabia who can share their positive experiences and reflect on our passion for football, and we invite the world to come to Saudi Arabia to learn more about the Kingdom and experience the remarkable journey we are on.

5. How will Vision 2030 play a part in the 2034 World Cup bid?

Vision 2030 is the driving force behind the bid and is delivering the transformation that makes Saudi Arabia ready to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 thanks to the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The ambitions of Vision 2030 to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and improve quality of life are powering the growth of our sports sector, which has already seen Saudi Arabia host more than 100 international major sporting events, attracting audiences close to three million sports fans.

The giant steps we’ve made in developing our sports sector are thanks to Vision 2030. The Vision provides a clear path forward and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 would be the culmination of these efforts, with the entire Kingdom coming together to drive forward our sport’s industry and our wider national infrastructure projects ahead of 2034.

6. When the new stadium for 2034 WC are completed, Saudi will have some of the best venues in the world. How did these unique designs come about?

These stadiums will meet the growing football demand across the Kingdom. We are working with our partners to ensure that they will be used for a variety of purposes — from sports and tourism, to entertainment and live events. Come 2034, yes, they will be used as venues for the World Cup, but we are ensuring all venues have legacy plans in place to ensure high levels of utilization post-tournament.

Each venue has its own unique story, all rooted in the past and the future of the Kingdom. A few examples: The King Salman International Stadium, anchored in King Abdulaziz Park’s masterplan, will contribute to Riyadh’s ongoing transformation and blend into its surroundings, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the roof; the Aramco Stadium, located in the north of Al-Khobar on the shore of the Arabian Gulf, celebrates the sea’s dynamic nature; and the design of Jeddah Central Stadium echoes the architecture of the historic Al-Balad district.

These are just some examples of the creative thinking behind the design approaches, and we are excited to see these stadia come to life.

7. Beyond the architecture, what can we expect these futuristic stadia to offer the fans in terms of experiences?

As a massive football fan, having seen the best matches whether abroad or on television, I’m very excited about the experiences that these stadia will bring to Saudi Arabia. We recognize there is a long way to go and that development plans for some of the stadiums are still underway, but what I can say is that an immersive and seamless experience for fans is at the heart of our approach. We are committed to delivering an experience that is fitting of our love for the game — this is what drives us.

We will be aiming to host the most digitally connected FIFA World Cup of all time, with our stadiums at the heart of this connected fan experience. The same would be true of our unique FIFA Fan Festival sites; that would be the next best thing to actually being inside the stadium.

We aspire to host the first ever 48-team tournament in a single host country, that allows fans to experience a compact, festival-like atmosphere that brings together more teams and more fans meeting in one place than ever before.

8. What are you hoping will be the tournament’s long-term impact and legacy, both globally and within the Kingdom?

We have a clear vision for our bid: “Growing. Together.”  

This is our bid slogan, and it perfectly encapsulates our vision for the tournament — to develop football for our nation and our people, and for the global football community. We want to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 to help support the growth of the game across the world, and ensure football and its values can be enjoyed by all.

We are focused on ensuring our investments drive the growth of football in the Kingdom to meet the demand. We already have some of the best fans in the world and some of the best players in the world playing week-in and week-out in the SPL. When we have some of the world’s best stadiums and football infrastructure we will be the role model of a top football nation.

Our infrastructure plans will deliver both on and off the pitch. We want to enable strong performances from our national and club teams, but we will also provide opportunities for our young footballers to develop their skills in top-class facilities and celebrate their love for the game. We are focused on our next generation of star players for Saudi Arabia to play and compete on the world stage.

Under Vision 2030, Saudi is making significant investments in infrastructure and services, many of which we have included in our bid proposition. Stadiums, transport, and more, are already being built to keep up with booming demand, and we can use these components as part of our tournament footprint. Saudi Arabia’s approach aims to deliver a lasting legacy of positive change through the delivery of a responsible and respectful tournament.
9. How can Saudis and football fans contribute to this national effort to make the 2034 World Cup the best ever?

We are ready and excited to host — and we feel our bid is very strong. One of the most compelling parts of our bid is just how deep our love for football runs in our society — 80 percent of all Saudis are football fans. We want this genuine love for the game to shine through in our bid.

