In the rapidly transforming landscape of Saudi Arabia’s global outreach, Ghandourah Ghandourah has emerged as a pivotal figure shaping the Kingdom’s international identity through sports. As Deputy Minister of Relations and International Affairs at the Ministry of Sport, she is entrusted with one of the most critical mandates of Vision 2030: transforming Saudi Arabia into a global sports destination and a key diplomatic player in the world of international athletics.
Her work bridges diplomacy, culture, sport, and strategic planning, positioning Saudi Arabia as a nation not only capable of hosting world-class events, but one that can lead the narrative in global sports development. Ghandourah is not just a policy advisor or administrator; she is a visionary whose impact resonates across borders, stadiums, and diplomatic halls.
Education and Strategic Foundation
Ghandourah Ghandourah’s academic foundation has played a vital role in shaping her professional philosophy. With a background in international business, she brings a global perspective to every policy she drafts and every partnership she forges. Her education has equipped her with essential tools in strategic negotiation, cross-border collaboration, and public diplomacy—each of which are cornerstones of her current portfolio.
This global academic outlook is complemented by a sharp understanding of Saudi Arabia’s cultural context. Her ability to connect global norms with local values gives her a unique edge in shaping sports diplomacy that is both authentic and internationally effective.
Early Steps and Rise Within the Ministry
Before taking up the Deputy Ministerial role, Ghandourah served in multiple strategic positions within the Ministry of Sport. In every capacity, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to harmonize national priorities with international opportunities. She was deeply involved in shaping bilateral partnerships, crafting memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with various international sports organizations, and ensuring compliance with international sports governance protocols.
Her work behind the scenes helped pave the way for Saudi Arabia to:
- Host international tournaments and exhibitions
- Join leading global federations and sports bodies
- Lead sports-centric development diplomacy with emerging markets
Her ascent to the position of Deputy Minister was the result of relentless focus, diplomatic acumen, and a belief in sports as a vehicle for peace, understanding, and mutual growth.
Leading Saudi Arabia’s Sports Diplomacy
In her current role, Ghandourah oversees the international affairs portfolio of the Ministry of Sport. Her mission is multifaceted and ambitious, involving both high-level diplomacy and grassroots engagement.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
- Bilateral and Multilateral Partnerships: She negotiates agreements with foreign sports ministries, federations, and Olympic committees to open channels for collaboration, talent exchange, and event hosting.
- Representation at Global Forums: Ghandourah represents Saudi Arabia in international bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIFA, and UNESCO sports conferences, building the country’s global narrative.
- Sports Event Hosting Strategy: She contributes to Saudi Arabia’s successful bids for mega-events, including the Asian Games 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, and various international combat sports, football, and motorsports competitions.
- Policy and Diplomacy Integration: Her team ensures that all international engagements are aligned with Vision 2030’s goals and enhance Saudi Arabia’s soft power.
Her portfolio is not simply about event management—it’s about projecting a new identity for the Kingdom, one based on inclusion, excellence, and global cooperation.
Championing Inclusivity and Cultural Diplomacy
As a female leader in a high-profile role, Ghandourah is also part of a growing movement that highlights women’s participation in national development. Her success is symbolic of a broader shift—one in which Saudi women are not only participants in reform but its architects.
She regularly engages in:
- Women’s leadership summits
- Diplomatic missions promoting sports equity
- Youth and girls’ sports empowerment initiatives
Through her diplomatic efforts, Saudi Arabia has forged international relationships not only focused on hosting events, but on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and cultural integration through sports.
Her belief is clear: Sports diplomacy is not just about medals—it’s about minds, movement, and mutual respect.
Showcasing the Kingdom to the World
One of Ghandourah’s most visible successes has been Saudi Arabia’s growing presence as a host of elite international sports events. These events are not just entertainment—they are statements of capability, vision, and ambition.
She has helped deliver diplomatic support and logistics for:
- Riyadh Season Sports Festivals
- Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah
- FIFA Club World Cup
- World Combat Games
- Diriyah Tennis Cup
- World Weightlifting and Wrestling Championships
In each of these, her office has ensured seamless coordination between international bodies and Saudi infrastructure, reinforcing the Kingdom’s reputation for professionalism and hospitality.
Building Sports Bridges Across Continents
Ghandourah’s diplomatic work extends far beyond the Middle East. She has personally led and participated in delegations to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, fostering sports diplomacy that leads to:
- Talent exchange programs
- Sports medicine and research partnerships
- Training camp collaborations
- International referee and coach certifications
Under her leadership, the Ministry has launched sports attaché programs in Saudi embassies abroad, ensuring that sports remains part of the Kingdom’s foreign policy agenda.
These initiatives aren’t just good optics—they are practical, measurable, and designed to produce generational change in how Saudi Arabia is perceived and how its youth engage with the world.
Pre-Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Ghandourah Ghandourah is helping Saudi Arabia do something unprecedented: use sports as a unified national tool for diplomacy, education, youth development, and international engagement.
A Bridge Between Worlds
Her leadership connects international expectations with domestic realities. She ensures that Saudi Arabia’s global ambitions are grounded in authentic cultural narratives while adhering to best practices in governance and diplomacy.
Empowering the Next Generation
Her mentorship initiatives and policies for youth participation in sports diplomacy mean that Saudi teenagers today are thinking beyond just athletics—they’re considering careers in international sports law, marketing, logistics, and administration.
Defining Saudi Arabia’s Global Voice
In every international forum she attends, Ghandourah carries a consistent message: Saudi Arabia is here—not just to participate—but to lead with integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.
She has become the voice of a Kingdom reinventing itself through sports, one agreement, one partnership, and one visionary initiative at a time.
Conclusion: The Diplomat of a Sporting Nation
In a world where diplomacy is increasingly measured by influence and visibility, Ghandourah Ghandourah stands as a bold representative of Saudi Arabia’s transformation. Her career is one that transcends titles—it redefines what sports, leadership, and diplomacy can achieve when purposefully intertwined.
She is not only changing perceptions of Saudi Arabia around the world; she is empowering a nation to believe in itself, compete on merit, and share its culture with the globe. Her work ensures that Saudi sports diplomacy isn’t just about winning matches—it’s about winning respect, friendships, and shared futures.
As Saudi Arabia prepares for a decade of sporting milestones—from hosting championships to nurturing Olympic champions—Ghandourah’s work will stand as a blueprint for how a modern state can lead through the universal language of sport.
