Riyadh, February 23, 2025 – In a significant display of continued collaboration and mutual commitment to advancing global sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, the Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), warmly welcomed Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to Riyadh today. This visit marks Bach’s fourth official trip to Saudi Arabia since his election to the IOC presidency in 2013, reflecting the long-standing and strengthening relationship between the IOC and the Kingdom.
During the visit, both parties emphasized the growing role Saudi Arabia is playing in the international sports community, particularly in the context of Saudi Vision 2030. Under this ambitious national reform plan, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a dynamic and forward-looking global sports hub, committed to fostering sports development and innovation. This partnership with the IOC is a key aspect of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy and enhance its international standing through the power of sport.
A cornerstone of this evolving relationship is Saudi Arabia’s active involvement in hosting major international sporting events. One of the most notable initiatives to emerge from this collaboration is the announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host of the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, a groundbreaking event that will blend traditional sports with the growing global phenomenon of esports. This move highlights the Kingdom’s ability to lead in both traditional sports and cutting-edge, digitally driven competitions.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal expressed his pride in the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the IOC, noting that it is essential to the Kingdom’s ambitions to make sports more accessible to all citizens while positioning Saudi Arabia as a top destination for global sporting events. This collaboration reflects the shared vision of both entities to promote health, unity, and youth engagement through sports, creating lasting legacies for future generations.
Bach’s visit comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is increasingly attracting global attention for its commitment to elevating the standards of sports infrastructure, investment, and innovation. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has made significant strides in hosting world-class events across various sports, further solidifying its position as a key player on the international sports stage.
With the successful partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia growing stronger, both entities are looking toward an exciting future where sports not only serve as a means of entertainment but also as a vehicle for fostering international cooperation, cultural exchange, and personal development on a global scale.
