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‘World Cup dream is becoming reality,’ says Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabian Football Federation FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit

Hammad Albalawi, head of the Saudi Arabian Football Association’s FIFA World Cup 2034 bid, delivers a speech. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News
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‘World Cup dream is becoming reality,’ says Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabian Football Federation FIFA World Cup 2034 bid unit

Updated 22 September 2024
Arab News

1. With 10 years to go, how would you gauge the progress the Kingdom is making toward the FIFA World Cup 2034?

Our dream of hosting the world in 2034 is becoming a reality thanks to the steadfast support from our leadership, our love for the game, our country’s ongoing transformation, and the energy of our young people. Saudi Arabia is already making great strides, driven by our passion for football, and we are incredibly proud of the proposals we’ve put forward to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 in our official bid book to FIFA.

Yet the demand for football in Saudi Arabia is apparent even today, which is why we continue to invest in our Saudi Pro League teams and enable grassroots football with opportunities like never before. We are already well underway with the development of incredible new infrastructure and stadiums that we will be proud to call our football homes.

If we are awarded the honor to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, we are ready to live up to our ambition for the people of Saudi Arabia and the global football community.
2. What were the biggest challenges in making sure Saudi had the best bid?

Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest and most exciting growth stories in world football. It was key that this story — our story — shone through in our bid.

We knew we had to put together a tournament footprint of stadiums, training sites, host cities, accommodation and transportation plans that cater for the needs of the players and fans that would come to Saudi Arabia from all over the world. We had to do justice to our ambition and showcase the best of our ability and our deep-rooted love for hospitality.

3. Did the rise of the Saudi Pro League with Ronaldo and other international superstars play a part in making the bid successful?

We are still in the bidding phase, and it’s important to remember that. We look forward to working with our partners across football in the coming months in the lead-up to the December award announcement.

Our bid is built on the foundations of Saudi’s historic love for football and is a natural step in our journey toward growing the game nationwide. Bringing international football stars to our own professional league catalyzes the development and the success of our clubs. Our Saudi players and fans get to rub shoulders with the world’s best. It brings a global energy and excitement to the millions of fans in Saudi Arabia, and it helps to showcase to the world our country’s true passion for the beautiful game. It’s this passion that is the driving force behind the bid — a passion that has seen our fans follow our national team around the world, including to six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

4. Going forward, can we expect the Saudi 2034 bid to continue having big-name ambassadors such as Ronaldo, etc.?

We already have millions of bid ambassadors — the people of Saudi Arabia. We are country of football fans, and you can see our love of the game shining through on our journey to bid for the FIFA World Cup. Supporting them are those who have come to Saudi Arabia who can share their positive experiences and reflect on our passion for football, and we invite the world to come to Saudi Arabia to learn more about the Kingdom and experience the remarkable journey we are on.

5. How will Vision 2030 play a part in the 2034 World Cup bid?

Vision 2030 is the driving force behind the bid and is delivering the transformation that makes Saudi Arabia ready to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 thanks to the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The ambitions of Vision 2030 to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and improve quality of life are powering the growth of our sports sector, which has already seen Saudi Arabia host more than 100 international major sporting events, attracting audiences close to three million sports fans.

The giant steps we’ve made in developing our sports sector are thanks to Vision 2030. The Vision provides a clear path forward and hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 would be the culmination of these efforts, with the entire Kingdom coming together to drive forward our sport’s industry and our wider national infrastructure projects ahead of 2034.

6. When the new stadium for 2034 WC are completed, Saudi will have some of the best venues in the world. How did these unique designs come about?

These stadiums will meet the growing football demand across the Kingdom. We are working with our partners to ensure that they will be used for a variety of purposes — from sports and tourism, to entertainment and live events. Come 2034, yes, they will be used as venues for the World Cup, but we are ensuring all venues have legacy plans in place to ensure high levels of utilization post-tournament.

Each venue has its own unique story, all rooted in the past and the future of the Kingdom. A few examples: The King Salman International Stadium, anchored in King Abdulaziz Park’s masterplan, will contribute to Riyadh’s ongoing transformation and blend into its surroundings, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the roof; the Aramco Stadium, located in the north of Al-Khobar on the shore of the Arabian Gulf, celebrates the sea’s dynamic nature; and the design of Jeddah Central Stadium echoes the architecture of the historic Al-Balad district.

