Sport in Saudi Arabia

Sport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia encompass individual and team physical and mental activities held throughout the Kingdom across various sports. Saudi sport has been undergoing historic transformations since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030. These changes include attracting international stars, hosting global and world championships at both club and national levels across different sports, and launching the club privatization project. Additionally, the Kingdom is set to host several major global events over the next decade, including the 2034 World Cup, the 2027 Asian Cup, the 2029 Asian Winter Games 'Trojena 2029', and the 2034 Asian Games. Saudi sports also host Formula One races, the Dakar Rally, and other international sporting events.

The beginnings of sports in the Kingdom date back to 1952, when the first Youth Welfare Department was established under the Ministry of Interior. In 1960, the responsibilities of youth welfare were transferred to the Ministry of Knowledge (currently the Ministry of Education). In 1962, the duties of youth welfare were assigned to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (currently the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development), and it was then elevated to a general administration. By the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 560 dated May 15, 1974, the Youth Welfare Department became an independent entity known as the General Presidency for Youth Welfare. On May 7, 2016, the General Presidency for Youth Welfare was transformed into the General Sports Authority. On September 22, 2020, a royal decree was issued to transform the General Sports Authority into the Ministry of Sport.

The Ministry of Sport is the competent entity and the main reference in the Kingdom for regulating, developing, and promoting the sports sector. It aims to expand the base of sports practitioners and achieve excellence in Saudi sports both locally and internationally. It is the entity that oversees all sports activities and includes primary and secondary entities as follows:

They are an integral part of the Ministry of Sport structure, receiving its support and supervision:

The Leaders Development Institute is an entity under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, aiming to provide specialized and advanced training for all sports categories equally in the field of sports management and to increase the number of qualified and licensed coaches in all sports.

Branches of the Ministry: There are twenty-four regional branches of the Ministry of Sport, which support clubs, and oversee the ministry's facilities, athletes, and events across the provinces of the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabian Youth Hostels Association aims to support the youth hostel movement in the Kingdom, develop knowledge among Saudi youth, and encourage them to practice sports.

The Saudi Sports for All Federation is the official entity responsible for developing community sports to increase community sports participation rates in the Kingdom. It was established in 2018.

Saudi clubs are independent sports entities licensed by the Ministry of Sport. They may be part of one or more federations and are subject to administrative and financial supervision by the Ministry of Sport.

They are sports entities that do not fall under the administrative structure of the Saudi Ministry of Sport but receive financial or institutional support from it:

The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee was established in Riyadh City in 1964 and received recognition from the International Olympic Committee in 1965 after the Saudi federations for athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, and cycling joined the respective international federations. It is a supreme sports authority with an independent legal personality, sponsored by the Kingdom and assisted in achieving its goals. It is the sole entity representing the Kingdom in all Olympic and Paralympic activities, as well as in regional, Arab, continental, international, and Olympic and Paralympic games, in collaboration with the sports federations.

The Saudi Deaf Sports Federation is the official entity organizing sports for the deaf in the Kingdom. It is responsible for sending, supporting, and funding teams representing the Kingdom and deaf athletes in global championships, such as the Deaflympics.

The Saudi Special Olympics Federation is part of a global movement that uses sports, health, and education to end discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities and empower them. The federation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing services, activities, and competitions.

Sports Federations: These are the entities that organize and supervise various sports. They have administrative and regulatory functions, work on developing the sports they oversee, license related events, and impose penalties in case of rule violations. They follow the international federations for each sport.

Under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sport, there are many federations, each responsible for regulating the affairs of the sports and games for which it was established. They include:

The Saudi Aikido Committee was established on May 21, 2021. It is one of the Japanese martial arts derived from several other arts, such as Jujitsu, Kenjutsu, and Daito-ryu Aiki.

The Saudi Padel Committee was established in 2021 and began its work at the end of 2021 in organizing local tournaments, establishing teams, and founding the first national padel team. It also contributes to promoting the game in the Kingdom. The committee joined the International Padel Federation in April 2022, allowing it to start participating in international and world ranking tournaments, in addition to its other international engagements.

The Saudi Kyokushin Committee was established by a decision in 2021.

The Saudi Sambo Committee is responsible for developing the martial art sport in the Kingdom. It was established by Royal Decree No. (55/M) dated March 19, 1987, which mandated the establishment of sports federations in the Kingdom. The committee operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

The Saudi Committee for Homing Pigeon Racing is dedicated to developing the sport of pigeon racing, supporting its practitioners, and providing a suitable environment for its practice.

The Saudi Sailing Federation is the national entity responsible for regulating any sailing activities in the Kingdom, issuing regulations for practicing sailing, and representing the Kingdom in international competitions. The federation was established in 2017 and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic Committee.

