As criticism mounts over FIFA’s decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi amid human rights concerns, the Kingdom’s tourism board has insisted the event will leave a “positive legacy”.
Following the official announcement of Saudi as the event’s host country, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) CEO Fahd Hamidaddin outlined some of the measures the tourism ecosystem will put in place to deliver a “seamless and enjoyable experience” for visitors during the tournament.
These will include enhanced flight connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Hamidaddin highlighted the country’s already fast-growing tourism industry as a big advantage, with huge investment already underway to establish it as a leading global destination – part of a plan to reduce its reliance on oil. It is targeting 150 million tourists by 2030.
“Saudi welcomed over 100 million visitors in 2023, and we are the fastest-growing tourism destination in the G20,” he said.
“Our dynamic tourism sector ensures visitors have a seamless experience across all touchpoints, and we invite the world to experience the magic of Saudi now.”
The tournament will be spread across the Kingdom with host cities to include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM. Hamidaddin highlighted some of the key attractions as the mountains of Aseer, the Saudi Red Sea and its dunes as well as its human and natural heritage. “With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, Saudi is committed to delivering a tournament that celebrates the spirit of football and leaves a positive legacy for generations to come,” STA said. However, human rights organisations are outraged at the decision, with Amnesty International among them. “FIFA’s reckless decision… will put many lives at risk,” Amnesty’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport Steve Cockburn said in a statement jointly issued by 21 bodies. “FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless.” Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the head of the Saudi World Cup bid unit had shared several initiatives to safeguard workers’ rights as part of the country’s Vision 2030. “Now employees have the freedom of choice to move from one employer to the other,” Hammad Albalawi told the outlet. “A month and a half ago, the government announced a new insurance policy, meaning that if any company goes into bankruptcy, the government can step in and ensure workers are paid their dues.”
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The tournament will be spread across the Kingdom with host cities to include Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM. Hamidaddin highlighted some of the key attractions as the mountains of Aseer, the Saudi Red Sea and its dunes as well as its human and natural heritage. “With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, Saudi is committed to delivering a tournament that celebrates the spirit of football and leaves a positive legacy for generations to come,” STA said. However, human rights organisations are outraged at the decision, with Amnesty International among them. “FIFA’s reckless decision… will put many lives at risk,” Amnesty’s Head of Labour Rights and Sport Steve Cockburn said in a statement jointly issued by 21 bodies. “FIFA knows workers will be exploited and even die without fundamental reforms in Saudi Arabia, and yet has chosen to press ahead regardless.” Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the head of the Saudi World Cup bid unit had shared several initiatives to safeguard workers’ rights as part of the country’s Vision 2030. “Now employees have the freedom of choice to move from one employer to the other,” Hammad Albalawi told the outlet. “A month and a half ago, the government announced a new insurance policy, meaning that if any company goes into bankruptcy, the government can step in and ensure workers are paid their dues.”
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