Dubai ruler extends congratulatory message to Saudi for successful World Cup bid

UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed his pride and happiness over Saudi Arabia’s success in its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Sheikh Mohammed took to X to congratulate King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people for the achievement of the bid they have been preparing for for many years.

He also congratulated King Mohammed VI of Morocco for securing the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, stressing that the Arab World would witness two consecutive World Cups in the region.

He also expressed confidence that both tournaments would be amongst the best ones in history.

UAE Football Association's message

Another congratulatory message was sent to Saudi Arabia from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Football Association, praising the Saudi capabilities and experience in organizing major international events, namely the World Cup, which is highly anticipated by billions around the world.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that this victory is a significant achievement for Arab sports, particularly football, and expressed pride in seeing the World Cup return to the Arabian Gulf.

Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the values of coexistence, tolerance, and creativity shared between the nations, wishing continued success for Saudi Arabia's sports community and fans.

FIFA bids confirmed

On December 11, 2024, Saudi Arabia and Morocco’s World Cup bids were confirmed, marking a historic milestone for the Arab world. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with the Kingdom’s ambitious vision backed by large-scale infrastructure projects, including new stadiums, transportation networks, and a commitment to sustainability.

Similarly, Morocco, in collaboration with Spain and Portugal, will host the 2030 World Cup, underscoring the region’s growing prominence in global football. Both countries have been strategically preparing for years, investing in sports infrastructure to meet FIFA’s rigorous standards and enhance regional development.

Preparations underway

In Saudi Arabia, preparations have been underway for years as part of the nation’s Vision 2030, which includes major investments in sports and entertainment in an effort to diversify resources for the Saudi economy after decades of heavily relying on the oil sector.

The country’s ambitious plans involve transforming its sporting facilities and constructing modern stadiums, as well as enhancing the tourism sector to welcome international visitors. The Kingdom’s hosting of the World Cup is set to further elevate its status as a global sporting hub.

Morocco’s success in securing the 2030 World Cup is the culmination of years of effort, backed by government commitment to sports development and regional collaboration.

The Moroccan bid, alongside Spain and Portugal, promises to bring the tournament to three continents for the first time, leveraging state-of-the-art infrastructure and regional partnerships to ensure the event’s success. Both nations are poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of football.