The Saudi Surfing Federation is the national entity responsible for regulating the sport of surfing in the Kingdom. It was established in 2021 and aims to support talents in the field, enhance athletes' participation in global surfing competitions, and support the Kingdom's global participation.

The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation is the national entity responsible for regulating the game of cricket in the Kingdom. It was established in 2017.

The Saudi Rowing Federation is the national entity responsible for overseeing and regulating the sport of rowing in the Kingdom. It became an independent federation, separate from the Water Sports Federation, in 2017.

The Saudi Arabian Shooting Federation is the official national entity regulating shooting sports in the Kingdom. It was established on February 5, 1979. The federation aims to elevate the level of shooting sports in the Kingdom and support this sport to achieve advanced positions globally.

The Saudi Baseball and Softball Federation is the national entity responsible for regulating baseball and softball in the Kingdom. It was established in 2019 and works to promote the sport locally, as well as to create Saudi teams that participate in related activities at the continental and international levels.

The Saudi Polo Federation is the national entity responsible for overseeing polo activities and games, as well as representing the Kingdom in international tournaments. The federation was established in 2018.

The Saudi Dodgeball Federation is an official Saudi federation recognized by the World Dodgeball Federation. It aims to promote the sport of dodgeball throughout the Kingdom and to organize programs and tournaments that develop the skills of enthusiasts and members of the federation. Additionally, it seeks to form a national team to represent the Kingdom internationally.

The Saudi Esports Federation was established in 2017 to support and develop the gaming community and industry in the Kingdom, and to prepare Saudi athletes for international competitions.

The Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports was established in 2017, with its headquarters located in the capital, Riyadh.

The Saudi Hockey Federation is the official governing entity for hockey in the Kingdom. It is a sports organization with a legal personality that represents the Kingdom locally, regionally, and internationally in sports events and competitions for this sport. It is supervised by the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

The Saudi Swimming Federation is a sports body with an independent legal personality, established in 1976. It contributes to fulfilling the Ministry of Sport's objectives by expanding and developing the base of practitioners in swimming, diving, open water swimming, water polo, and therapeutic swimming, in addition to providing swimming education.

The Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation is the official entity responsible for developing and promoting rock climbing and hiking in the Kingdom. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic Committee. The federation was established based on Royal Decree No. (55/M) dated March 19, 1987, which mandated the establishment of sports federations in the Kingdom. It was formally recognized by the decision of the President of the Saudi Olympic Committee on December 5, 2017. In 2020, the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation became an official member of the International Federation of Sport Climbing.

The Saudi Chess Federation is a national sports organization with a legal personality, dedicated to activities related to the sport of chess. It was established in 2017 to promote the culture of mind sports in the community, enhancing the technical level of national players, coaches, and referees, as well as implementing and organizing activities according to the highest international standards. The federation represents the Kingdom in international federations and competes for titles and medals globally. It is officially recognized by the International Chess Federation.

The Saudi Karate Federation was established in 1975 as the first federation for the sport of karate in the Kingdom. Locally, this sport includes approximately 141 clubs and fifty-three halls and centers for practicing karate distributed throughout the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of football. It was established in 1956 and is a member of several federations, including:

- The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA).

- The Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

- The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

The Saudi Cycling Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing the sport of cycling. It is dedicated to supporting and developing Saudi clubs and training professional Saudi cyclists to represent the Kingdom in regional and international competitions. It was established in 1963 and operates under the supervision of the Saudi Olympic Committee.

The Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing maritime sports and diving. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and is the result of the merger between the Saudi Water Sports Club, established in 2006, and the Saudi Diving Federation, established in 2017.

The Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing motorsport and motorcycle activities in the Kingdom, as well as representing the country in international federations. The federation was established in 2006.

The Saudi Wrestling Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of wrestling. It went through three transitions before becoming an independent federation. Initially, it was part of the Saudi Strength Sports Federation, which was established in 1980 and included boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, and bodybuilding. In 1999, a decision by the President of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (at the time) No. 3636 was issued, splitting the federation into two: the Boxing and Wrestling Federation and the Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Federation. In 2013, another decision by the President of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (at the time) No. 2267/MR was issued, splitting the Saudi Boxing and Wrestling Federation into two separate entities: the Saudi Boxing Federation and the Saudi Wrestling Federation.

The Saudi Taekwondo Federation is the national governing body for the sport of taekwondo. It was initially established under the name the Saudi Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Federation in 1976. In 2000, karate was separated from taekwondo and judo, resulting in the formation of the Saudi Judo and Taekwondo Federation. In 2014, taekwondo was further separated from judo, resulting in the establishment of the Saudi Taekwondo Federation.

The Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation is the governing entity responsible for the sport of jiu-jitsu in the Kingdom. It was established in 2017.

The Saudi Fencing Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of fencing, which has been known in the Kingdom for a long time. Fencing was officially practiced in the Seven Palaces Schools in Jeddah, but it did not take its modern form until 1974, specifically at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. The Federation was established in 1975.

