Legal, Regulatory, and Social Developments in Saudi Arabian Sports Event Management

The sports landscape in Saudi Arabia has undergone a radical transformation driven by Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for hosting major sporting events. This transformation has extended beyond mere promotion to encompass the legal, regulatory, and social structures governing the management of these events.

This study examines the most significant developments facing event organizers in the Kingdom, from the complex regulatory framework for ensuring safety and compliance—which necessitates obtaining approvals from multiple entities and implementing stringent security protocols—to recent legal reforms in areas such as sports dispute resolution and the implementation of a new evidentiary system to enhance contractual transparency.

Furthermore, we highlight significant social shifts, particularly regarding women’s participation in sports and leadership roles, and the ongoing challenges related to their full integration into the sports sector. This analysis aims to illustrate how these legal, regulatory, and social elements shape the management of sports events in the Kingdom, focusing on the opportunities and challenges faced by event organizers within this evolving and dynamic landscape.

Safety and Compliance

Ensuring safety and compliance is paramount when organizing sporting events in Saudi Arabia. This includes a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, as well as the implementation of safety protocols to protect participants and spectators.

Regulatory Framework

Organizers are required to manage a complex framework of regulations established by various entities, including the General Sports Authority’s Supervisory Committee, the Ministry of Interior, and local municipal offices. These entities oversee compliance with safety, security, and operational standards for sporting events.

It is essential to obtain venue and municipal approvals, ensuring that the venue meets safety procedures, emergency exit protocols, and parking arrangements documented in venue agreements.

Safety Measures

Organizers are responsible for implementing stringent safety procedures. This includes preparing detailed security plans approved by the Ministry of Interior, as well as providing liability insurance for attendees and staff.

Event management contracts must clearly outline these safety protocols to ensure all parties are aware of their responsibilities. Furthermore, the relevant authorities will conduct final pre-event inspections to verify compliance with all safety standards.

Compliance with Advertising and Marketing Regulations

Marketing campaigns related to the event must also comply with local media regulations, ensuring that no misleading content is published. Any advertising content, especially at entertainment events, requires approval from the General Entertainment Authority to ensure compliance with national standards. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the event and preventing any legal repercussions.

Safety of Participants and the Public

The safety of participants and the public is paramount, and organizers must implement clear protocols for managing the risks associated with large gatherings. This includes developing emergency response plans and ensuring all staff are trained to effectively handle potential incidents.

Compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is also essential. This includes measures such as crowd control, sanitization, and emergency medical services.

The Evolving Legal Landscape

As the sports industry in Saudi Arabia continues to grow, so too do the regulations governing it. Organizers must stay informed about changes in legislation, particularly regarding event licensing, participant safety standards, and compliance requirements under new laws.

Engaging a legal advisor can help navigate these evolving regulations and ensure timely compliance, minimizing the risk of delays or operational disruptions.

Read also: Legal Aspects of Organizing Sporting Events in Saudi Arabia

Women’s Participation in Sports and Societal Roles

Women’s participation in sports in Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting broader social and legal reforms aimed at promoting women’s participation in physical activities. Historically, sports were largely segregated, with societal norms dictating which sports were “appropriate” for men and women. For example, sports like football and wrestling were traditionally considered men’s activities, while aerobics and gymnastics were seen as women’s sports.

Recent Developments

The Saudi government has taken steps to promote women’s sports, including hosting international women’s sporting events such as the Saudi Ladies International Golf Championship and the International Women’s Friendly Tournament.

In addition, the establishment of women-only sports clubs and facilities has increased opportunities for women’s participation in sports. It is worth noting that restrictions preventing women from attending football matches in stadiums have been lifted, indicating a shift towards inclusivity.

Despite these developments, gender segregation in sports facilities remains legally mandated, and women’s sports clubs receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts, receiving less than 5% of the total funding allocated to men’s football.

Female athletes face ongoing challenges, such as difficulties accessing international representation, including obtaining visas and securing sponsorship, highlighting the need to continue advocating for gender equality in sports.

Societal Implications

The societal implications of these changes are complex. While acceptance of women’s participation in sports is increasing, traditional gender roles continue to influence perceptions of sports and the types of sports considered appropriate for women.

Studies indicate that many individuals still view sports as either masculine or feminine, and these perceptions may discourage girls from participating in sports they might enjoy but are labeled as masculine.

Moreover, a significant cultural shift is underway, as evidenced by surveys indicating that many young men and women support the move toward greater gender equality in sports. Male students, in particular, have expressed positive views on changing gender roles, suggesting a generational shift in attitudes toward gender and sports.

Dispute Resolution

Arbitration Framework

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in strengthening its arbitration framework, particularly in the context of sports disputes. The Saudi Center for Sports Arbitration operates as an independent body dedicated to resolving disputes within the sports sector, including issues related to player contracts, disciplinary matters, and sponsorship agreements. Overseen by the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, the Center’s legal framework is aligned with international standards, ensuring fair and transparent processes for all parties involved. Key Updates to Arbitration Law

In July 2025, the Saudi Council of Ministers issued a resolution aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of arbitration practices in the country. This resolution initiated a comprehensive review of existing arbitration laws, resulting in the publication of a draft law outlining key updates.

These updates include: requiring the reasoning of arbitration awards, unless the parties agree otherwise, and allowing for electronic signatures. Awards are considered to have been issued at the place of arbitration even if signed elsewhere. The introduction of provisions allowing for provisional measures, the joining of parties, and the standardization of arbitration procedures expands the procedural options available to the arbitration body. The adoption of the principle of “competence of competence” allows judicial bodies to determine their own jurisdiction.

Legal Representation and Compliance

Legal representation is crucial in resolving contractual disputes related to sporting events. Sports law specialists provide legal support during negotiations, ensuring compliance with local regulations while protecting the interests of sports clubs, athletes, and federations. This includes drafting and reviewing contracts, as well as providing strategies for amicable dispute resolution or formal arbitration as needed.

Human Rights Considerations

The recent decision to award the 2034 FIFA World Cup to Saudi Arabia has drawn attention to the need to uphold human rights standards in the context of sporting events. A group of international lawyers formally urged FIFA to adhere to its human rights policy regarding the tournament, highlighting ongoing violations in the Kingdom and calling for accountability.

This situation underscores the importance of ethical considerations in dispute resolution processes related to major sporting events. By establishing a robust legal framework and focusing on compliance and ethical practices, Saudi Arabia aims to create a fair and effective system for resolving disputes arising in the dynamic field of sports.