Riyadh, 2 September (Kiran News): The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has launched its new global campaign under the consumer brand “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia,” featuring global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The campaign, titled “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More,” aims to highlight that Saudi Arabia is not only a hub for sports but also a centre for entertainment, culture, and fashion.
In the film-style campaign, Ronaldo is seen experiencing various events across Saudi Arabia. The campaign begins with him seated in a stadium, comparing his sport with others, and then immerses himself in vibrant scenes and the passion of the audience. This showcases Saudi Arabia’s strong presence on the global sports and cultural stage.
The campaign highlights Saudi Arabia’s year-round sporting and entertainment programmes held in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. These include major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Esports Olympics 2027, and Asian Winter Games 2029. Regular events like Formula 1, Esports World Cup, golf, tennis, and the Saudi Pro League further position the country as a global sports centre.
Saudi Arabia is also rapidly emerging in the fields of art, fashion, and entertainment. Events such as Riyadh Fashion Week, Red Sea International Film Festival, Arts Biennale, and Season Festivals are key highlights, featuring both international and regional artists.
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said, “Saudi Arabia today is a unique blend of cultural authenticity, warm hospitality, and world-class events. We are committed to providing tourists with memorable experiences.” Meanwhile, Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin stated that since 2018, Saudi Arabia has hosted over 100 major international events and aims to reach 150 million tourists by 2030.
Cristiano Ronaldo, speaking about the campaign, said, “The future of sports is being written here. What impresses me most is that Saudi Arabia is building its future while respecting its roots. From the desert to the stadium—every young player here can dream big.”
Saudi Arabia has announced an investment of $800 billion in the tourism sector, targeting a market value of $22.4 billion and a GDP contribution of $16.5 billion by 2030. Major sports and entertainment events are expected to boost tourism, create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and increase youth participation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.