In the lead-up to host selection, we’re encouraging fans to sign up for our “Join the Squad” initiative, which allows them to showcase their pride for the bid and take part in upcoming activities.

You can learn more about Join the Squad here.
10. What is being done at grass roots and at the clubs to ensure that Saudi has the best possible generation of players ready for 2034?

The growth of grassroots programs is at the heart of our football development plans. They are also one of the central components of the wider Saudi Vision 2030 ambition of working to improving quality of life across the Kingdom.

We’re focusing our efforts at the entry points of football, and we’re already seeing some incredible results. We now have more than 300,000 players in the schools’ leagues (boys and girls), and 64 annual youth competitions — up from just ten last year. Regional training centers are booming as well — we have 23 now, up from nine in 2021.

Kids want to play football, and the entire football sector is working hard to ensure they can by providing more opportunities and improving accessibility. Children are seeing their heroes on the pitch here in the Kingdom — Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema — and are eager to get involved. It’s our collective responsibility to make sure football is as accessible as possible.
11. Finally. With 10 years to go, should the aim be that Saudi Arabia challenges for the World Cup trophy in 2034?

A lot can happen in ten years. Today, we are focused on growing all aspects of the game we love, including the continued development of our national team. Right now, our national team is working toward its seventh FIFA World Cup qualification, which, if achieved, would make it the Falcons’ seventh appearance out of the past nine editions of the FIFA World Cup. Going for the World Cup trophy in any edition of the tournament is the dream of our nation.


Saudi foreign ministry expresses Kingdom's concern over continued fighting in Sudan

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Saudi foreign ministry expresses Kingdom's concern over continued fighting in Sudan

RIYADH: Saudi foreign ministry expresses Kingdom's concern over continued fighting in Sudan


Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition

Updated 02 November 2024
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Sports Boulevard Masterplan earns ActiveScore recognition

RIYADH: The Sports Boulevard Foundation has received best-in-class recognition from active travel accreditation ActiveScore — awarded Platinum Communities Certification for the Sports Boulevard Masterplan and Platinum Certification for the Global Sports Tower.

The Sports Boulevard project will help revolutionize urban planning in Riyadh. 

It features more than 4.4 million square meters of green and open spaces, along with up to 50 multi-disciplinary sports facilities and integrated infrastructure. This project is dedicated to enhancing the city’s quality of life for residents and visitors, with features such as pathways, cycling tracks, and horse-riding trails.

The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world, is a key landmark of the project. It will feature more than 30 sports facilities, including the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, at 98 meters.
 


Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction

Updated 02 November 2024
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Four falcons net almost $74,000 in Saudi club’s auction

  • Evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” selling for SR79,000
  • Auction runs until Nov. 15, showcasing the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcon Club’s 2024 auction saw four prestigious birds change hands for a combined SR277,000 ($73,756) during its 13th night at the Malham headquarters north of Riyadh.

The evening’s highest bid went to a Shaheen fledgling known as “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” owned by falconers Younis and Abdulrahman Al-Jahni, selling for SR79,000. Close behind was another Shaheen fledgling, “Trah Farasan,” from owners Ali Suhail and Ahmad Al-Aqili, which fetched SR77,000.

A third Shaheen, “Trah Dhulm,” owned by falconers Nader, Saud, and Fahad Al-Otaibi, commanded SR71,000, while “Trah Al-Sawarima,” a fledgling from Jazan region, rounded out the night’s sales at SR50,000.

The auction, which runs until Nov. 15, showcases the club’s comprehensive support for the falconry community. Regional teams across the Kingdom facilitate participation by providing accommodation and transportation for falcon owners, known as tawarih, to the auction venue.

Each sale is broadcast live on television and social media platforms, allowing enthusiasts nationwide to witness these historic transactions, featuring competitive bidding in a fast-paced environment.
 

 

 


80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours

Updated 02 November 2024
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80-year-old Saudi tour guide welcomes foreign visitors to Najran with English tours

  • Europeans are drawn to the region because of its cultural significance, he says

MAKKAH: Clips of 80-year-old Saudi citizen Saeed bin Saleh have gone viral on social media, showing him fluently conversing in English with European tourists in the Najran region of southern Saudi Arabia.

