Saudi Hospitality Gearing to Welcome World Cup 2034 Taiba Investments
Committed to ‘Growing Together’ through a legacy of tradition and global excellence, A wave of national pride and excitement is sweeping across Saudi Arabia following the announcement of the Kingdom’s successful bid to stage the FIFA World Cup 2034. As the first nation to organize a 48-team tournament within a single country, and with a track record of hosting over 100 international events since 2018, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for players and fans alike.
Saudi Arabia welcomed over 100 million domestic and international visitors in 2023 - seven years ahead of schedule. This accomplishment demonstrates the Kingdom’s capacity to support large-scale tourism, highlighting its cultural heritage, sophisticated hospitality offering, and modern infrastructure. With a new goal of attracting 150 million tourists annually by 2030, hosting the World Cup aligns with efforts to diversify the economy and engage with a global audience.
A Leading Tourism Hub
The tourism sector is already driving significant growth, with Saudi Arabia ranking third globally as a top destination for international arrivals growth. With spectacular, diverse landscapes, the Kingdom features six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and innovative giga-projects that showcase its rich heritage and modern appeal.
With 60% of the global population within an eight-hour flight and a network of 16 international airports, the Kingdom is fully capable of accommodating the increasing influx of visitors. By the first half of 2024, Saudi Arabia received 60 million tourists, generating SR 143 billion (approximately USD 38.61 billion) in spending, on track to surpass previous records.
Sports tourism has become a powerful driver of this growth. Around 2.5 million tourists have attended 80 global sporting events since 2020, including the LIV Golf Tour, Saudi Pro League football, and Formula One. This evolving sector is projected to contribute nearly 16% of GDP and employ more than 3.6 million people, establishing Saudi Arabia as a key player in hosting major sporting events and fueling its rise as the destination of choice for tourism and hospitality.
Experts in Hospitality
At the heart of the Kingdom’s tourism surge, hospitality is thriving. With over 40 years of expertise, Taiba Investments has built a strong reputation in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, uniquely equipped to meet the increased demand for accommodation during the FIFA World Cup 2034. Its portfolio of 39 properties, featuring over 7,700 keys across the Kingdom, and eight additional hotels under development, strategically positions the company to receive the volume of guests expected during this historic event.
Taiba’s hotels are located throughout World Cup host cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar, as well as secondary locations such as Madinah and Tabuk, where visiting teams and officials are expected to stay. The company’s properties offer a range of options, from affordable accommodations to luxury resorts through partnerships with global brands like Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Rixos, alongside its homegrown Makarem and Nur that reflect Saudi Arabia’s authentic hospitality.
As part of its plans for the FIFA World Cup 2034, Taiba is developing football-themed packages, tailored services, and cultural programs to enhance the guest experience. These services will be integrated into Taiba’s network, creating opportunities for international visitors to connect with Saudi traditions while enjoying top-standards service.
Growth is on the horizon for Taiba Investments, with new properties set to open by 2025 in Riyadh, Khobar, and Madinah. These include the Sheraton Taiba Hotel and the Novotel Hotel, adding a combined total of 828 keys. Further expansion is planned with Riyadh’s stc Square Hotel in 2027, which will contribute an additional 165 keys to Taiba’s portfolio.
With its ideally located properties, planned guest-focused offerings, and ongoing expansion, Taiba Investments is prepared to play a significant role in the success of the FIFA World Cup 2034, and beyond, supporting Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global leader in Tourism.
A Legacy of Tradition and Excellence
Taiba Investments combines decades of experience accommodating international guests with a deep understanding of local hospitality to create an approach that combines Saudi traditions with global standards. This unique proposition and emphasis on promoting cultural exchange ensures that every guest—whether a football enthusiast, an international traveler, or a spiritual pilgrim—feels welcomed and valued.
As Saudi Arabia’s global influence grows, so does its commitment to delivering topnotch services, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. Taiba is an active contributor to this transformation, supporting the Kingdom’s vision for a thriving and inclusive tourism ecosystem.
The next ten years will be significant for Saudi tourism, with events like Riyadh Expo 2030 building momentum toward the FIFA World Cup 2034. Throughout the decade and beyond, Taiba remains dedicated to supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global tourism hub, guided by the spirit of “Growing. Together.”
