As the sector prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the spotlight shifts to the follow-up event in 2034, which has been presented to Saudi Arabia. While the state has bold plans to host this prestigious event, it is very important to significantly assess whether Saudi Arabia is without a doubt ready to take on the huge undertaking of hosting the FIFA World Cup. Despite huge investments in infrastructure, huge gaps in experience, transport, accommodation, and fan engagement are critical boundaries for a successful World Cup.
Lack of Experience in Organizing Large Sporting Events
Saudi Arabia has made high-quality advances in various sectors, but its track record on websites hosting major international broadcast events is limited. Countries with a proven track record of getting big events right – such as Germany, Brazil, and Russia – bring valuable knowledge that can greatly enhance the experience for players, fans, and organizers alike. The SPL achieved a record-breaking 2022/23 season, marked by a surge in match-day attendance and global viewership, with broadcasts available on 48 platforms in 170 countries.
In contrast, Saudi Arabia has recently started to become a global sports destination, with activities such as Formula E racing, boxing suits, and the Saudi Grand Prix making headlines. However, these opportunities are small compared to the logistical and operational complexities of the FIFA World Cup. The task of tackling a month-long fixture involving more than one team and a bevvy of lovers requires a certain amount of joy and talent that Saudi Arabia lacks at the moment.
Transport Infrastructure Challenges
Transport is an important part of any important transport event. Fans, players, and officials want green and reliable transport options for transport between stadiums, pubs, and other venues. Although Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in infrastructure, which consists of new airports and highways, the current transportation network still presents several challenging situations.
Cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam currently lack the public transport systems commonly found in international locations that have successfully hosted the World Cup. For example, cities like London and Berlin boast large public delivery systems that allow for hassle-free movement. In the assessment, lovers in Saudi Arabia can face challenging situations in navigating transportation alternatives, especially if they are particular about the place. Saudi Arabia boasts an extensive road network that spans over 200,000 kilometres, with plans to add 3,500 kilometres of new roads.
Lack of Accommodation
Another pressing issue is accommodation for the influx of international visitors at some stage of the World Cup. Major carry events typically bring hordes of enthusiasts to the host state, requiring a large resort community and a variety of accommodation options. While Saudi Arabia is actively working to expand its tourism zone which is currently lacking sufficient accommodation to meet anticipated demand.
In cities like Doha, which has effectively hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a wide form of accommodation is readily available – along with luxury lodges, affordable hostels, and short-term rentals. In contrast, Saudi Arabia may struggle to offer a wide range of rooms for enthusiasts, media, and officials for the duration of the event. Without adequate accommodation, fans could have limited options, leading to exorbitant prices and terrible communal revelry.
In Riyadh, more than 85% of daily trips—around 8 million—are conducted using private cars, demonstrating a significant dependence on solo driving. Public transportation is scarcely utilized, accounting for only about 2% of all trips taken.
Fan Engagement and Experience
Successful sporting occasions are now defined not just through suits, but additionally for all fans to enjoy. Intervention activities, cultural experiences, and opportunities for fanatics to interact with the event create an atmosphere that promotes joy and birthday celebrations. Countries that delight in hosting essential activities often excel at developing fan zones, entertainment regions, and immersive cultural reviews to beautify the occasion.
While Saudi Arabia has plans to boost tourism and increase overall fan enjoyment, uncertainty remains about the extent to which the country can create an enticing ecosystem for global travel. The lack of gusto in websites hosting big events should prevent the potential to successfully engage enthusiasts. This engagement is critical as enthusiasts look for memorable messages around the suits themselves.
Potential Political and Social Issues
Hosting the FIFA World Cup requires a stable political and social environment to ensure the protection and safety of contributors and fans. While Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in recent years, the United States still faces scrutiny over its human rights record and political climate.
If the political and social issues remain unaddressed, this could result in boycotts, protests, and poor media coverage, which could tarnish the popularity of the FIFA World Cup. In addition, the potential for riots could deter international fanatics from attending, similarly affecting attendance numbers and the overall success of the event.
The government imposes strict limitations on freedom of expression, with activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens facing severe repercussions for criticizing the authorities or pushing for reforms. A notable example is the case of Salma al-Shehab, who was sentenced to 34 years in prison for her social media activities.
Conclusion
While Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup reflect its preference to become a premier participant at the global sporting level, major challenges remain. The lack of reluctance to host large global social occasions, coupled with transportation and accommodation issues, raises extreme questions about the readiness of the US to host any such huge event.
In addition, without the necessary infrastructure and logistical support fully advanced by 2034, fans may face obstacles that take away from their enjoyment. A successful World Cup requires not only large economic investments, but also a proven capacity to manage complex logistics, create compelling messages, and ensure the safety and luxury of all involved.
