Riyadh: The Saudi-U.S. Business Council hosted an event titled "Beyond the Pitch: Shaping the Future of Sport in the New Global Arena" to explore economic and investment opportunities from the hosting of the 2026 and 2034 FIFA World Cups.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the event was part of the council's Quality of Life Initiative, aimed at strengthening cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. in sports, tourism, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, while supporting Saudi Arabia's economic transformation goals.
The event saw attendance from notable figures including Minister of State Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh, and Executive Director for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, Andrew Giuliani, along with government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries.
Participants discussed the experiences of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, focusing on expanding economic cooperation and the role of major sporting events in driving investment in sectors like infrastructure, tourism, technology, hospitality, and entertainment.
Al Al-Sheikh emphasized Saudi Arabia's preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034 as an opportunity for ideas, investment, and partnerships, highlighting the role of sport in uniting business, culture, and entertainment to deliver exceptional fan experiences.
Giuliani expressed pride in cooperating with Saudi Arabia for the 2034 event, citing the economic benefits generated by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada's successful hosting of the 2026 World Cup.
CEO of the Saudi-U.S. Business Council, Charles Hallab, noted that sports have become a leading area of cooperation between the two nations, offering broad opportunities to strengthen partnerships, stimulate investment, and generate sustainable economic value.
Hallab affirmed the council's commitment to bringing together government leaders and the business community to strengthen the U.S.-Saudi economic partnership and explore new cooperation opportunities in sectors linked to sport.