Riyadh will host the second edition of the World Stadiums & Arenas Summit on October 14–15, 2026 at Hilton Riyadh, bringing together government officials, investors, developers and industry experts to explore opportunities in sports infrastructure development and investment.
The summit comes as
Saudi Arabia accelerates the expansion of its sports facilities and
infrastructure ahead of major international events, including the AFC Asian Cup
2027 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
According to a report
by SURJ Sports Investment, Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure sector is
expected to exceed $22 billion in market value by 2030, with estimates
indicating that it could contribute approximately $16.5 billion annually to the
country’s gross domestic product by the end of the decade.
The event will focus on stadium and arena design, development and operations, alongside investment opportunities in multi-purpose venues, entertainment destinations and emerging technologies.
Discussions will examine how operators and investors can establish
sustainable business models that generate revenue beyond major sporting
tournaments.
Key topics will
include public-private partnerships, sports facility financing, smart stadium
technologies, fan experience, sustainability and operational efficiency.
The programme will
also explore artificial intelligence, asset management, privatisation models
and strategies to maximise the commercial use of venues throughout the year.
The Ministry of Sport
will participate as an Event Partner, while the National Centre for Privatisation
(NCP) and JLL are among the summit’s partners.
Over two days, local
and international experts will share insights on investment partnerships,
technology integration and sustainable venue management, providing a platform
for stakeholders to exchange expertise and explore potential collaborations.
The summit aims to support the next phase of Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure development by connecting decision-makers and solution providers and highlighting investment opportunities as the Kingdom prepares for an expanded international sporting calendar. -TradeArabia News Service