The Saudi Table Tennis Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of table tennis. It underwent several stages before becoming an independent federation. Initially, it was established as the Saudi Arabian Table Tennis Committee in 1956. In 1979, a decision by the President of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare changed its name to the Saudi Tennis and Table Tennis Federation, incorporating both tennis and table tennis. In 1993, another decision by the President of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare separated table tennis from tennis into two independent federations. Since then, each federation has overseen its respective sport, with the table tennis federation being renamed the Saudi Table Tennis Federation. The federation is a member of the following organizations:

- The Arab Table Tennis Federation since 1956.

- The Asian Table Tennis Union since 1974.

- The International Table Tennis Federation since 1976.

- The GCC Table Tennis Organising Committee since 1977.

The Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of equestrianism. It operates under the supervision of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and was established in 1989.

The Saudi Camel Federation was established on February 9, 2018. It aims to manage and govern camel racing events and provide the necessary services for owners and tracks to ensure a suitable environment for practicing this sport.

The Saudi Squash Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of squash. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1992. It is the first federation to host a global women's championship for professional players in 2018.

The Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation is a sports body with a legal personality, established in 2018 in Riyadh City, specifically at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Olympic Complex. It aims to promote the sport throughout the Kingdom, attract local talent, and organize competitions.

The Saudi Weightlifting Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of weightlifting. It was established in 1980.

The Saudi Gymnastic Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of gymnastics, representing it in local and international championships. It was established in 1979 and operates from its headquarters in the capital, Riyadh.

The Saudi Bowling Federation was established in 1992 and aims to promote the sport of bowling in the Kingdom. It focuses on forming competitive national teams for local, regional, and international competitions, developing the sport, and supporting sports activities in schools to help develop students' personalities.

The Saudi Arabian Handball Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of handball. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic Committee and was established in 1975. The federation has achieved numerous accomplishments at the regional and international levels. The Saudi national team has reached the World Championship ten times, the youth team has qualified for the World Cup four times, and the junior team has qualified for the World Cup twice.

The Saudi Basketball Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of basketball. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1963.

The Saudi Archery Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing the sport of archery. It became independent from the Arab Shooting and Archery Federation in 2013.

The Saudi Boxing Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of boxing. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1980.

The Saudi Volleyball Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of volleyball. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1963. The Saudi Volleyball Federation joined several federations:

- The International Volleyball Federation in 1964.

- The Asian Volleyball Confederation in 1976.

- The Arab Volleyball Association in 1976.

The Saudi Tennis Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of tennis. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1966.

The Saudi Judo Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of judo. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1976.

The Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing athletics. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1963.

The Saudi Golf Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sport of golf. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1999.

The Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing and overseeing the sports of billiards and snooker. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport and was established in 1991.

The Saudi Arabian Extreme Sports Federation was established in 2020, with its headquarters located in the capital, Riyadh. It works to develop extreme sports practitioners, provide suitable venues for practicing these sports, and issue licenses for clubs.

The Saudi Life Saving Federation is the national entity responsible for overseeing rescue and aquatic safety. It was established in 2019 and is headquartered in the capital, Riyadh.

The Saudi Ice Sports Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing ice sports in the Kingdom. It was established as an independent entity in 2022, after previously being part of the Saudi Winter Sports Federation.

The Saudi Snow Sports Federation is the national entity responsible for snow sports in the Kingdom. It was established as an independent entity in 2022, after previously being part of the Saudi Winter Sports Federation.

The Saudi Canoe and Kayak Federation is the national entity responsible for overseeing the sports of canoeing and kayaking. It was established in 2017 and began its first activities in 2021, with more than 3,500 participants joining. The federation received international recognition from the International Canoe Federation on November 4, 2021.

The Saudi Paralympic Swimming Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing Paralympic swimming. It aims to develop talent and support athletes with disabilities to compete in swimming. It was established in 2022.

The Saudi Paralympic Athletics Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing athletics for people with disabilities in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Federation for Visual Impairments is the national entity responsible for organizing sports for individuals with visual impairments in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Lacrosse Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing the sport of lacrosse in the Kingdom. Its headquarters is located in Riyadh City.

The Saudi Triathlon Federation was established in 2017 and is dedicated to promoting the sport of triathlon across various cities in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Bodybuilding Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing bodybuilding competitions and events in the Kingdom. Its establishment decision was issued in 2019.

The Saudi Federation for Sitting and Chair Games is the national entity responsible for organizing sports for individuals with mobility impairments in the Kingdom. It was established on March 13, 2022.

The Saudi Boccia Federation is the national entity responsible for organizing sports for individuals with disabilities in the Kingdom. It was established on March 13, 2022.

The Saudi Paragliding Federation is the national entity responsible for regulating the sport of paragliding in the Kingdom. It aims to empower practitioners of this sport and contribute to its development throughout the Kingdom.

