Scheduled for Dec. 2-3 at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the summit will mark an expansion on last year’s successful debut in Jeddah RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and World Football Summit have announced a partnership for the 2024 edition of the event. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Scheduled for Dec. 2-3 at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the summit will mark an expansion on last year’s successful debut in Jeddah, which brought together over 1,500 industry leaders. This year’s edition will have an expected 2,000 delegates and will feature enhanced programming and networking opportunities, fostering strategic discussions and partnerships aimed at developing the region’s football industry, organizers said. Ibrahim Alkassim, secretary-general of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, highlighted the event’s importance. “Hosting WFS Asia in Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing football not just nationally, but across the region. This event aligns perfectly with our Vision 2030 goals. We invite the entire football community to join us, learn from each other, and elevate the business surrounding the beautiful game,” he said. The return of WFS Asia to Saudi Arabia reflects the region’s growing appetite for football as a key component of its economic and cultural development, Jan Alessie, co-founder and director of WFS, said. “The overwhelming response to our first edition demonstrated the region’s appetite for a world-class football business event. Our return to Saudi Arabia underscores the nation’s emergence as a pivotal hub for football development and innovation,” he said. Khalid Al-Khudair, CEO of SMC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing SMC’s commitment to fostering football’s commercial growth: “We are proud at SMC to enhance commercial opportunities in the football industry, both locally and internationally, through strategic partnerships that contribute to the growth of sports marketing in the Kingdom.” WFS Asia 2024 supports Vision 2030’s goal of boosting the sports sector’s contribution to 2.5-3 percent of Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product. The 2024 edition of WFS Asia will align closely with Vision 2030’s objectives through a comprehensive agenda that focuses on key themes critical to the future of football in the Kingdom. These themes include the integration of technology in football, innovations in fan engagement, and the development of sports tourism as a significant economic driver. Sustainability will also be a central topic, reflecting the global push toward environmentally conscious practices in sports. Additionally, the growth of women’s football and the nurturing of youth development programs will be highlighted, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to inclusivity and long-term talent cultivation in the sport.