The announcement of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup has sparked global conversations. It is about the nation’s suitability to host such a huge event without much experience previously. The major reason is the lack of opportunities in Saudi Arabia, especially when it comes to dealing with major international broadcast events such as the FIFA World Cup. The country faces an infrastructure gap estimated at 2.5% of its GDP, highlighting the shortfall in necessary investments needed to support sustainable economic growth.
The World Cup is not just a football match; it’s an international celebration that requires world-class expertise in logistics, security, infrastructure management, hospitality, and fan engagement. This loss of experience can lead to logistical problems, protection issues, and a lack of enjoyment for fans and sponsors alike.
The complexity of hosting the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest event in the world, attracting millions of fans, hundreds of players, and the attention of countries around the world. The scale of the event cannot be underestimated. FIFA World Cup organizers are expected to master a wide range of logistical elements that consist of building and maintaining international-class stadiums, providing top-level accommodation, ensuring public protection, coordinating efficient transport structures, and presenting fan enjoyment, all-inclusive. and remarkable. The World Bank estimates that the region will need at least $100 billion in annual investments over the next five to ten years to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure while addressing critical bottlenecks.
Challenges in infrastructure management
The World Cup puts great demands on the country’s infrastructure. Host international locations must no longer only have international-class stadiums, but also sufficient public transport, accommodation alternatives, and recreational facilities for lovers. Saudi Arabia has made strides in improving its infrastructure in recent years, particularly with mega projects like NEOM and Vision 2030 tasks. One of the key challenges is transportation. While Saudi Arabia has begun building new airports, rail networks, and highways, many of these initiatives are still ongoing. Coping with the traffic cravings of millions of fanatics at some stage of the World Cup will be a monumental feat.
Safety and security concerns
Another crucial issue in hosting the FIFA World Cup is ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, from players and fans to officials and media personnel. Saudi Arabia’s limited enjoyment of global carry events raises concerns about its preparedness to handle potential security situations. The FIFA World Cup has often been the target of various threats along with terrorism, cyber-attacks, and hooliganism.
There are concerns about terrorism and regional conflicts, particularly near the Yemen border where missile threats exist due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. A significant 73% of survey respondents in Saudi Arabia prioritized digital and technology-related risks, reflecting heightened awareness of cybersecurity threats
Countries that have previously hosted the FIFA World Cup, such as Germany and Russia, have had to implement large enough security measures to protect members. In addition, Saudi Arabia’s geographic location in the Middle East presents precise protection issues. The neighborhood continues to deal with political instability and there are concerns about how Saudi Arabia could handle security risks during the match.
Inexperience in fan engagement and hospitality
A successful World Cup is not essentially football; it becomes approximately an unforgettable experience for lovers. The tournament serves as a global celebration of the sport’s birthday, bringing people from different cultures together to celebrate their love for the game. Countries such as Germany (2006) and Brazil (2014) set the standard for fan engagement, creating a festive atmosphere that extended beyond the stadiums and onto the streets, providing unforgettable stories for lovers.
However, Saudi Arabia lacks the pleasure of websites hosting global activities that support this kind of fan subculture. Fan zones, live entertainment, and a welcoming ecosystem are key elements of a successful FIFA World Cup, and there may be an issue that Saudi Arabia’s lack of experience in the venue should lead to a more sterile and less inviting environment for visitors.
Risk of overspending and inefficiency
Hosting the FIFA World Cup requires a huge economic investment, and while Saudi Arabia certainly has the financial resources, its loss of joy in managing large-scale activities should lead to inefficiency and overspending. Several past World Cup hosts, such as Brazil and South Africa, faced complaints for overspending on infrastructure projects that later became “white elephants” – centers that were underutilized after the match ended. Without experience in managing large transmission opportunities, Saudi Arabia is in danger of making comparable mistakes and investing in tasks that will not bring long-term benefits to the country.
Limited experience with international sporting events
One of the most worrying factors about Saudi Arabia’s bid is its lack of experience in hosting international events of this magnitude. While the country has hosted smaller events such as the Saudi International Golf Tournament and Formula E races, these events are on a much smaller scale than the World Cup. The logistics, security, and infrastructure needs of a FIFA World Cup are far greater, and Saudi Arabia has now not proven itself capable of dealing with any such complicated event.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s lack of experience in holding events makes it an unearned bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. The World Cup is a global event that requires a country with great experience in managing large crowds, providing protection, and creating a welcoming environment for fans. Without that indulgence, Saudi Arabia risks dealing with logistical problems, security issues, and a far less attractive fan base. For the FIFA World Cup to be successful, it needs a host nation that can meet these challenges with confidence and expertise—something Saudi Arabia may not yet be ready for.