These are just some examples of the creative thinking behind the design approaches, and we are excited to see these stadia come to life.

7. Beyond the architecture, what can we expect these futuristic stadia to offer the fans in terms of experiences?

As a massive football fan, having seen the best matches whether abroad or on television, I’m very excited about the experiences that these stadia will bring to Saudi Arabia. We recognize there is a long way to go and that development plans for some of the stadiums are still underway, but what I can say is that an immersive and seamless experience for fans is at the heart of our approach. We are committed to delivering an experience that is fitting of our love for the game — this is what drives us.

We will be aiming to host the most digitally connected FIFA World Cup of all time, with our stadiums at the heart of this connected fan experience. The same would be true of our unique FIFA Fan Festival sites; that would be the next best thing to actually being inside the stadium.

We aspire to host the first ever 48-team tournament in a single host country, that allows fans to experience a compact, festival-like atmosphere that brings together more teams and more fans meeting in one place than ever before.

8. What are you hoping will be the tournament’s long-term impact and legacy, both globally and within the Kingdom?

We have a clear vision for our bid: “Growing. Together.”  

This is our bid slogan, and it perfectly encapsulates our vision for the tournament — to develop football for our nation and our people, and for the global football community. We want to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 to help support the growth of the game across the world, and ensure football and its values can be enjoyed by all.

We are focused on ensuring our investments drive the growth of football in the Kingdom to meet the demand. We already have some of the best fans in the world and some of the best players in the world playing week-in and week-out in the SPL. When we have some of the world’s best stadiums and football infrastructure we will be the role model of a top football nation.

Our infrastructure plans will deliver both on and off the pitch. We want to enable strong performances from our national and club teams, but we will also provide opportunities for our young footballers to develop their skills in top-class facilities and celebrate their love for the game. We are focused on our next generation of star players for Saudi Arabia to play and compete on the world stage.

Under Vision 2030, Saudi is making significant investments in infrastructure and services, many of which we have included in our bid proposition. Stadiums, transport, and more, are already being built to keep up with booming demand, and we can use these components as part of our tournament footprint. Saudi Arabia’s approach aims to deliver a lasting legacy of positive change through the delivery of a responsible and respectful tournament.
9. How can Saudis and football fans contribute to this national effort to make the 2034 World Cup the best ever?

We are ready and excited to host — and we feel our bid is very strong. One of the most compelling parts of our bid is just how deep our love for football runs in our society — 80 percent of all Saudis are football fans. We want this genuine love for the game to shine through in our bid.

In the lead-up to host selection, we’re encouraging fans to sign up for our “Join the Squad” initiative, which allows them to showcase their pride for the bid and take part in upcoming activities.

You can learn more about Join the Squad here.
10. What is being done at grass roots and at the clubs to ensure that Saudi has the best possible generation of players ready for 2034?

The growth of grassroots programs is at the heart of our football development plans. They are also one of the central components of the wider Saudi Vision 2030 ambition of working to improving quality of life across the Kingdom.

We’re focusing our efforts at the entry points of football, and we’re already seeing some incredible results. We now have more than 300,000 players in the schools’ leagues (boys and girls), and 64 annual youth competitions — up from just ten last year. Regional training centers are booming as well — we have 23 now, up from nine in 2021.

Kids want to play football, and the entire football sector is working hard to ensure they can by providing more opportunities and improving accessibility. Children are seeing their heroes on the pitch here in the Kingdom — Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema — and are eager to get involved. It’s our collective responsibility to make sure football is as accessible as possible.
11. Finally. With 10 years to go, should the aim be that Saudi Arabia challenges for the World Cup trophy in 2034?

A lot can happen in ten years. Today, we are focused on growing all aspects of the game we love, including the continued development of our national team. Right now, our national team is working toward its seventh FIFA World Cup qualification, which, if achieved, would make it the Falcons’ seventh appearance out of the past nine editions of the FIFA World Cup. Going for the World Cup trophy in any edition of the tournament is the dream of our nation.

