A new regional analysis reveals a $75bn opportunity fueled by rising investments, expanding participation, and Saudi Arabia’s historic hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Middle East Sport Economy Could Unlock $75bn Growth Opportunity
The Middle East stands on the brink of a major economic transformation driven by sports, with a new report from Oliver Wyman projecting that the region could generate up to $75 billion in new economic value by closing its sport participation gap. The findings, outlined in the report “Unlocking The Middle East’s Sport Economy,” highlight the immense potential of combining large-scale investments with rising community engagement.
Over the past decade, the region has invested more than $100 billion across sporting infrastructure, events, and athlete development—laying the foundation for a powerful, sustainable sports ecosystem. These investments have not only elevated global visibility but also cultivated strong grassroots interest, expanding participation rates across all age groups.
Adding to the region’s momentum, FIFA has officially confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the biggest sporting milestones in Middle Eastern history. The tournament is expected to accelerate tourism, infrastructure development, and local engagement, contributing significantly to the projected $75bn opportunity.
The report emphasizes that closing the participation gap—by encouraging more residents to actively take part in sports—could unlock substantial new economic activity, from fitness and wellness to sporting events and high-performance development programs.
With visionary investments, a rapidly expanding fan base, and landmark international events on the horizon, the Middle East is set to reshape the global sports landscape while capturing billions in long-term economic growth.
