The Proven Arabia Group like to think ahead, and FIFA World Cup 2034 is just one of the many positive economic changes projected for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034 marks a monumental step in the Kingdom’s journey towards economic diversification and global influence.
This event, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, is set to bring profound changes to the Saudi economy, from tourism and job creation to foreign investments and infrastructure development. While the potential benefits are significant, challenges such as sustainability, over-expenditure, and cultural adaptation remain key considerations.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of the Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034, as well as challenges and concerns. We also look at the two previous world cups, their economic significance, and draw some perspective of what we can take into our own preparations for 2034. Furthermore, we also look at the bigger picture by comparing the upcoming two world cups (2026/2030), towards our planning for 2034.
Lastly, many of us at Proven Arabia are Ronaldo fans – so we are glad that we match his excitement for the upcoming tournament – read more about his love for Saudi below.
We Admire the Legacy of Previous World Cups
The FIFA World Cup has long been a catalyst for economic and infrastructural transformation in host nations. Below we are exploring the previous two tournaments (2018/2022) and provide valuable insights into the potential impact the next will have on Saudi Arabia.
Qatar 2022: A Regional Benchmark
Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup marked the first time the tournament was held in the Middle East, setting a regional precedent. It is important for us to analyze this event parallel to ours. The event:
- Welcomed over 2.6 million visitors, boosting the country’s tourism sector and overall GDP by an estimated 1%-1.5%.
- Created 1.5 million jobs across sectors such as construction, event management, and hospitality.
- Involved infrastructure investments exceeding $240 billion, including stadiums, metro systems, and accommodation.
- Faced criticism over post-event utilization of facilities, with some venues seeing limited use after the tournament’s conclusion.
Despite challenges, Qatar’s World Cup established the region as a viable host for global events, providing a framework for Saudi Arabia to build upon.
Russia 2018: Economic Ripple Effects
Russia’s 2018 World Cup demonstrated how hosting can stimulate economic activity and enhance global perception. Key outcomes included:
- A $14 billion investment in infrastructure, including transport networks and stadiums, significantly boosting regional economies.
- A 3% increase in international tourism during the tournament year, contributing to long-term tourism growth.
- Positive global media coverage, enhancing Russia’s soft power and international image.
In comparison, Qatar spent much more on infrastructure investments than Russia, but both saw a similar increase in tourism growth. With an increase in GDP and over 1 million jobs created for Qatar, they still received criticism over the utilization of post-event facilities. Importantly, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030 – both nations improved their soft power and national pride.
Looking Ahead Towards the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups While Remembering the Past
The economic predictions for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, alongside Morocco’s 2030 bid and Qatar’s 2022 event, highlight different strategies for economic growth.
Canada, with its estimated CAD 3.8 billion economic impact, stands out for its focus on job creation and infrastructure development. The country is set to generate significant GDP growth (CAD 2 billion) and labor income (CAD 1.3 billion) while creating 24,100 jobs.
Unlike Qatar, which relied heavily on government investment, Canada’s economic plan for the World Cup emphasizes a more balanced, sustainable approach, with a mix of public and private investments to improve infrastructure, including stadiums, transport systems, and hospitality services. The tournament’s potential to boost tourism, with millions of visitors expected across 16 host cities, further solidifies Canada’s position as a major beneficiary, and its ability to preserve long-term economic growth is bolstered by this strategic preparation.
Comparing this to the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, there are notable differences in scale and approach, though both countries are focusing on infrastructure and tourism.
Morocco’s estimated investment of $4.4 billion is more modest compared to Canada’s and Qatar’s, but it is strategically focusing on expanding its tourism sector by targeting 26 million visitors, up from 15 million in the near term. Morocco is also relying more on private-sector involvement to ensure sustainable growth, unlike Qatar, which carried the heavy burden of government expenditure. Qatar’s $200 billion investment, heavily government-funded, transformed the country’s infrastructure in a short period, but raised concerns about long-term economic sustainability. Meanwhile, Canada and Morocco are pursuing more gradual, diversified strategies, emphasizing private investment and tourism as key drivers of long-term economic impact.
At Proven Arabia, we are looking at global economic impacts from all sides and therefore it is important to us to critically analyze these 4 world cups for to get a panoramic view of what we’re in for in 2034. Next up we look at the 2023 world cup projections:
Our Kingdom’s Vision and Investment in Numbers
Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing economic diversification and infrastructure modernization. The tournament’s potential to boost non-oil GDP growth by 4%-5% in the medium term is a cornerstone of its economic strategy. The numbers tell a compelling story:
| Investment Area | Details |
| Total Infrastructure Cost | $26 billion projected for 15 stadiums (4 refurbished, 11 new) |
| Transportation | Riyadh Metro expanding to 7 lines, boosting capacity to 3.6 million passengers |
| Hospitality | 65,000 new hotel rooms to meet FIFA requirements |
| Airports | Expansions to manage increased passenger volumes in five major cities |
These investments are not merely about the World Cup but are integral to the long-term development of Saudi Arabia’s urban and economic landscape. According to the SNB Capital Report:
“Hosting FIFA World Cup 2034 reflects Saudi s growing role in the global stage and its commitment to foster sports and cultural exchange. We believe this will have far reaching impact on the Saudi economy and further accelerate growth that started with Vision 2030.”