Topics: FIFA World Cup 2034

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How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority

Updated 28 June 2025
Nada Hameed
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How Saudi Arabia’s quails became both a delicacy and a conservation priority

  • Quails migrate through Saudi Arabia each year, linking continents, ecosystems, and traditions
  • Long tied to Saudi heritage, quails are now under threat, prompting renewed focus on conservation
Updated 28 June 2025
Nada Hameed

JEDDAH: At dawn over the Arabian Peninsula, the sky comes alive with birds tracing ancient migratory paths through Saudi Arabia — a natural crossroads linking East Asia, Europe and Africa.

They are more than mere travelers. They serve as sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, playing vital roles in seed dispersal, plant pollination and insect control — all essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Among the many species passing through is the small but mighty quail. Though modest in size, quails carry outsized environmental and cultural significance, deeply woven into the region’s heritage.

“Quail” is a general term referring to various genera of small, ground-dwelling birds in the order Galliformes — the same group that includes chickens, leading Saudi ornithologist and biodiversity expert Hany Tatwany told Arab News.

Globally, quails are classified into two groups: Old World quails and New World quails, with around 130 species found across Europe, Asia and Africa.

“Quails are similar in size to doves, and their rounded shape resembles that of a partridge,” said Tatwany. “They typically live in social groups called coveys, especially outside the breeding season.”

These coveys often include a breeding pair and their young, sometimes merging with other families during key times of the year.

“This behavior reflects their gregarious nature and cooperative instincts,” Tatwany added.

Quails are omnivores, feeding on grains, plant buds and insects. They breed in Europe and Central Asia before migrating south to Africa for the winter. Saudi Arabia serves as a critical stopover on both legs: “They cross the Kingdom on both journeys,” said Tatwany.

Upon arrival, quails settle in fields and wild areas with dense grass cover, where they hide during the day and continue migrating by night.

Saudi Arabia’s geography places it on one of the world’s most critical bird migration routes. The Kingdom acts as a seasonal refuge for hundreds of species, with 550 recorded to date — including 219 breeding birds, 280 migratory species, and 51 vagrants.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Of these, 27 are listed as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Thirteen bird species — including various quails — are found nowhere else other than in or near the Arabian Peninsula, further underlining the region’s biodiversity.

Tatwany, widely recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first wildlife veterinarian, with over 36 years of experience, highlighted how quails call and crow nonstop while hiding, “indicating their presence in the area” to other birds.

“They do not flush except when approached very closely,” he said. “If alerted, the rapid flapping of their wings produces a distinctive sound. They usually flee a short distance and stay in the area, especially if the grass is dense and thick.”

Unfortunately, these traits have made quails vulnerable to hunters. Along migration routes, they are often targeted using firearms, nets and devices that mimic quail calls to lure them into traps.

A covey of common quails camouflaged among dense grass during their migratory stop in central Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Rising threats have prompted Saudi Arabia to introduce laws to protect both quail species.

“In the Kingdom, hunting quail is illegal,” said Tatwany.

The fine for failing to comply is SR1,500 ($400) per bird, while the estimated compensation value is SR3,000 for the common quail and SR7,000 for the harlequin quail.

“In Saudi Arabia, two species of quails have been recognized: the common quail, known scientifically as Coturnix coturnix, and the harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei,” said Tatwany, who co-founded the Kingdom’s ungulate breeding program and has led major wildlife reintroduction efforts.

The common quail measures 16-18 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 centimeters and a weight of 70-155 grams. It is both a migrant and partial breeder in Saudi Arabia.

“This species occurs throughout the Kingdom during migration seasons in March-April and September-October,” said Tatwany. “It also overwinters in some areas and breeds in patches, particularly in the central regions. The best place to see the common quail is in Haradh.”

The harlequin quail, slightly larger at 16-19 cm and weighing 49-95 grams, is a resident breeder. “It is best observed in the southern Tihamah grasslands and in Sabya in the Jizan Area,” said Tatwany.

Quails nest on the ground in shallow scrapes lined with grass and leaves. The male defends the territory while the female builds the nest and cares for the eggs and chicks.

A female typically lays between eight and 13 eggs, which hatch after 17 to 20 days. The chicks leave the nest shortly after hatching and begin flying about 19 days later.

Known for being extremely cautious, quails are more often heard than seen. The male frequently produces a rhythmic series of calls that repeat every few seconds.

