Four Reasons Why Saudi Is The Go-To Destination For Sports

From the pitch to the pixel, Saudi is redefining what it means to be a sports destination, with a calendar packed with heart-stopping experiences, from esports and football to motorsports and Saudi Red Sea adventures, Saudi is where every kind of fan can find their moment.  

It’s not just about the events, it's about the energy. Saudi’s sports scene is uniting people from across the globe: fans, athletes, families, and first-timers, around one thing: a shared passion for the game. Behind the spotlight is a country investing in the future of sport, building new stadiums, empowering women and youth, and blending heritage with innovation like nowhere else.
And then there’s the Saudi welcome. Think bustling streets, late-night cafés, ancient sites, and modern stadiums, all wrapped in warm hospitality and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re here for the roar of the crowd or the calm between matches, this is where unforgettable memories are made.

Here’s why Saudi is your must-visit this summer.
1. Level Up: The Esports World Cup Is About to Blow Your Mind
Welcome to the biggest event in gaming: the Esports World Cup 2025. Held in Boulevard Riyadh City from July to August, this is no ordinary tournament, it’s the Olympics of esports, with over 25 of the world’s biggest titles, top-tier teams from across the globe, and a prize pool that’s hitting an eye-watering $70 million (yes, you read that right).
But wait, it gets better. It’s not just about gaming. Expect full-on festival energy with cosplay parades, immersive VR zones, and live concerts that turn the arena into a party. And speaking of parties… Post Malone is headlining the opening show. That’s right! One of the world’s biggest music stars + the world’s biggest gaming event = a summer showdown you don’t want to miss. Bonus: Cristiano Ronaldo is the official ambassador. Enough said.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo Is In, and So Should You Be
Let’s talk star power. When the GOAT himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, says yes to Saudi, you know something big is happening. He’s not just here for football, he’s here for the future. As both the face of Al-Nassr FC and the Esports World Cup, Ronaldo is showing the world that Saudi is the new global stage for sports.
And it’s not just him. From UFC Fight Night to Diriyah Tennis Cup, boxing mega matches, and the Saudi Cup (aka the world’s most expensive horse race), Saudi’s sports calendar has already made waves in 2025. These moments are part of what’s elevating Saudi into a year-round destination for major global competitions.
This summer, the momentum continues. Over in PFL MENA 2 (July 4), watch Omar “God First” ElDafrawy face off against Daniele  “The Cyborg” Miceli, with rising Saudi star Hattan Alsaif stepping back into the SmartCage. 
For wrestling fans, the shockwaves are real: John Cena vs. CM Punk will headline WWE’s Night of Champions on June 28 at Kingdom Arena, plus finals for King & Queen of the Ring featuring Randy Orton, Alexa Bliss, AJ Styles, and Asuka. 
And with the countdown to the 2034 FIFA World Cup already underway, the world is watching, and Saudi is ready to deliver.

3. From Esports to Equestrian: The Full Spectrum is Here
Saudi’s not just about one sport, it’s about all of them. The country has quickly become a mainstay in every kind of sport, from heritage to high-performance spectacles.
Watch esports pros battle it out on digital frontlines one month, then head to AlUla for heritage-driven events like camel racing or polo. Feel the speed at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah (already a fan-favorite), or explore Diriyah, where the past and present collide with tennis, boxing, and beyond. Even events like the Dakar Rally and AlUla Tour cycling race, help showcase how every corner of Saudi is game-ready.
Whether you’re into motorsports, martial arts, football, golf, or heritage classics, there’s always something happening, and it’s all part of a bigger movement: making Saudi the world’s go-to destination for sport, culture, and community.

4. More Than Just Sports – It’s the Saudi Vibe
Sure, you’ll come for the matches. But you’ll stay for everything else.
In between all the action, you’ll wander through bustling souqs, sip on saffron-laced coffee, dance to live music in open-air plazas, or catch a cool breeze in AlUla as the stars light up the desert sky. You’ll meet fans from all over the world, chat with locals eager to share their stories, and explore cities that are modern, welcoming, and full of surprises.
Whether you’re walking through ancient ruins, relaxing on a Saudi Red Sea beach, or hopping on a super-sleek train to your next game, Saudi makes it easy to explore, and even easier to feel at home. It’s not just about the sports. It’s the energy. The warmth. The memories you’ll be telling your friends about long after summer’s over. 
Game on. You in?
This summer, Saudi isn’t just hosting epic events, it’s building a global community around sports, music, and unforgettable moments. Come for the thrill, stay for the stories, and discover why the heart of Arabia is beating louder than ever.
To learn more and plan your trip, visit the Visit Saudi website.

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