In a bold and controversial move, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced plans to invest $30 billion in building 11 state-of-the-art football stadiums across the Kingdom. This ambitious project aims to boost Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. However, critics argue that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the Crown Prince’s tarnished image and distract from pressing domestic and international issues.
The Grand Vision
Among the planned developments is the “King Salman Stadium,” which will have a seating capacity of over 92,000 and is set to host both the opening and final matches of the World Cup. Additionally, the “Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium” will be constructed in Qiddiya, accommodating 45,000 spectators. The “King Fahd Sports City” stadium will also undergo significant upgrades, expanding its capacity to over 70,000.
Other major projects include the “Central Jeddah Stadium” and a coastal stadium in King Abdullah Economic City. The “Aramco Stadium” in Khobar, inspired by ocean whirlpools, will seat 47,000 fans. These developments are part of a larger plan to construct 230,000 hotel rooms in host cities and propose 132 training sites for the 48 participating teams.
Economic Concerns
Despite the grandeur of these plans, Saudi Arabia is grappling with a budget deficit of approximately 27 billion riyals. Critics argue that such lavish spending on sports infrastructure is imprudent, especially when the country faces significant economic challenges. The Kingdom’s reliance on borrowing to finance these projects further exacerbates concerns about their long-term viability.
Image Management and International Relations
This massive investment in sports is seen by many as an attempt to “wash” the Crown Prince’s image. Following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Crown Prince has faced severe international criticism. By hosting high-profile sports events, he aims to shift global perception and position himself as a progressive and pragmatic leader.
Interestingly, it has been revealed that Tony Blair’s institute continues to provide advisory services to the Saudi government, receiving substantial financial compensation. This partnership persists despite the ongoing controversy surrounding Khashoggi’s death, highlighting the Kingdom’s persistent efforts to maintain favorable international relations.
Strategic Public Relations Campaigns
The Saudi government has also invested heavily in public relations campaigns in the United States and Europe. A recent financial allocation of $10 million aims to fund lobbying efforts and promote Mohammed bin Salman’s image as a diplomatic and pragmatic leader. This move follows the Crown Prince’s statement acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s use of sports as a tool for image enhancement, emphasizing its potential to boost the national economy.
While the construction of new stadiums and the bid to host the World Cup represent significant milestones for Saudi Arabia, the underlying motivations and economic implications raise important questions. Is this investment a genuine effort to promote sports and tourism, or is it a strategic move to divert attention from the Crown Prince’s controversial record? As the Kingdom moves forward with these grand plans, the world will be watching closely to see if the benefits outweigh the costs.
