The UAE has positioned itself as a premier destination for elite competitions, with the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit delivering thrilling experiences and the Dubai World Cup standing as one of the most renowned horse racing events globally.

In Saudi Arabia, a diverse, year-round calendar includes horse racing, golf, motorsports, boxing, tennis, and martial arts—drawing global attention and participation. A landmark moment came with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing to Al-Nassr FC—an international statement of intent that underscored the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a central hub for global sporting events while strengthening its domestic sports economy. These ambitions are set to reach new heights with Saudi Arabia confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, further cementing its status on the international sports map.

Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was another defining moment for the region, showcasing world-class execution and significantly elevating the MENA region’s profile in global sports.

Tunisia excels in sports such as handball, football, and swimming. The national handball team is one of the strongest in Africa, having won multiple African Championships and consistently qualifying for the World Championship. Regionally, Tunisia remains a competitive force in North African and Arab sporting events.

Morocco has also established itself as a regional powerhouse in athletics and football. The country boasts a rich history in middle- and long-distance running, producing world-class athletes like Hicham El Guerrouj, a multiple Olympic and world champion. Regionally, Morocco continues to dominate in North African competitions and invests heavily in sports infrastructure and talent development through initiatives like the Mohammed VI Football Academy. In 2023, Morocco hosted the FIFA Club World Cup, marking its third time organizing the tournament and showcasing its capability to stage major international events. Looking ahead, Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal—becoming the first North African nation to do so.

Egypt continues to shine in individual sports—particularly squash, where it has consistently produced world champions and dominated international rankings. In football, Egypt proudly boasts global icons such as Mohamed Salah and rising star Omar Marmoush, whose success stories inspire a new generation of athletes and reflect the growing depth of talent in the region. Egypt has also earned regional and continental acclaim in handball and volleyball, with its national teams regularly securing top spots in African championships and making strong showings on the global stage. Notably, Egypt clinched its ninth (and third in a row) African Men’s Handball Championship title in 2024—a consistent performance that underscores its dominance in African handball and growing global stature.

B. BY THE NUMBERS: KEY SPORTS STATISTICS FROM ACROSS MENA

The Middle East’s sports economy is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.7% by 2026, far outpacing the global average of 3.3%, driven by ambitious investments and strategic initiatives.

KSA

• Saudi Arabia has significantly increased sports participation, rising from 13% in 2016 to 48% by 2022, surpassing its Vision 2030 targets.
• The number of sports federations in the Kingdom tripled, from 32 in 2015 to 97 in 2023, reflecting a robust institutional framework for sports development.
• Women’s participation has surged, with over 50,000 girls joining sports programs since 2015—a 149% increase.

EGYPT

• The government has heavily invested in upgrading community sports clubs and youth centers across the country. These upgrades
  aim to expand access to sports for all, especially marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Egypt’s sports market revenue is projected to reach approximately US$56.28 million in 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of 0.60% from 2025 to 2029.

UAE

• As of 2022, the UAE had the highest proportion of ‘sport engagers’ globally, with 89% of residents regularly following sports through various platforms.
• The National Sports Strategy 2031 aims to increase the percentage of individuals practicing diverse sports to 71% of the population, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sports as part of daily life.

2. SPORTS AS AN ECONOMIC ENGINE

POWERING GROWTH, TOURISM, AND SOCIAL IMPACT

The sports industry is emerging as a cornerstone of economic diversification in the MENA region, particularly in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Governments are leveraging sports tourism and infrastructure development to attract international visitors and stimulate local economies. Events such as Egypt’s El Gouna International Squash Open and the PSA CIB Egyptian Squash Open—held at the Giza Pyramids—serve as prime examples, drawing global attention while highlighting Egypt’s iconic landmarks. These events act as powerful nation-branding tools, with significant potential to boost tourism growth. Additionally, Formula 1 races in Bahrain, Jeddah and Abu Dhabi generate substantial direct and indirect economic benefits, including increased spending on hospitality, retail, and transportation. These initiatives underscore the growing role of sports in driving sustainable, inclusive economic growth across the region.

1. QATAR’S FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORY

Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup marked a defining milestone in its economic diversification strategy, delivering profound impacts across tourism, infrastructure, and employment. The event attracted over 1.4 million international visitors, including 1.18 million during November and December alone, a 300% year-over-year increase for those months. This surge in tourism generated approximately $17 billion in revenue and contributed to a 1% boost in the country’s GDP. The hospitality industry experienced a 64% year-over-year increase in accommodation and food service activity during the fourth quarter of 2022. To support the event, Qatar invested more than $220 billion in infrastructure, including the construction of seven stadiums, expansion of Hamad International Airport, and major upgrades to the metro and transportation networks. These developments not only enabled the smooth hosting of the World Cup but also created over 1.5 million jobs across various sectors, leaving behind a transformative legacy. Qatar’s strategic sports investments have elevated its international profile, firmly establishing the country as a premier destination for mega-events and reinforcing its long-term economic resilience.

BEYOND THE FIELD: THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL POWER OF SPORTS IN EGYPT, UAE AND SAUDI ARABIA

The sports Industry in Egypt, UAE and Saudi Arabia has become a significant economic catalyst, contributing to GDP expansion, job creation, and foreign direct investment (FDI). These nations have invested heavily in sports infrastructure, aiming to diversify their economies and enhance their international reputations. In Saudi Arabia, the sports industry’s GDP contribution surged from $2.4 billion in 2016 to $6.9 billion in 2019. In Egypt, investments in sports infrastructure have exceeded billions of Egyptian pounds. These developments not only create jobs but also attract millions of tourists, stimulate ancillary industries, and promote long-term economic resilience.

The UAE has emerged as a regional leader in leveraging sports for economic diversification and tourism growth. Dubai’s sports industry contributes over $2.5 billion to its economy and supports more than 105,000 jobs. The city hosts over 300 regular annual events, attracting more than 1 million attendees each year. Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 Grand Prix is a marquee event, contributing approximately $600 million annually to the UAE economy. These events not only boost tourism but also enhance the country’s global image as a premier destination for international sporting events. The UAE’s strategic investments in sports infrastructure and events have positioned it as a hub for global sports tourism. The nation’s focus on hosting diverse events, from UFC fights to international cricket tournaments, underscores its commitment to economic diversification and cultural exchange through sports.

Sports play a pivotal role in promoting community well-being and social development in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, sports investments aligned with Vision 2030 focus on enhancing the quality of life and promoting social integration through initiatives like the “Fakher” “Pride Program”. Launched by the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with the Saudi Paralympic Committee, the Fakher Program is designed to enable people with disabilities to discover and develop their athletic capabilities through various local and international training camps and competitions. This initiative aims to rehabilitate and assist individuals with special needs, improving their quality of life and fostering inclusivity within the sports community.

Similarly, in Egypt, early engagement in sports is seen as a means to promote health and well-being among the population. A notable example is the “You Are Stronger Than Drugs” campaign, spearheaded by the Egyptian Anti-Addiction Treatment Fund in partnership with football star Mohamed Salah. Salah’s involvement in the campaign, particularly through impactful advertisements, led to a significant increase in public engagement. Following the campaign’s launch, there was a 400% increase in hotline calls from individuals seeking help to overcome addiction. This initiative underscores the power of sports icons in driving positive social change and highlights the role of sports and power of sports icons in addressing critical societal issues and driving positive social change.