The Saudi Rugby Federation is the national entity responsible for the sport of rugby in the Kingdom. Its headquarters is located in Riyadh City.

The Kingdom is home to numerous sports facilities distributed across various cities and governorates of the Kingdom. These include three sports halls located in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and seventeen sports cities, which are:

- King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah Governorate.

- King Abdulaziz Sport City in Makkah al-Mukarramah City, covering an area of approximately 896,000 m².

- Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Sport City in al-Khubar Governorate, covering an area of 112,000 m².

- Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Sports City in al-Hufuf, al-Ahsa Governorate, covering an area of 280,000 m².

- King Fahd Sport City in Riyadh.

- Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Sport City in Riyadh.

- Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Sport City in Jeddah.

- King Abdullah Sport City in Qassim Province located in Buraydah City.

- King Saud Sport City in al-Bahah City, covering an area of approximately 446 m².

- Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Sport City in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah covering an area of 160,000 m².

- King Khaled Bin Abdulaziz Sport City in Tabuk City, covering an area of approximately 755,000 m²

- Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sport City in Abha city, covering an area of approximately 242 m²

- Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz Sport City, located on the highway between Dammam and al-Jubayl.

- Al-Majma'ah Sport City in al-Majma'ah Governorate.

- Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Sport City in Hail City.

- Prince Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Sport City in Wadi ad-Dawasir, Riyadh Province.

- King Fahd Sport City in Taif, covering an area of two hundred thousand m².

- King Faisal Sport City in Jazan City, opened in 1989.

- Prince Hathloul Sport City in Najran City.

- Prince Abdullah Bin Musaed Sport City in Ar'ar City.

To achieve the sports objectives in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Sport announced on November 19, 2023, the renaming of three sports stadiums to sports cities. The new names are: King Fahd Sport City in Riyadh, Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Sport City in Riyadh, and Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Sport City in Jeddah.

Additionally, there are approximately thirty-six sports stadiums in various cities and governorates of the Kingdom, as follows:

- King Saud University Stadium (Al-Awwal Park) - Riyadh.

- Al-Shabab Club Stadium - Riyadh.

- Kingdom Arena Stadium - Riyadh.

- Al-Ahli Club Stadium - Jeddah.

- King Abdullah Sports City Stadium - Jeddah.

- King Abdullah Sports City Reserve Stadium - Jeddah.

- King Abdulaziz University Sports Stadium - Jeddah.

- King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium - Makkah al-Mukarramah.

- Al-Wehda Club Stadium - Makkah al-Mukarramah.

- Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Stadium - al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

- Al Ansar Club Stadium - Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

- Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Stadium - Dammam.

- Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium - Al-Khubar.

- Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium - Al-Ahsa.

- Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium - Dammam.

- Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium - Al-Ahsa.

- King Abdullah Sports City Stadium - Buraydah.

- Prince Hathloul Bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium - Najran.

- King Abdullah Sports City Stadium - Ar-Rass.

- Al Hazm Club Stadium - Ar-Rass.

- King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium - Tabuk.

- Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium - Abha.

- Al-Shoulla Club Stadium - Al-Kharj.

- Al-Orobah Club Stadium - Sikaka.

- Al-Batin Club Stadium - Hafr al-Batin.

- Al-Khaleej Club Stadium - Saihat.

- Al-Majma'ah Sports City Stadium - Al-Majma'ah.

- Al-Batin Club Stadium - Hafr al-Batin.

- Al-Raed Club Stadium - Buraydah.

- King Saud Sports City Stadium - Al-Bahah.

- Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Stadium - Hail.

- Damac Club Stadium - Khamis Mushayt.

