Online event
The road to kick-off: Opportunities around FIFA World Cup 2034
Wednesday 11 November at 12:00PM
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Saudi Arabia is entering a significant delivery phase for major events, with preparations underway for FIFA World Cup 2034. These programmes will require expertise across infrastructure, venue operations, fan engagement, technology, safety and security, workforce development, transport and event delivery.
What you’ll learn
- Gain an understanding of Saudi Arabia's major events landscape and current market priorities.
- Better understand market entry considerations, local partnerships and common challenges.
- Receive a forward look at opportunities linked to FIFA World Cup 2034 delivery.
Description
This one-hour webinar will provide UK businesses with practical insights into opportunities emerging across Saudi Arabia's sports and major events ecosystem.
Hear insights from Dalia Abu Alrob, Senior Trade Advisor at the British Embassy Riyadh, who will explain the Kingdom's major events landscape, evolving priorities, and areas of opportunity for international businesses. Donal McElwee, Managing Partner at CAA Portas, will then outline the firm's sports focussed work in Saudi Arabia and share practical insights from operating in the market, outlining the key factors that contribute to long-term commercial success.
The session will conclude with a moderated discussion led by Alan Rownan, Sports Economy Lead at BIST, exploring market access, procurement opportunities, partnership models and the outlook for businesses interested in FIFA World Cup 2034.
Speakers
Dalia Abu Alrob
Senior Trade Advisor of Creative Industries, British Embassy Riyadh
Dalia will provide a short scene-setting presentation outlining the scale of opportunities emerging from Saudi Arabia's major events agenda, including Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034. Drawing on her experience supporting UK businesses in the Kingdom, Dalia will provide an overview of current market priorities, evolving stakeholder requirements and areas of demand across the sports and major events ecosystem.
Donal McElwee
Managing Partner, CAA Portas
Donal will provide an overview of CAA Portas' work in Saudi Arabia and share practical insights from supporting projects across the Kingdom. Drawing on the firm's early market entry and now well-established presence in Saudi Arabia, Donal will discuss lessons learned, approaches to building successful partnerships, navigating market complexities, and the key factors that contribute to long-term commercial success in the Kingdom.
Alan Rownan
Sports Economy Lead, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST)
Alan will moderate the webinar discussion, exploring market opportunities, routes to market, partnership models and practical considerations for UK businesses seeking to enter or expand within Saudi Arabia's rapidly developing major events landscape.