Quails have a long history of interaction with humans, especially as a food source. Today, they are farmed domestically.

DID YOU KNOW?

Quails live in “coveys,” social groups of adult pairs and their young that flock together in dense grasslands.

They respond to each other’s calls, a behavior exploited by illegal hunters using calling devices.

Commercial quail farming began in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s, initially to feed falcons and later as a culinary delicacy.

While several species have been domesticated worldwide, the common quail remains the primary type used in farming. Due to their size and high egg yield, Coturnix quails are highly valued in poultry production.

“This breed has more meat and lays more eggs than the others,” said Tatwany. “The poultry industry in the Kingdom started around the late 1970s to early 1980s, mainly as feed for falcons used in falconry, serving as a preferred substitute for pigeons.

“This also marked the beginning of quail meat and eggs becoming available in commercial outlets within the Kingdom for human consumption. Additionally, quail recipes have become increasingly popular in Saudi cuisine.”

Quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table. (AFP photo)

Quail eggs, in particular, have gained favor in Saudi kitchens. Their small size, delicate flavor and high nutritional value make them a staple ingredient in both traditional and modern dishes. They appear in appetizers and salads, adding both taste and nourishment.

In main courses like kabsa and mandi, quail eggs often top rice and meat dishes, lending color and flavor. They are also featured in dishes such as masabeeb and qursan and are popular as boiled or fried snacks.

Nutritionally, quail eggs are rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D, and essential minerals such as iron and phosphorus — making them a small but powerful addition to the Saudi table.

Efforts to protect quails are part of a broader initiative led by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife. Its Bird Management Division surveys bird species and their distribution across the Kingdom, focusing on protected and proposed conservation areas, biodiversity hotspots, and wetlands.

By studying migration routes, species abundance, and spatial distribution, the division aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s avian biodiversity.
 

 

Topics: Green & Blue quails Editor’s Choice

Roll the dice: Monopoly Riyadh set to hit shelves this September

Updated 27 June 2025
Nada Alturki
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Roll the dice: Monopoly Riyadh set to hit shelves this September

  • New version of the game to feature Riyadh and famous institutions and landmarks, new and old
  • Monopoly is the best-selling international board game in history, Guinness World Records says
Updated 27 June 2025
Nada Alturki

RIYADH: The launch of a Riyadh edition of the iconic Monopoly board game was announced on Thursday at a preview event that even feature an appearance by the game’s mascot, Mr. Monopoly.

The new version of the game, which will be on sale in September, was created, according to a statement, to celebrate “the rich heritage and modern transformation” of the Kingdom’s capital and features locations including the King Abdullah Financial District, Saudia Airlines, Souk Al-Zal, the Saudi Cup, the Diplomatic Quarter, Tamimi Markets, Jazean coffeeshop, Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, Olaya Street, and King Fahd Road. 

“We strive to include both the traditional and the modern in terms of landmarks and to create a story. So as you’re going through the Monopoly board, you are learning about, and getting insight into, the city of Riyadh, and you’re passing roads that most real residents would pass by on a day-to-day or weekly basis,” Hamad Alowaishiq, founder and chairman of official partner the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), which acted as a cultural advisor for the game’s makers, told Arab News. 

Hamad Alowaishiq, Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), recieving a certificate of appreciation at the launch event on Thursday. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)

“It’s a responsibility and a pleasure to be representing Riyadh on such a platform. And with that responsibility, we have been dedicated to delivering the identity and culture of Riyadh,” he added. 

According to Guinness World Records, Monopoly is the best-selling board game in history, with more than 275 million units sold worldwide over the past 90 years. 

“There’s something really interesting about seeing our city culturally represented within an international brand,” Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, vice-chairman of SYS, told Arab News. “It says a lot about how far we’ve come and how important our market and our community has become on the international scale that Monopoly would come and do this—and quite right too.” 

“I remember playing this game when I was young with my grandfather and family,” Liam Johnson, the racecourse director of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Cup, told Arab News, adding that he believed the Saudi Cup’s profile would be raised globally by being featured in an edition of a game that “cuts through the different audiences.”

Liam Johnson, the Racecourse Director of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/The Saudi Cup. (AN Photo by Huda Bashatah)

Diriyah has three places on the board: Wadi Hanifah, Zallal, and Al-Bujairi Terrace — all of which have become staples in Riyadh’s events and hospitality sectors. 