The number of clubs in various sports in the Kingdom is approximately 171. It is noteworthy that the oldest club in the Kingdom is al-Ittihad Club, which was established in 1927 in Jeddah City. The club includes eleven sports, as follows: tennis, swimming, water polo, judo, gymnastics, karate, volleyball, athletics, football, basketball, and table tennis. The newest club is the Fayfa Club, which was established in 2016 in the city of Fayfa. It includes five sports: football, volleyball, karate, table tennis, and taekwondo. Other clubs, listed by their establishment date, include al-Ahli, al-Ettifaq, al-Khaleej, al-Wehda, al-Shabab, al-Safa, al-Tuhami, al-Nahda, Hajer, al-Riyadh, al-Fayha, al-Faisaly, al-Raed, al-Nassr, al-Hilal, al-Majd, al-Arabi, al-Hazm, al-Nakheel, al-Najma, al-Tai, al-Watani, al-Bukiryah, Munief, al-Salam, Bish, al-Omran, Tuwaiq, al-Suqoor, al-Badaya, Ohod, Abha, al-Ansar, al-Sharq, al-Hidaya, al-Jazeera, al-Jubail, Radwa, al-Taawoun, al-Qadsiah, al-Washm, al-Ibtisam, al-Shoulla, Hera, al-Kawkab, Okaz, al-Taraji, Mudhar, al-Zulfi, al-Qaisumah, al-Kholood, al-Yarmouk, al-Ard, Damac, al-Hamada, al-Noor, al-Qarah, al-Taqadom, al-Anwar, al-Thuqbah, al-Liwa, al-Amjad, al-Qala, Sudair, al-Houra, al-Orouba, al-Qurayat, al-Mujazzal, al-Jawaa, al-Zaitoon, Fid, Afif, Arar, al-Muzahimiyah, al-Areen, al-Artawi, al-Baha, al-Deraa, al-Diraiyah, al-Ghouta, al-Hait, al-Hada, Hetten, al-Jandal, al-Jeel, al-Khalidi, al-Mehmal, al-Muheet, Najd, al-Njoom, al-Okhdood, Ras Tanura, al-Rawdah, al-Sarawat, al-Sir, Sharurah, al-Sumoud, al-Tadhamun, al-Tasamoh, Wej, Sajer, al-Jabalain, al-Wadi al-Akhdar, al-Tobad, al-Nairyah, Jubbah, al-Ain, al-Waseel, al-Intisar, Kumait, al-Khowildiah, Mosdh, Najran, al-Shaeib, al-Aghar, al-Batin, al-Sadd, al-Salmiya, al-Ghazwa, Jerash, al-Sahel, Thahlan, Muhayil, Duba, al-Batin, al-Hejaz, al-Rayyan, al-Sawari, al-Watan, Rijal Alma'a, al-Eetemad, al-Hilaliyah, al-Mooj, al-Qaws, al-Sahari, al-Shorouq, Ushaiqr, al-Bajadyah, Sdoos, Samira, Fao, Haql, al-Dahab, al-Adalah, al-Entelaq, Abqaiq, al-Lith, al-Moseef, al-Ula, al-Saqr, al-Taraf, al-Aqeeq, al-Faroq, Tabarjal, Hbuna-Najran, al-Qwara, and Qilwah.

The Kingdom has a number of national football teams that represent the country in international competitions and tournaments. These include the senior national team, the U-23 Olympic team, the youth teams (U-21, U-20, U-19), the junior teams (U-18, U-17, U-16), the cadet teams (U-16, U-15), the futsal team, as well as the beach soccer team. Additionally, there is the senior women's national team and the women's teams (U-20, U-17). The senior national football team has participated in the World Cup six times and has won the Arab Cup twice, the Gulf Cup three times, and the AFC Asian Cup three times in the years 1984, 1988, and 1996.

The national sports associations are an important pillar for sports in the Kingdom and a supporter of official sports institutions. They are regulated and overseen by the relevant government entities, making them an official umbrella for interested and amateur sports practitioners. These associations contribute to the discovery of talents and the encouragement of sports practices, which fosters a dynamic and heightened sports awareness in the community. They are subject to several conditions for their establishment and accreditation. The number of national sports associations in the Kingdom is estimated to be around twenty-three, as follows:

- The Charitable Association for the Athletes Care - Makkah al-Mukarramah.

- Moshat Zulfi Association - Riyadh.

- Mushat Taif Association - Makkah al-Mukarramah.

- Sport Marketing Association - Riyadh.

- Sports Excellence Association - al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

- Sports Fitness Association - Northern Borders.

- Fursan Show Jumping Association - Jazan.

- Waed Sports Association - Najran.

- Veteran Football Players Association - Eastern Province.

- Automobile and Motorcycles Association - Riyadh.

- Riders Association - Riyadh.

- Saudi Football Players Association - Riyadh.

- Moshat Taibah Association - al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

- Rawdh Association for Physical Activity and Health - Riyadh.

- Darrajati Association - Riyadh.

- Ghemar for Leadership Adventures and Sports Association - Riyadh.

- Sports Creativity Association - Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

- Mushat Yanbu Association - Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

- Mushat Jazan and Hiking Association - Jazan.

- Walking and Running Association - Eastern Province.

- Nashat Association for Community Sports - Hail.

- Walking and Mountains Climbing Sports Association - Aseer.

- Kataya Association for Mind Sports - Makkah al-Mukarramah.

The Kingdom makes significant efforts in the field of sports, whether it involves establishing new facilities, developing existing ones, expanding electronic services, or providing reliable references for various sports entities. Additionally, the Kingdom pays special attention to sports medicine and sports media, and strives for global recognition in various sports.

