The Middle East could unlock up to $75bn in new economic growth by closing the sports participation gap, according to a new report by Oliver Wyman titled “Unlocking the Middle East’s Sports Economy” Unlocking the Middle East’s Sports Economy “
The study finds that while 85 percent of the region is always using sports content, only 30 percent participate in the performance – creating a great opportunity to convert participants.
The analysis comes as the Gulf nations prepare to host a series of major global events, including the 2030 Asian Games in Doha, the 2034 Asian Games in Riyadh, and the FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
$100bn Investment
Governments in the Middle East have already committed more than $100bn in infrastructure investment by 2034, including playgrounds, health districts and public entertainment spaces.
These programs are reusing the economic and social fabric of the area, driven by a young population – about 60 percent of them are 30 years old.
Saudi Arabia alone could generate $200bn in tourism, media, and global investment linked to its growing sports environment and international brand, the report notes.
According to Oliver Wyman, sports in the Middle East are emerging from the fundamental pursuit of a key part of lifestyle and well-being, looking at digital integration, and physical integration, and social cohesion.
Globally, tourism related to the Games now has 10 percent of total travel spending, worth $ 600bn every year, while economic stimulation and entertainment – has the power of an economy of $ 15tn Global Cupion facing 2034.
However, this report emphasizes that active participation is as important as attracting fans to mega events, if we study the visibility of the full scale of its growth.
A key discovery in the Middle East
- A $75bn growth opportunity to close the sports participation gap
- Over $100bn in infrastructure investment
- 5 percent to increase annual growth in sports participation, 10 percent to the overall sports economy, and 14 percent to sports tourism
- An opportunity to embed sports into everyday life through community-based, blended design
Describing a decade of sports in the Middle East
Guillaume Thibulault, head of sports and entertainment – India, Middle East and Africa, Oliver Wyman, Oliver Wyman, local region, the region can open the future of Global Sport Exposition. “
Oliver Wyman’s report concludes that the convergence of sports, health, tourism, and digital innovation positions the Middle East as a global model for sustainable sports development.
With governments embedding sports in national strategies – from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to Qatar’s National Vision 2030 – The sector emerges as both a social piece and an economic accelerator for the next chapter of growth.
