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Saudi Arabia to host the 4th Stadiums & Sports Innovation Summit - Officially Supported by the Ministry of Investment (MISA)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia is set to welcome global leaders in sports infrastructure, technology, and investment at the 4th Stadiums & Sports Innovation Summit, taking place on 18 – 19 May 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya. The event stands as the Kingdom’s premier platform for advancing smart stadium development, sports innovation, and strategic investment, and is officially supported by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA).
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the summit brings together senior decision‑makers from government entities, giga‑projects, sports federations, global investors, and technology pioneers. The event will accelerate the modernization and privatization of sports assets through cutting‑edge AI, smart venue systems, advanced security technologies, and next‑generation fan engagement solutions.
With the Ministries and Investment guiding national strategies, the summit serves as a catalyst for high‑value partnerships, capital deployment, and transformative projects shaping the future of the Kingdom’s sports economy, particularly as Saudi Arabia advances toward hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Key Speakers Announced
The summit features an exceptional lineup of global and regional leaders driving innovation across sports, infrastructure, and investment, including:
• Basim K. Ibrahim, Sport Investment Director, Ministry of Investment (MISA)
• Ben Harburg, First Foreign Owner of Al‑Kholood FC; Chairman, Harburg Group
• Sherif Bialy, Director of Infrastructure & Asset Development, NEOM
• Shireen Hamdan, Senior Principal & Global Director, Populous
• Francesco Aurelio Bongiorno, Associate Director – Design Management, Mace
• Michael Smith, Chief of Sporting & Technical, Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation
• Fawaz Al Ayban, Head of Procurement, Al Hilal Saudi Club
• Helmut Spahn, Director – Safety, Security & Access, FIFA
• Eng. Meshal Aldeaijy, Strategic Planning & Execution Advisor
• John Seed, Group Director Strategy & Development, Dar Al Riyadh
• Sayed Farouk, Director of IT, Saudi Pro League
• Bandar Mohammed, Program Manager, Public Investment Fund
• And many more…
This diverse roster underscores the summit’s role as a global hub for innovation, investment, and strategic collaboration.
A Platform Where Vision Meets Innovation
The summit will explore the future of sports infrastructure through sessions on:
• Smart stadium design and digital transformation
• AI‑driven venue operations
• Safety, security, and crowd management
• Sustainability and green building strategies
• Investment opportunities across the sports ecosystem
• Fan experience and next‑generation engagement technologies
Executives attending can expect high‑impact networking, deal‑making opportunities, and access to the latest innovations shaping the global sports landscape.
For more information, www.stadiumksa.com
The articles from these contributors are based on their personal expertise and viewpoints, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations.
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