The Kingdom has sought to equip, complete, and develop sports facilities, including sports medicine. Consequently, Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Bin Abdulaziz Sports Medicine Hospital was established in 1986. This specialized hospital provides a comprehensive and diverse range of sports medical services, including exercise physiology, biomechanics (the analysis of body movement during exercises), sports psychology, and sports nutrition. It also focuses on clinical sports medicine in all its preventive and therapeutic aspects. Its departments include the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, the Department of Movement and Physical Effort Functions, the Department of Cardiology and Respiratory, Nursing, Radiology, Laboratories, Nutrition, Pharmacy, and the Internal Medicine Department, which encompasses clinics for internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, nutrition, and family health. Additionally, it includes the Surgical Department, which comprises clinics for orthopedics and sports injuries, emergency and medical coverage clinics, sports medicine, ophthalmology clinics, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) clinics, and dental clinics.

The Kingdom established the Saudi Sports Media Federation in 2017, to regulate and develop sports media and elevate the standard of sports media coverage. Additionally, the Ministry of Sport launched its initiative to develop sports media, which included:

- Providing training programs for sports journalists.

- Allocating an award for outstanding sports media.

As for Saudi sports media, it is divided into:

Sports media channels in the Kingdom, including:

- The Saudi Sports Company (SSC): A Saudi sports network consisting of several channels that hold the broadcasting rights for all Saudi tournaments, in addition to continental and local competitions. It was announced in 2021.

- The Saudi Sports Channels Group (KSA SPORTS): Supervised by the Ministry of Sport, it broadcasts most of the sports activities that take place in the Kingdom.

Printed and electronic newspapers and magazines, including:

- Arriyadiyah Newspaper: A daily newspaper specializing in sports news, launched in January 1987 in Riyadh.

- Sport Saudi.

- Saudi.

- Al-Jamahir.

- Al-Kass Sports Newspaper.

- Kooora Saudi website.

The participation of Saudi women in sports began in 2003 with the establishment of women's teams in football, basketball, and volleyball. The first women's sports academy was founded in 2006, and women were allowed to attend the Formula One race at the Reem International Circuit in 2011. However, the true breakthrough came in 2017 with the decision to permit the establishment of Saudi women's sports clubs. In 2018, an order was issued to allocate 15 percent of stadium seating to female spectators.

The first women's community football league in the Kingdom was held with the participation of eighteen teams, comprising six hundred players divided across three cities in the Kingdom. Riyadh hosted ten teams, Jeddah had four teams, and Dammam also participated with four teams.

The first official women's football league in the Kingdom was held in 2021 in the city of Jeddah, featuring six women's football teams. The number of national women's teams in the Kingdom reached twenty-five, spanning twenty-five different sports, each belonging to an independent federation. Additionally, the number of female memberships in the boards of sports federations reached thirty-seven across various federations.

Among the efforts made by the Ministry of Sport to support and develop women's sports is the establishment of an immersion program for newcomers in refereeing. This program was conducted in collaboration with the main referees committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. It is the first program of its kind and saw the participation of twenty-two Saudi female referees from various cities across the Kingdom.

Princess Reema Bint Bandar Bin Sultan is a prominent figure in Saudi women's sports. She served as the Deputy President of the General Sports Authority for the Women's Section in 2016. She was later elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee, which is responsible for organizing the Olympic Games.

Saudi achievements in women's sports

- In 2020, the Kingdom participated with its largest female sports delegation, comprising seventy-two athletes, in the Arab Women Sports Tournament in Sharjah and won twelve medals.

- The participation of sprinter Yasmeen al-Dabbagh and judoka Tahani al-Qahtani in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

- The participation of Maryam al-Muraisel, a table tennis player for people with special needs, in the 2020 Olympic Games, where she also won a silver medal in the Jordan International Table Tennis Championship.

- Sixty-six female athletes competed in eight sports and won eleven medals during the GCC Games in 2019.

- Amjad al-Amri, a kart racing driver, won the title of the first women's championship in the Kingdom in 2018, and secured second place in the same championship in 2019.

- Aseel al-Hamad was the first Saudi woman to drive a Formula One car during the eighth round of the Formula One World Championship in the 2018 season.

- Reema Juffali secured second place in the endurance race championship in Dubai in 2018. She is also the first Saudi woman to participate in the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY electric car race on the streets of Riyadh.

- The participation of sprinter Sarah Attar, fencer Lubna al-Omair, sprinter Kariman Abuljadayel, and judoka Joud Fahmy in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil.

- The participation of sprinter Sarah Attar and judoka Wojdan Shaherkani in the 2012 London Olympics.

- Equestrian Amal Faisal became the first Saudi woman to obtain an international jockey license after earning it locally.

- Hasna al-Hamad ascended the podiums in fencing, participating in four domestic championships and twelve international championships. She won a silver medal in the Arab Championship in Jordan, a gold medal in the Arab Championship in Kuwait, a gold medal in the sixth Gulf Games in Kuwait, and a gold medal in the Asian round held in Riyadh.

- Saudi driver Dania Akeel secured fourth place in the T3 category of the Baja World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies in Baja Italy, the eighth round of the championship, with one round remaining before the end of the championship.

