By The Arabian Leaders
Published on: 26-06-2025
Riyadh — Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, continues to play a key role in advancing the Kingdom’s ambitious plans to become a global sports hub, with new initiatives in 2025 further expanding infrastructure, youth engagement, and international events.
Born in Riyadh in 1983, Prince Abdulaziz, a former professional motorsport racer, has emerged as a central figure in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, using sports as a strategic sector to diversify the economy and foster social development.
Early Career in Motorsports
Known for his passion for speed and competition, Abdulaziz began his motorsport journey at a young age and went on to compete in high-profile championships, including the Formula BMW series, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, and the FIA GT3 European Championship, where he became the first Saudi driver to win an opening round in Portugal in 2011.
From the Track to Transforming National Sports
In 2018, Abdulaziz was appointed Chairman of the General Sports Authority, which laid the groundwork for major investments in sports facilities and community participation. His appointment as Saudi Arabia’s first Minister of Sport in 2020 further solidified the Kingdom’s commitment to elevating its sports sector under Vision 2030.
Hosting Major Global Events
Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has hosted major international events, including the Formula E races in Diriyah, the Saudi Cup Horse Racing — the world’s richest horse race — Rally Dakar, WWE Crown Jewel, and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which marked the country’s entry into Formula 1.
This push has boosted tourism, attracted foreign investment, and showcased Saudi Arabia’s capabilities as a host for large-scale sporting events.
Focus on Youth and Women’s Empowerment
A key focus of Abdulaziz’s strategy has been expanding opportunities for young Saudis and women in sports. Initiatives such as the Saudi Sports for All Federation aim to promote community sports participation and ensure that schools integrate physical activities into daily life.
Notably, recent reforms have allowed Saudi women to compete internationally across multiple sports disciplines, breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity.
Looking Ahead
Analysts note that Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investments in sports infrastructure and high-profile events are central to achieving the goals of Vision 2030. Prince Abdulaziz’s leadership is expected to remain pivotal in positioning the Kingdom as a major player in the global sports industry.