“As the birthplace of the Kingdom and its significance to the country, to be able to bring that legacy and that heritage onto the board is a true honor,” Nicola Cope, executive director of brand marketing at Diriyah, told Arab News. 

The Ritz-Carlton’s Mazen Allam said: “Over the years, we’ve been privileged to host moments that actually matter, from royal visits, world summits, weddings, quiet weekends, all woven under the fabric of this city. Now, with Monopoly, we get to join families and communities across generations. And the fact that we can create joyful memories that extend beyond our walls is something very special.”

KAFD, home to 95 interconnected buildings, where more than 20,000 people work — not including the thousands of daily visitors and residents, is a pivotal inclusion on the board. Mazroua Al-Mazroua, KAFD’s chief marketing and experience officer, told Arab News: “We all grew up playing Monopoly. We understand the game — it’s strategic, competitive, and centered around real estate. Today, KAFD reflects those same qualities. It’s not just an iconic business district; it’s Saudi Arabia’s first vertical urban city and a dynamic lifestyle destination.

“It only makes sense for KAFD to be featured in the Monopoly Riyadh Edition — a perfect match between a game of strategy and a district that lives and breathes it every day.”


 

Topics: Monopoly board Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia KAFD

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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank

Updated 27 June 2025
Arab News
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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank

  • Attacks this week on village of Kafr Malik led to 3 Palestinians killed
  • Kingdom says attacks took place under protection of Israel’s security forces
Updated 27 June 2025
Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday condemned violent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in villages in the occupied West Bank.

Dozens of settlers attacked the village of Kafr Malik near Ramallah on Wednesday. Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces and seven wounded in the violence, Palestinian health officials said.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom condemned and denunciated “the continued violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers, under the protection of the occupation forces, against Palestinian civilians, including the attacks in the village of Kafr Malik.”

Since the war started in Gaza in October 2023, killing more than 55,000 people there, violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has also increased.

At least 900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the territory in the same period and attacks by Israeli settlers have ramped up.

The ministry statement reiterated Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of Israeli violence against unarmed civilians in Gaza, “including the targeting of civilian sites housing displaced persons.”

The Kingdom called for Palestinian civilians to be protected and for the international community to put an end to “Israeli violations of international laws and norms.”

Topics: West Bank War on Gaza

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Saudi passports department’s expired visa extension initiative

Saudi General Directorate of Passports is extending expired visas for final exits. (SPA)
Updated 27 June 2025
SPA
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Saudi passports department’s expired visa extension initiative

  • The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations
Updated 27 June 2025
SPA

RIYADH: The Saudi General Directorate of Passports has launched an initiative to extend expired visit visas for a final exit.

The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations.

The directorate said that applicants may submit requests through the Tawasul Service on the Ministry of Interior’s Absher portal during the specified period.

It urged all eligible individuals to benefit from the initiative before the deadline.

 

Topics: The Saudi General Directorate of Passports

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KSrelief distributes 1,100 food baskets in Sudan

Updated 27 June 2025
SPA
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KSrelief distributes 1,100 food baskets in Sudan

  • KSrelief continues to implement its water supply and environmental sanitation project in the Yemeni districts of Midi, Haradh, Hayran, and Abs in the Hajjah governorate, as well as the Razih district in the Sadah governorate
Updated 27 June 2025
SPA

NORTH KORDOFAN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed 1,100 food baskets to displaced families in Sudan’s North Kordofan State, benefiting 6,383 individuals.

The distribution is part of the third phase of the 2025 Food Security Support Project and the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts through KSrelief to support Sudanese people amid the crisis.

Meanwhile, KSrelief continues to implement its water supply and environmental sanitation project in the Yemeni districts of Midi, Haradh, Hayran, and Abs in the Hajjah governorate, as well as the Razih district in the Sadah governorate.

In May, KSrelief delivered 4,561,000 liters of potable water and 47,412,000 liters of usable water in Hajjah.

Additionally, 244 waste removal operations were conducted in displacement camps, and 4,048 water transport containers were distributed.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to meet essential needs and improve living conditions in regions affected by conflict.

 

Topics: King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid (KSrelief) Sudan

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