- Winning the bronze medal in their first global participation in the kata competition at the Karate 1 Premier League, organized by the World Karate Federation in Cairo.

Saudi Women's Sports Clubs include: Riyadh Ladies, Sama, al-Tahadi, Riyadh United, Riyadh Stars, Najd Sports, al-Yamama, Blue Arrows, Raiders, Riyadh Power, Storm, Jeddah Eagles, White Lion, Meras, Kings United, Tigers, Jeddah Wave, Jeddah Challenge, al-Amal, United Eagles, Eastern Flames, Kingdom Team, Dammam United.

The Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, provides opportunities to showcase the athletic talents of students in schools and universities, including at the level of:

- General Education: Several competitions in football have been designated for school students, including: The School League, which attracts students interested in sports to compete in the league at the level of cities and governorates of the Kingdom. On the other hand, the Saudi educational system allocates weekly periods from the school schedules for practicing sports in schools. It also promotes sports participation for girls at the school level, and includes several sports, such as: football, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and fitness exercises. In 2017, the Ministry of Education issued a decision to start implementing physical education programs in girls' schools, to increase the percentage of sports practitioners in society, and to achieve one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. After issuing the decision, the ministry worked on preparing girls' schools and equipping their facilities with the necessary tools.

- At the level of academic education, the Saudi Universities Sports Federation was established to focus on the university sports movement, support it, develop it, and raise its level. The federation undertakes a number of tasks including: organizing high-quality sports activities and events for university students through adopting a distinctive organizational framework and mutual cooperation with national sports federations, supervising sports activities between institutions under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, and representing Saudi universities in local, regional, and international sports participations.

Sports academies are defined as: any private sports entity, whether a company or an institution, registered under a commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce, whose activities include providing sports and recreational education and training. It can consist of a single sport or multiple sports. According to the definition in the Sports Academies Regulations, an academy is: a sports body with an independent legal personality, specialized in discovering, training, and refining sports talents at an early age, in accordance with the best and latest educational and training methods and means. The Kingdom includes a number of sports academies affiliated with some international clubs, such as Real Madrid Club Academy, Juventus Academy, and FC Barcelona School. These academies and schools work on developing the sports skills of those enrolled in their programs. On the other hand, a number of sports academies affiliated with Saudi clubs perform the same role, including: al-Hilal Academy, al-Nasr Football Club Academy, in addition to al-Shabab Club academies and al-Ahli Club Academy, among others.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, launched the Investment and Privatization Project for Saudi sports clubs on June 5, 2023. The project involves private sector participation aimed at sustainable development of the sport sector as part of Saudi Vision 2030. The project's initial phase includes two main tracks: first, approving investments from major companies and developmental entities into sport clubs in exchange for club ownership, and second, initiating the privatization of several sport clubs starting from the fourth quarter of 2023.

The first phase of the sport clubs' privatization in the Kingdom commenced with the transfer of the ownership of four clubs to national companies. Indeed, al-Qadsiah Club ownership was transferred to Saudi Aramco, al-Diriyah Club to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, al-Ula Club to the Royal Commission for AlUla, and al-Suqoor Club to the NEOM company. The PIF invested in four Saudi clubs, al-Ittihad, al-Ahli, al-Nassr, and al-Hilal, by transforming them into companies owned by the fund and establishing a non-profit institution for each club.

On July 2, 2024, the Council of Ministers approved the project to privatize fourteen sports clubs and empowered the Supervisory Committee for Privatization in the Sport Sector to grant approvals for the privatization of sport clubs across various divisions, including Pro, First, Second, Third, and Fourth. The second phase of the investment and privatization project for sport clubs included the following clubs: al-Zulfi, al-Nahda, al-Okhdood, al-Ansar, al-Orouba, al-Kholood, al-Shoulla, Hajar, al-Najma, al-Riyadh, al-Rawda, Jeddah, al-Taraji, and al-Sahel.

Football is one of the most popular sports in the Kingdom, with a large fan base attending major sporting events. Saudi clubs compete in various football tournaments, including: the King's Cup, the Roshn Saudi League, the Saudi Super Cup, the Women's Premier League, the Women's First Division League, the First Division Yelo League, the Second Division League, the Saudi Third Division Clubs League, the Saudi Futsal Premier League, and the Saudi Futsal Federation Cup.

Formula One in Jeddah. (Saudipedia)

The Formula E races are held annually in the Kingdom, specifically in the historic ad-Dir'iyyah, known as the 'Jewel of the Kingdom,' located in Riyadh Province. The races will continue in the Kingdom for ten years, starting from 2018 until 2028. The competition takes place over two consecutive days on the ad-Dir'iyyah track, in different months each season. The Kingdom is the first country in the Middle East to host these races.

The Kingdom hosts and organizes various global sporting events, starting with the King Salman World Chess Championship, the Riyadh International Marathon, and WWE wrestling competitions. Additionally, the Kingdom has signed the largest sponsorship and broadcasting agreement for football in the Middle East, a ten-year contract worth SAR6.6 billion.

