The Saudi Ministry of Sport regulates the sports sector across the Kingdom, from grassroots facilities to elite competition. It was created in 2020 out of the General Sports Authority and it now oversees clubs, federations and venues while working with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
What the Saudi Ministry of Sport does
The ministry sets the framework for the sports sector, provides modern facilities to widen participation, and pursues local and global excellence for Saudi sport. It runs most of its work from headquarters in Riyadh. The Minister of Sport is appointed by Royal Order, holds primary responsibility for the ministry and sits on the Council of Ministers.
How Saudi sports administration developed
Organized sports administration in the Kingdom goes back to 1952, when the first decision established a department responsible for sport under the Ministry of Interior. A new body, the Department of Physical and Social Education, followed in 1954.
- 1964: the Council of Ministers established the General Presidency of Youth Welfare
- May 7, 2016: a Royal Order renamed it the General Sports Authority
- 2020: the Ministry of Sport was established, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Investment
Official services and announcements are published by the Saudi Press Agency.
Federations, clubs and affiliated bodies
Working with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the ministry oversees roughly ninety-seven sports federations, committees and associations, and supervises around 195 sports clubs at various levels. The Saudi Professional League is among the affiliated entities, and the ministry also implements the Community Engagement Program covering sport and physical activity.
Club restructuring has moved quickly in recent years, with cases such as Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League and NEOM Sport Club showing how new ownership models work in practice.
Facilities under supervision
The ministry monitors four sports stadiums, seventeen sports cities and three indoor sports halls, plus twenty-two youth centers spread across twenty-two cities. Commercial fitness capacity has expanded alongside the public network, as our profile of Leejam Sports Company describes.
Major events
Hosting duties now shape a large part of the sector’s planning, from the Esports World Cup to preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Each of these brings venue, transport and workforce requirements that run through the ministry and its partners.
Key takeaways
- Established in 2020, previously the General Sports Authority and before that the General Presidency of Youth Welfare
- Headquartered in Riyadh, with the minister appointed by Royal Order
- Oversees about ninety-seven federations and around 195 clubs
- Monitors four stadiums, seventeen sports cities, three indoor halls and twenty-two youth centers
Frequently asked questions
When was the Ministry of Sport created?
In 2020, together with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Investment.
What was it called before?
The General Sports Authority from 2016, and the General Presidency of Youth Welfare from 1964.
How many clubs does it supervise?
Around 195 sports clubs across different levels and activities.
Who appoints the Minister of Sport?
The minister is appointed by Royal Order and serves as a member of the Council of Ministers.
With participation targets and hosting commitments both rising, the ministry’s facility and federation work will stay central to the sector through the coming decade.
