Riyadh, November 12, 2024 — The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is preparing to host one of the most anticipated events in the global football industry, the World Football Summit (WFS), on December 2-3, 2024, at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. This prestigious summit is set to draw over 2,000 attendees, including influential figures, stakeholders, and decision-makers from across the football world. SAFF’s hosting of the summit underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international football growth and showcases Saudi Arabia’s ambitions as an emerging powerhouse in the sport.
Building on the achievements of last year’s inaugural summit in Jeddah, the upcoming WFS aims to continue the momentum of thought-provoking discussions, networking, and valuable business and sports opportunities that marked the event’s debut in the Kingdom. The 2023 summit saw an impressive gathering of athletes, executives, and other key figures in football, facilitating discussions that spanned two days focused on innovation, strategic partnerships, and the advancement of football both in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
SAFF Secretary-General Ibrahim Al-Kassim emphasized the Federation’s commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role on the global sports stage. He noted that hosting the WFS in Riyadh not only elevates Saudi Arabia’s visibility in the football world but also aligns with the country’s broader goals of achieving a lasting impact in international sports. “This summit reaffirms our dedication to advancing football at both the local and international levels,” Al-Kassim stated, extending an invitation to the global football community to join this event, share insights, and engage in productive exchanges that contribute to the sport’s business dimensions.
WFS Director Jan Alessie echoed this sentiment, noting the enthusiasm and dedication displayed by Saudi officials in their support of football’s growth across all tiers. “Our return to the Kingdom reflects the country's prominent emergence as a central hub for football development and innovation,” Alessie remarked, highlighting that the Kingdom’s increased engagement with global football is helping to shape Saudi Arabia as a vital meeting point for pioneering sports initiatives and collaborations.
As Saudi Arabia continues its strategic efforts to become a central player in the international sports arena, the World Football Summit in Riyadh is expected to solidify the Kingdom’s reputation as a leader in football innovation, development, and industry growth. The event offers a powerful platform for collaboration, uniting stakeholders around shared goals of elevating the sport, maximizing its business potential, and driving the future of football on a global scale.