In the modern era of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, few figures are more actively contributing to the Kingdom’s global positioning in the sports arena than His Highness Prince Fahad bin Jalawi Al Saud. As Vice President and Secretary-General of the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, President of the Saudi Olympic Academy, and a key member of numerous international sports federations, Prince Fahad is playing a strategic and highly visible role in shaping not only the future of Saudi sport—but also its image on the global stage.
His journey is one marked by diplomacy, visionary planning, and the steady construction of institutional credibility. From the heart of Riyadh to international Olympic summits, Prince Fahad has emerged as a distinguished diplomat, executive, and educational reformer—dedicated to nurturing youth, developing sport governance, and amplifying Saudi Arabia’s presence in international athletic circles.
Early Life and Academic Journey
Born on March 2, 1986, in Riyadh, Prince Fahad bin Jalawi grew up with both the responsibility of royal lineage and the curiosity of a modern, ambitious youth. He attended Riyadh Schools, graduating in 2003 with an early interest in governance, law, and global affairs.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Law from King Saud University, one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious academic institutions. Seeking global insight, he later completed a Master of Business Administration in International Relations from the University of Wales, Swansea in the United Kingdom. This fusion of legal expertise and international relations laid the foundation for a career that would blend sports diplomacy, institutional leadership, and international representation.
Pioneering a New Vision for Saudi Sports
Prince Fahad’s formal involvement in sports administration began in 2007, when he took on a legal advisory role at the Ministry of Sport. At the time, the Kingdom was beginning to lay the groundwork for sports as a formal pillar of national development.
By 2012, Prince Fahad had been appointed Director of International Relations at the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC), a pivotal post that placed him in the center of Saudi Arabia’s Olympic ambitions. His responsibilities grew quickly, reflecting both his capability and Saudi Arabia’s desire to expand its voice within the global Olympic community.
In 2014, he was named an Advisor to the SOPC President, and soon after, was appointed as Secretary-General—and ultimately Vice President of the organization. In these roles, Prince Fahad has overseen planning, policy development, international partnerships, and the Kingdom’s representation at major global events.
Founding the Saudi Olympic Academy
Understanding that no sporting culture can thrive without education, Prince Fahad founded and currently serves as President of the Saudi Olympic Academy. This institution is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to build domestic capability in sports science, governance, coaching, and youth development.
The Academy delivers programs aligned with international Olympic values, tailored to the cultural and developmental goals of the Kingdom. Its focus includes:
- Youth athlete development
- Olympic education
- Executive training for sports administrators
- Research and innovation in sports management
Prince Fahad’s dedication to Olympic education ensures that Saudi Arabia’s rise in sports is not just about infrastructure or medals—it’s about knowledge, professionalism, and ethical progress.
Championing Traditional and Emerging Sports
In addition to his Olympic responsibilities, Prince Fahad has played a key role in promoting heritage sports and modern athletic disciplines within the Kingdom:
- As President of the Saudi Camel Federation, he oversees one of the oldest and most cherished cultural sports in Saudi Arabia.
- He also sits on the Board of the Saudi Falcons Club, promoting environmental preservation and the Kingdom’s connection with falconry traditions.
- He is the Acting President of the Saudi Triathlon Federation and President of the West Asian Triathlon Federation, where he fosters regional cooperation and athlete development in one of the world’s fastest-growing endurance sports.
His approach has been to promote both modern Olympic sports and heritage-based activities, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity while embracing global athletic trends.
Global Leadership Roles
Prince Fahad’s impact is not confined to Saudi borders. In June 2023, he was elected President of Asia Triathlon, the governing body responsible for the sport across more than 40 Asian nations. This appointment marked a milestone in regional sports diplomacy and elevated Saudi Arabia’s role in global triathlon development.
He simultaneously joined the World Triathlon Executive Board as Continental President, becoming an influential figure in shaping global policy for the sport.
Additionally, he chairs key committees of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and represents the Kingdom at major events such as the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). His active presence in these bodies has opened the door for collaboration, hosting rights, and capacity-building opportunities that benefit Saudi youth and athletes alike.
Pre-Conclusion: A Statesman for Saudi Sports
Prince Fahad bin Jalawi Al Saud’s rise as a leader in sports is more than just administrative success—it is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation. His influence spans four critical domains:
1. Institutional Development
As Vice President of SOPC and founder of the Saudi Olympic Academy, Prince Fahad has helped build the very structures and systems that define Saudi sports today. These institutions are pillars of national pride and global cooperation.
2. Youth and Education
From Olympic classrooms to youth athletic camps, Prince Fahad’s work is always people-focused. He emphasizes education, ethics, and self-discipline—not just competition.
3. Regional and Global Diplomacy
By holding leadership roles in both Asian and international bodies, Prince Fahad has made Saudi Arabia a respected voice in sports governance. His diplomacy opens doors not only for athletes but for economic and cultural partnerships tied to sports.
4. Cultural Integrity
Through his leadership in heritage federations like camel racing and falconry, Prince Fahad ensures that modernization never comes at the expense of cultural values. His leadership respects both tradition and progress.
He is admired for his humility, focus, and ability to operate under high-level pressure. Whether at an IOC session or a regional triathlon championship, Prince Fahad’s presence brings credibility, structure, and vision.
Conclusion: Shaping Tomorrow’s Champions
In a nation where sports are increasingly seen as vehicles for health, unity, and global diplomacy, HH Prince Fahad bin Jalawi Al Saud is crafting the narrative of possibility. His leadership is precise, inclusive, and fundamentally aligned with Vision 2030—Saudi Arabia’s national roadmap for transformation.
He is not simply organizing events or managing institutions; he is reshaping the very role of sport in Saudi life. By investing in governance, education, heritage, and international cooperation, Prince Fahad is building a legacy that goes beyond medals and tournaments—it reaches into classrooms, boardrooms, and communities.
As the Kingdom prepares to host more international events, bid for Olympic inclusion, and cultivate new generations of athletes, it will do so with Prince Fahad’s fingerprints on its foundations. His path is one of quiet strength, strategic vision, and unshakable belief in the potential of Saudi youth.
In every field—whether camel track or Olympic venue—Prince Fahad bin Jalawi Al Saud stands as a steward of ambition, dignity, and national pride.
