After Formula 1 and golf, Saudi Arabia sees hosting the Olympics as a “goal” in a growing sporting era, according to Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal confirmed in an interview with Agence France-Presse.
“Right now our focus is on the 2034 Asian Games,” which will take place two years after Brisbane, Australia hosted the 2032 Games, Saudi Sports Minister and Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal told AFP .
Investing in sports is part of a multifaceted strategy approved six years ago to diversify the economy as part of a long-term project by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al-Faisal spoke to Agence France-Presse ahead of Saturday night’s match for the world heavyweight title between Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, who won the title at the expense of Britain’s Anthony Joshua.
His Highness said: “We are open to discussions with the International Olympic Committee on these (Olympic Games) in the future. I think Saudi Arabia has shown that we can host events like this.”
“Of course the Olympics will be a thing for us, but we are open to it and I think we can.”
His Highness confirmed that we are progressing and moving towards a better society and moving towards a better quality of life and a better country for the sake of the future.
The sports minister continues: “The evidence shows that hosting these events benefits our people, the ongoing changes and life in Saudi Arabia.”
The Kingdom has also expressed its desire to host the 2027 Asian Cup and 2026 Women’s Edition, as well as the 2029 Asian Winter Games at NEOM, a huge future project on the Red Sea.