Bin Saleh’s life has been a remarkable journey. Early on, he moved to the Eastern Province in search of work, driven by the need to support his mother after losing his father at a young age.

In Dhahran, he worked alongside Americans and Europeans, which marked a turning point in his life. This experience not only improved his living conditions but also allowed him to master English.

He told Arab News that he has developed a strong and enduring connection with Western tourists who regularly visit Najran. They praise the area for its rich history, abundant with ancient artifacts and remnants of past civilizations, including the renowned Al-Okhdood site and relics from the Paleolithic era, which date back thousands of years.

He noted that the tourists he speaks with are often impressed by his fluent English, particularly considering that he is over 80 years old, and admire the detailed answers they receive to their historical inquiries.

Their questions often center around significant sites like the Al-Okhdood ruins, the Hima wells, the unique rock formations, and the region’s wealth of archaeological inscriptions, Bin Saleh said.

Reflecting on his early experience with the English language, Bin Saleh explained that he left Najran as a young man in search of work in the Eastern Province, particularly in Dhahran.

After losing his father, he took on the responsibility of supporting his mother, determined to improve their situation. Bin Saleh eventually crossed paths with an American who offered him a job assisting with preparations on the golf courses that were popular in Dhahran at that time.

His close interaction with the American gave him the opportunity to learn English at a young age, which led to a 30-year career in the Eastern Province.

During this time, he worked with several companies, including Aramco and American Airlines, before transitioning to Indian Airlines, which further helped him refine his language skills.

After many years, he decided to return to Najran, where he continued his career with the Ministry of Health as an ambulance driver. Upon retiring, he chose to dedicate his time to being close to his children and grandchildren.

Bin Saleh explained that Europeans are drawn to Najran because of its deep historical and cultural significance. They are particularly captivated by the Arabic inscriptions in Kufic script from the early Islamic period and the ancient South Arabian Musnad script.

Najran is also renowned for its bustling heritage markets, where traditional crafts such as daggers, or jambiyas, and historically significant mosques built from stone and clay can be found. In addition to its rich Islamic history, the region is home to numerous monuments from the ancient civilizations of southern Arabia.

He said that, at his age, he is no longer a full-time tour guide but is always eager to help visitors and those interested in the heritage of the region.

Najran, a key stop on the ancient caravan routes connecting the southern and northern Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its remarkable rock carvings, including depictions of hunting and grazing scenes and human figures, alongside inscriptions in Thamudic, Musnad, and Kufic scripts — some dating to 7,000 B.C.

Bin Saleh said that Najran has gained significant attention in the eyes of visitors, particularly following the inclusion of the Hima Cultural Area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ongoing archaeological discoveries, led by Saudi and international teams, continue to unveil the region’s rich historical legacy.

Bin Saleh urges Saudi youth interested in becoming tour guides to immerse themselves in the region’s history, while also mastering English.

He stressed the importance of representing the true beauty of Saudi Arabia and showcasing the country’s cultural and archaeological treasures, which make it a unique and historically vibrant destination.


Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah

Updated 02 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia to host global symposium for sea turtle conservation in Jeddah

  • Symposium organized by General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)

JEDDAH: The Red Sea will take center stage in global marine conservation efforts as the first International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles is set to take place in Jeddah from Nov. 3 to 6.

The event will bring together an elite gathering of over 30 local and international experts and researchers focused on protecting endangered sea turtle species and preserving marine biodiversity, Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.

The symposium, organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), will feature presentations and panel discussions on the latest scientific research, innovative solutions for sea turtle protection, and strategies for international collaboration.

In a statement, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighred the importance of the symposium as a platform to drive effective conservation strategies and ensure the sustainable future of the Red Sea’s unique marine ecosystem.

SHAMS’ initiatives aim to develop advanced conservation policies and elevate environmental awareness around the Red Sea, particularly through innovation in marine protection.

According to the Ministry, this event will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s standing in the field of marine environmental protection while supporting the sustainable conservation of marine species and their natural habitats in the Red Sea.