RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, epitomizes the Kingdom's bold ambition to transform its sports sector into a global powerhouse. A former professional in motorsports, Prince Abdulaziz brings a rare combination of hands-on experience and visionary leadership to his role, shaping a new era for Saudi sports. Before entering public service, Prince Abdulaziz was no stranger to competition. His background in motorsports, including a stint in Formula BMW in Bahrain in 2005, provided him with an athlete's discipline and a competitor's mindset. Appointed minister of sports in February 2020, his journey began years earlier as deputy chairman of the General Sports Authority, where he laid the groundwork for a historic transformation. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Sports has navigated a pivotal period, overseeing an unprecedented expansion of Saudi Arabia's hosting capabilities. From motorsport events like Formula E in Diriyah and Dakar Rally to high-profile tournaments like the Asian Games 2034, Prince Abdulaziz's tenure is marked by a relentless drive to position Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for global sports. Acknowledging the indispensable role of government backing, Prince Abdulaziz often credits Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his unwavering support. Weekly strategy meetings chaired by the Crown Prince have turned ambitious ideas into tangible achievements. "We are living in a golden era for sports," Prince Abdulaziz said in a recent interview. "If we don't capitalize on this momentum, we will lose a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." One of the ministry's early milestones was securing the hosting rights for the Asian Games 2034, a turning point in Saudi Arabia's sports narrative. Competing against well-established bids, the Kingdom demonstrated its readiness to deliver world-class events, buoyed by innovative planning and cohesive teamwork. This success paved the way for even more ambitious ventures, culminating in the FIFA World Cup 2034. The road to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 began with smaller but strategic events that set the stage for larger ambitions. From the Saudi Cup in horse racing to international football friendlies and Formula 1 in Jeddah, Prince Abdulaziz's ministry steadily built Saudi Arabia's reputation as a reliable and capable host. Under his stewardship, the World Cup bid was not just a formality but a showcase of Saudi excellence. FIFA awarded the Saudi bid a record score of 4.18 out of 5, the highest in the tournament's history, citing its innovative vision, infrastructure readiness, and commitment to sustainability. Prince Abdulaziz has emphasized the transformative potential of hosting such events, stating, "The World Cup will redefine global expectations and put Saudi Arabia on the map as a leader in innovation and excellence." Beyond the spectacle of hosting, Prince Abdulaziz envisions long-term benefits for Saudi society. Central to his strategy is sustainability—ensuring that infrastructure investments serve generations to come. Plans for the 2034 World Cup include state-of-the-art air-conditioned stadiums, innovative natural ventilation systems, and eco-friendly practices. Prince Abdulaziz is also committed to ensuring inclusivity, providing seamless experiences for fans and players from around the world. Prince Abdulaziz Al-Faisal's leadership is a testament to the transformative power of sports as a national priority. With direct oversight from the Crown Prince and an all-of-government approach, Saudi Arabia's sports sector has moved from aspiration to achievement. "Big dreams require continuous effort," Prince Abdulaziz remarked. "Each success fuels the next challenge, and we're ready to exceed expectations." As Saudi Arabia prepares for a decade of hosting world-class events, including the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Prince Abdulaziz remains at the forefront, steering the Kingdom towards a future where sports transcend competition to become a cornerstone of culture, innovation, and global connection
