Riyadh, December 31, 2024 – In a significant recognition of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing's efforts to advance Saudi Arabia's sports infrastructure, Minister Majed Al-Hogail was honored with the prestigious plaque at the Sports Investment Forum (SIF) held yesterday. The accolade was presented to the Minister in acknowledgment of the ministry's pivotal role in fostering a dynamic and sustainable sports investment environment, crucial for the Kingdom’s long-term strategic goals.
Minister Al-Hogail, during the ceremony, reaffirmed the Ministry's unwavering commitment to supporting the Kingdom's national vision for the development of the sports sector. He emphasized the Ministry's integral role in the ongoing efforts to create world-class infrastructure that would not only elevate the local sports scene but also help position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for major sporting events and activities.
In his speech, Minister Al-Hogail underscored the importance of an integrated and robust infrastructure, which he described as the backbone of the country's ambitious sports sector transformation. “Our efforts to develop state-of-the-art facilities and supportive environments are not just about improving the local sports landscape; they are essential in attracting international sporting events that will contribute to both the economic and social development goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030,” Al-Hogail stated.
He also highlighted the broader economic impact of these developments, emphasizing that the ministry’s initiatives are designed to create sustainable sports ecosystems that offer diverse opportunities for investment, innovation, and employment. This, he said, would play a crucial role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in the sports industry, while simultaneously fostering a vibrant and active society.
The event also featured a speech by Ibrahim Al-Bakri, CEO of the Sports Investment Forum (SIF), who presented the minister with the award. Al-Bakri lauded the deepening collaboration between the sports and municipal sectors, calling it a vital partnership that is already yielding tangible results. He highlighted the synergy between these sectors in developing a coherent strategy that not only enhances the infrastructure required for sports events but also builds a foundation for sustainable investments, both local and international.
“The partnership between the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and the sports sector is a key enabler of the Kingdom’s vision to create a sustainable and thriving sports ecosystem,” said Al-Bakri. “The dedication and forward-thinking approach demonstrated by Minister Al-Hogail and his team are critical to unlocking the potential of sports investments and ensuring that the Kingdom’s sports sector remains globally competitive.”
As Saudi Arabia moves towards achieving the ambitious targets set out in Vision 2030, the integration of advanced infrastructure with cutting-edge sports investments remains a cornerstone of the country’s broader economic diversification strategy. The Ministry’s role in this endeavor is vital, not only in supporting sports investments but also in creating a vibrant cultural and social landscape that resonates with both locals and visitors.
The recognition at the Sports Investment Forum marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing journey to transform its sports sector, positioning it at the forefront of global sporting achievements and investments. With continued collaboration between government agencies, sports organizations, and the private sector, Saudi Arabia is poised to lead the way in sustainable sports development in the Middle East and beyond.
This recognition of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing is a testament to the Kingdom's determination to create a lasting legacy through strategic investments that support its Vision 2030 goals, fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation across all sectors of society.