From the Voice of a Hero
SPL reported on Cristiano Ronaldo, a global football icon now playing for the local club AL Nassr, and his expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to host the best World Cup in history. He stated during a video on his social media channels:
“It’s amazing. I didn’t expect it, but it is so, so, so good, the 2034 World Cup will probably be the best World Cup ever.”
“After what I’ve seen today, I’m convinced that it will be amazing. The infrastructure, the stadiums, the conditions for the fans, the airports, and everything else, it’s amazing.
“The future [in Saudi Arabia] is very bright in my opinion, not only for the World Cup, but because every year they host big events here: football matches, boxing. The quality of entertainment is very high.”
“The country is unbelievable. The Saudis are very good people; they like to learn, which for me, is very important.”
His endorsement highlights the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a global hub for sports and events. Looking further, we explore the economic benefits economic benefits of hosting the world cup:
Economic Benefits of Hosting the World Cup
1. Job Creation
The World Cup is expected to create over 1 million jobs across construction, tourism, and event management. This includes both permanent and temporary roles that will contribute to reducing unemployment and increasing disposable income. The scale of this job creation mirrors Qatar’s 1.5 million jobs during its 2022 World Cup, spanning multiple sectors such as construction, hospitality, and transportation.
“Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the World Cup will create permanent and temporary jobs, reducing unemployment and boosting disposable income.”
2. Infrastructure Development
Saudi Arabia’s investment in infrastructure includes 15 stadiums and upgrades to transport systems. Projects like the Riyadh Metro expansion and Neom megacity illustrate how the Kingdom is preparing for the influx of millions of visitors. These efforts align with long-term urban modernization goals, ensuring that investments serve a dual purpose beyond the tournament.
3. Tourism Growth
Tourism revenues are expected to skyrocket, with millions of fans and international visitors anticipated. Events such as Riyadh Season, which attracted over 20 million visitors in 2023, demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s capability to host large-scale global events. Fan zones, festivals, and improved public transport will further enhance the visitor experience.
4. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
The World Cup’s global visibility is a magnet for foreign investors. Historical data shows significant FDI inflows for past hosts like Brazil and Russia, and Saudi Arabia aims to replicate this success. These investments are expected to stimulate growth in retail, real estate, and hospitality.
5. Soft Power and Global Perception
Saudi Arabia’s successful bid for the World Cup reflects its growing influence in global sports diplomacy. By showcasing its modernity and cultural richness, the Kingdom is reshaping international perceptions. The Saudi Pro League, featuring international stars, further bolsters its reputation as a leading destination for global sports.
“The legacy of high-quality infrastructure will position Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for future global events.”
Challenges and Criticisms
Over-expenditure and Infrastructure Utilization
While the $26 billion investment is significant, there are concerns about the underutilization of infrastructure post-event. Qatar’s experience with limited post-World Cup usage of stadiums underscores this challenge. Saudi Arabia’s integration of projects with Vision 2030, such as Neom, may mitigate this risk.
Environmental Concerns
Large-scale construction and increased tourism have environmental costs. Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative, which includes renewable energy-powered stadiums and a commitment to plant 10 billion trees, aims to address these concerns. However, balancing sustainability with event demands remains a critical challenge.
Balancing Cultural Expectations
Hosting a global event in a culturally conservative society requires careful planning to balance traditions with international expectations. Ensuring an inclusive and respectful experience for all stakeholders will be essential for success.
A Final Perspective
While the benefits of hosting the World Cup are substantial, it is important to address the challenges realistically. Over-expenditure, environmental sustainability, and cultural balancing are not insurmountable obstacles but require strategic planning and execution. By learning from past hosts like Qatar and integrating Vision 2030 initiatives, Saudi Arabia can ensure that the World Cup serves as a catalyst for positive change. We are in the driver’s seat of our own success.
The Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 is more than a sporting event; it is a catalyst for economic transformation, cultural exchange, and global recognition. By integrating Vision 2030 projects, addressing sustainability concerns, and leveraging its growing global influence, Saudi Arabia is poised to deliver a World Cup that leaves a lasting legacy.
Proven Arabia: A Partner in Transforming Economies
As Saudi Arabia prepares for this transformative event, Proven Arabia stands ready to support businesses and investors in navigating this dynamic landscape. With expertise in market entry, regulatory compliance, and strategic consulting, Proven Arabia is your trusted partner in capitalizing on the opportunities created by the World Cup and Vision 2030.
Discover how Proven Arabia can help you succeed in Saudi Arabia’s evolving economy.