The Middle East has rapidly positioned itself as a global hub for sports, both as a host of major international events and as an emerging centre for long-term sports investment and innovation, according to a report by management consultancy Kearney.

The report, titled “From Passion to Profit: Unlocking Value in Sports,” highlights the Middle East – led by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar – as a rapidly evolving sports hub, fuelled by state-led investment, visionary policy, and a drive to diversify its economies and stimulate tourism, as well as engage its predominantly young, digital-native populations.

As governments channel billions into major sporting events, elite facilities, tourism infrastructure, and digital innovation under national strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030, construction firms are set to play a critical role in delivering these ambitions.

Kearney estimates the global sports market will reach $417 billion in 2025, growing to $602 billion by 2030. Major growth drivers include gaming, broadcasting, and commercialising IP, but the report calls particular attention to the surging value placed on sports infrastructure in the Middle East.

Lusail Stadium in Qatar, one of eight stadiums built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Unlike traditional markets, the Middle East is not simply replicating existing sports model it’s reimagining them, according to Roland Nikolaou, Head of Football for MENA and APAC at IMG, in the Kearney report.

“The Middle East isn’t just investing in sport – it’s reimagining its purpose. As the lines blur between competition, entertainment, and culture, the region is pioneering new models that could redefine how the world engages with sport in the digital age. With a blend of visionary policy, technological ambition, and cultural confidence, it is positioning itself not as a follower of global trends, but as the architect of sport’s next chapter,” he says.

Saudi Arabia, in particular, is emerging as a global benchmark, combining world-class hosting with systemic reform and sector-wide development. The kingdom is investing tens of billions of dollars in infrastructure for landmark events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup and has committed $38 billion to becoming a global e-sports hub. Projects like the Riyadh Sports Boulevard and the expansion of luxury hospitality adjacent to sports venues are creating substantial demand for construction services and innovative design.

The momentum is visible across multiple fronts. On the global stage, the region has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for high-profile events: hosting everything from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Bahrain Grand Prix to the Dubai Tennis Championships and soon, the Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia.

ROSHN Stadium, one of the venues of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, will be a landmark in southwest Riyadh with its crystalline design.

These events are not just about spectacle; they signal a strategic effort to position the region at the heart of global sporting calendars, said the report.

Behind the scenes, infrastructure investment is accelerating. Governments across the Middle East are committing billions to develop next-generation stadiums, elite training academies, and integrated digital platforms.

Saudi Arabia has allocated significant budgets toward sports infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 agenda, which also focuses on boosting its tourism appeal.  In line with this ambition, mega destinations are being developed Qiddiya Investment Company near Riyadh (see Page 22), and by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is pushing ahead with the construction of 14 large-scale entertainment destinations across the kingdom as part of its SAR50 billion ($13.3 billion) development portfolio. Other ambitious developments on the cards include The Rig, the world’s first tourism destination on an offshore platform, which will be located off the coast of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Meanwhile, the UAE and Qatar continue to grow their ecosystems for high-performance sports and global talent attraction.

The Rig, the world’s first tourism destination on an offshore platform, will be located off the coast of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Following an announcement by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Dubai will host the inaugural World Sports Summit in December 2025, further reinforcing the region’s growing influence on the global sports stage, stated the report.

Kearney expects that as governments gradually shift from driving growth to enabling commercial sustainability, there will be a greater role for private capital, further fuelling real estate development, franchise acquisitions, and cross-border ventures.

According to  Kearney, the region is also pushing hard into digital-native sectors, with esports emerging as a focal point.

Saudi Arabia’s $38 billion investment to become a global hub for gaming is emblematic of a wider regional effort to tap into younger demographics through streaming, immersive content, and competitive gaming platforms. This youth-centric focus is being mirrored in broader fan engagement strategies across the Middle East, it stated.

Saudi Arabia’s plans for the 2034 FIFA World Cup include 15 state-of-the-art stadiums.

“What distinguishes the Middle East is its forward-looking approach. Free from legacy constraints, the region is innovating at scale: from Riyadh’s Sports Boulevard and Qatar’s integrated World Cup infrastructure to the UAE’s growing ecosystem of digital fan platforms,” said Mohamed Hashem, Partner, Sports Lead for MEA at Kearney.

“Rather than replicating Western models, countries across the region are testing new frameworks that align sport with broader economic and societal ambitions,” he added.

The region’s relative lack of legacy systems is allowing for rapid innovation in stadium design, multi-purpose entertainment complexes, and smart digital-first venues.

The consultancy advises construction and real estate stakeholders in the Gulf to prioritise adaptability, sustainability, and digital integration – citing the growing importance of immersive fan experiences, hospitality, retail, and technology-enriched environments both inside and outside venues. The blending of sports, entertainment, and urban development is expected to drive economic diversification, catalyse tourism, and enhance the region’s international profile.

With the Middle East establishing itself as a leading destination for global sports – and increasingly as a model for future industry growth – the construction sector stands at the threshold of a transformative era.