Saudi Arabia is preparing to add the Olympic Games to its growing list of global sporting events, signaling a strong interest in hosting the Summer Olympics in the near future.
This potential move follows the kingdom’s recent success in securing the 2034 FIFA World Cup and organizing major events like the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the upcoming 2029 Asian Winter Games.
During the Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, Prince Faisal Bandar Sultan Al Saud, who chairs the Saudi Esports Federation, hinted that the country is moving toward bidding for the world’s biggest sporting stage. While no specific year was mentioned, preparations for hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics are already underway globally, and Saudi Arabia may join the race.
Several countries have already shown interest in the 2036 Games, including India, Turkey, Indonesia, and Chile. Egypt is also expected to announce a bid, while Qatar remains a possible contender though no formal declaration has been made yet. Saudi Arabia’s entrance into this competition could reshape the bidding landscape.
Hosting the Olympics would mark a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s strategy to raise its international profile. In recent years, the country has invested heavily in high-profile events and industries, especially sports and entertainment. These efforts are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to shift the economy away from its heavy dependence on oil and towards tourism, technology, and services.
Alongside traditional sports, Saudi Arabia has also made major moves in digital arenas. The kingdom recently launched the Esports World Cup with a $60 million prize pool, underscoring its push to become a hub for competitive gaming. Esports have become a major part of youth culture in Saudi Arabia, and officials are eager to keep growing this sector.
Still, international reactions to Saudi Arabia’s sports ambitions have been mixed. Critics say the kingdom is using sports events to distract from ongoing human rights concerns, a practice often labeled as “sportswashing.” Saudi officials maintain that their focus is on opening up the country, attracting global interest, and creating a healthier, more dynamic society.
Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international sports is hard to ignore. After Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia’s path toward organizing major events has become more visible. With the 2034 World Cup already set and multiple other events on the calendar, adding the Olympics could be the next major step in reshaping the kingdom’s global image and future economy.
As preparations for the 2036 Olympic Games begin to take shape, Saudi Arabia’s potential bid is likely to draw global attention—both supportive and critical. Whether Riyadh moves forward will depend not just on its readiness, but on how the international community responds to its ambitions.