In 2019, the Kingdom organized twenty international events and tournaments across various sports, including:

- January 2019: Italian Super Cup in Jeddah.

- March 2019: Battle of the Champions for Adventure Sports, Jet Ski Championship, Red Bull Air Race, Formula One Powerboat Championship, Kingdom Sailboat Championship.

- June 2019: WWE Super ShowDown, FIBA 3x3 World Tour, Kingdom Kiteboarding Championship, PUBG Championship.

- July 2019: Red Sea International Fishing Championship, Freefall Skydiving Championship.

- August 2019: IHF Super Globe (Handball Club World Championship), Crown Prince Camel Festival.

- October 2019: 3x3 Basketball Championship.

- November 2019: Formula E race in ad-Dir'iyyah.

- December 2019: Historic Battle of ad-Dir'iyyah, Diriyah Tennis Cup, Diriyah Equestrian Festival, Italian Super Cup in Riyadh.

In 2021, the Kingdom hosted significant motorsport competitions including the Dakar Rally 2021 with over five hundred participants from various countries. The Olympic Council of Asia announced Riyadh as the host city for the 2034 Asian Games, marking the first time the Kingdom hosted this event. Additionally, the Kingdom organized the Eastern Province Desert Rally, part of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rally (Baja).

The Kingdom also hosted for the first time the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix of Formula One, one of the rounds of the Formula One races for 2021, on the Jeddah Governorate Corniche. The Kingdom continued its series of hosting diverse global racing tournaments by hosting the Extreme E al-Ula race in al-Ula Governorate. The event featured eighteen male and female competitors representing nine international teams and marked the first race in the history of the Extreme E series for electric SUVs.

In 2021, the Ministry of Sport also announced that the Kingdom would host the IHF Super Globe 2021 for the second consecutive time in Jeddah Governorate. Additionally, the Kingdom was announced as the host for the Youth World Weightlifting Championships in Jeddah, with participation from forty-five countries.

In 2022, the Kingdom launched the third edition of the Saudi Dakar Rally 2022. Additionally, the Kingdom hosted the Spanish Super Cup for the third time, and the Asian Handball Championship, a qualifier for the 2023 World Championship. The Kingdom also launched the Saudi Tour 2022 with the participation of approximately fifteen international teams. Furthermore, the Formula E race in ad-Dir'iyyah 2023 was held as part of the eighth season of the FIA Formula E World Championship, marking the fourth time the Kingdom has hosted this event.

In 2023, champions Omar and Abdullah Nada won the gold medal at the 2023 World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Additionally, the Saudi team won the 2023 World Cup for Endurance Horse Racing in South Africa, and rider Hassan Aseeri secured the individual gold medal.

The Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Sport, continued to host global sports events and activities, including:

- The Kingdom hosting the twentieth edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in Jeddah City, with Manchester City of England crowned champions after the competition.

- Hosting the 2023 IHF Super Globe World Club Handball Championship in Dammam, with twelve teams participating representing ten countries from around the world, and concluding with a victory for the German team Magdeburg.

- Hosting the 2024 World Cup for Show Jumping.

- Hosting the World Cadets and Juniors Fencing Championships (Men's and Women's categories) in 2024.

- Hosting the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2025.

- Hosting the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2026.

- Hosting the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

- Hosting the Asian Winter Games in 2029 in Trojena.

- Hosting the Asian Summer Games in 2034.

On October 4, 2023, the Kingdom announced its intention to bid for hosting the 2034 World Cup. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation, through a comprehensive plan, aims to leverage all resources and capabilities to provide an unprecedented experience for football fans at this global event. This bid is supported by the endorsement of 130 football federations around the world.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud confirmed that the Kingdom's intention to host the 2034 World Cup reflects the comprehensive development it has achieved across all sectors and levels. This development has positioned the Kingdom as a leading center and an international venue for hosting major and significant global events across various fields, supported by its economic assets and rich cultural and historical heritage.

On July 29, 2024, the Crown Prince endorsed the Kingdom's bid file for hosting the 2034 World Cup after concluding the details and requirements for the file in preparation for submitting it to FIFA in Paris, France, by the official Saudi delegation.

On July 29, 2024, the Kingdom has officially submitted its bid file for hosting the 2034 World Cup in Paris during a ceremony held by FIFA. The submission was made by an official delegation led by the Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki, the President of the Saudi Football Federation Yasser al-Mishal, and included two children from the regional training centers of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

The submission of the bid file is one of the stages in the bidding process, which began with the Kingdom's announcement of its intention to bid for the host of the 2034 World Cup. This will be followed by official inspection visits by FIFA, a comprehensive evaluation of the bid file, and culminates in the official announcement of the host country for the 2034 World Cup on December 11, 2024.