The FIFA World Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the world, uniting nations and cultures under the banner of football. Hosting such an event requires a large financial investment and the country’s readiness in terms of infrastructure, tourism, hospitality, and the potential to ensure a safe and inclusive experience for all. While Saudi Arabia has grabbed headlines for its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, many factors suggest the country may not be fully equipped for this global event.
Readiness of the Tourism industry: Still in its infancy
One of the main problems with hosting the FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia is the current state of the tourism industry. While Saudi Arabia has made huge efforts to promote tourism through its Vision 2030 initiative, its tourism infrastructure needs to be more developed compared to established international destinations. Currently, the tourism sector accounts for approximately 6% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, and the government aims to boost this figure to 10% by the end of the decade.
Limited Accommodation Capacity
Saudi Arabia has seen a surge in hotel development in recent years, particularly in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. However, it still falls short in terms of the wide range of accommodation and variety of motels required for such a huge occasion as the World Cup. With thousands and thousands of enthusiasts, gamers, crews, and media professionals descending on the host need for sufficient centres, catering facilities and other services will become essential
Inexperienced Hospitality Sector
Although Saudi Arabia is actively working to improve its hospitality services, many of its staff in the zone remain inexperienced in handling the kind of global crowd that the World Cup attracts. The United States of America has started opening its doors to foreign vacationers at present and its provider continues to adapt to the needs and expectations of global visitors. The Kingdom aims to expand its hotel room inventory significantly, with a target of adding 315,000 new rooms by 2030.
Restrictions on Leisure Activities
Unlike international locations that have hosted the FIFA World Cup abroad, Saudi Arabia has strict rules and regulations when it comes to recreational and entertainment sports, especially those that cater to Western tastes. Alcohol, for example, is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia, which can be a major deterrent for many football fanatics accustomed to an extra-liberal environment during global tournaments.
Human Rights
Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its poor human rights record, raising major moral questions about its suitability as a World Cup side. Several global human rights corporations have consistently highlighted issues including suppression of free speech, gender inequality, and the treatment of migrant workers.
Suppression of Freedom of Speech and Expression
In Saudi Arabia, complaints from the government and its leaders are not always tolerated. Suppression of dissent and lack of press freedom can be a major problem, especially when the FIFA World Cup is an event that attracts international media attention. Journalists who wish to freely record numerous features in the US, along with any issues that arise during the event, may be restricted or even penalized for doing so.
Gender Inequality
While Saudi Arabia has made some strides in women’s rights — allowing women to drive and attend opportunities to wear them — gender inequality remains a big issue. However, women are required to adhere to strict dress codes and are concerned with legal custody guidelines that limit their autonomy. This raises the question of how mistresses, players, and officials might be treated during the World Cup.
Treatment of Migrant Workers
The treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia has been the subject of rivalry for years. Workers from countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh regularly face harsh working conditions, low wages, and limited criminal protection. Hosting the FIFA World Cup may in all likelihood require the construction of new stadiums, huts, and other infrastructure, raising concerns about the labor conditions of migrants tasked with these initiatives.
Strict Religious and Cultural Norms
Saudi Arabia’s criminal system is deeply rooted in Islamic regulation (Sharia), which governs all factors of lifestyle. Public displays of affection, consumption of alcohol or even mixing of the sexes in public spaces are strictly regulated. Additionally, these regulations can prove to be strict for visitors to global sites, many of whom come from nations with extremely liberal social norms. Cultural constraints can also discourage enthusiasts from participating, limiting the overall success of the event. Punishments for adultery differ based on marital status; unmarried offenders may receive flogging (100 lashes), whereas married offenders could face stoning to death.
Climate and Logistical Challenges
Another major issue surrounding Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup is its extreme climate. With temperatures often exceeding 40 °C (104 °F) throughout the summer months, playing outside at football matches would be nearly impossible. While Qatar, like every other Gulf nation, is set to host the 2022 World Cup at some stage in the colder, icy months, Saudi Arabia would face comparable scheduling challenges.
Extreme Heat
The heat in the summer season in Saudi Arabia is brutal and poses a great risk to players, crews, and enthusiasts alike. The heat should have an effect on the great condition, the performance of the participants, and the enjoyment of the fans. While air-conditioned stadiums may be an option, the environmental impact and logistical problems associated with cooling huge concourses in excessive heat would be significant. The Discomfort Index (DI) in Saudi Arabia surpasses 28°C for 8 to 16 hours each day during the summer months (June to September), primarily due to elevated temperatures and humidity levels.
Conclusion
While Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup shows its determination to emerge as a cutting-edge and progressive nation, the country faces some major challenges. Saudi Arabia may be unprepared to host this kind of global event, because of its underdeveloped tourism industry human rights issues, cultural regulations, and adverse weather conditions. FIFA and the international community must carefully consider these elements and consider Saudi Arabia’s bid to ensure that the World Cup continues to symbolize exceptional sportsmanship, inclusiveness, and international harmony.
