Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after Australia withdrew its bid on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. The Saudi bid was the only one submitted by the deadline, clearing the way for the kingdom to become the first Arab country to host the world's biggest sporting event.

Saudi Arabia's bid has been praised for its ambitious vision and its commitment to using the World Cup to promote social and economic development in the country. The Saudi government has pledged to invest heavily in infrastructure and tourism and to make the tournament accessible to all fans, regardless of their background or income.

However, the Saudi bid has also been criticized for its human rights record and its treatment of women and LGBT people. Amnesty International has called on FIFA to conduct a thorough human rights assessment of the Saudi bid and to ensure that any contracts awarded to FIFA partners are not used to whitewash the kingdom's abuses.

Despite the criticism, it is clear that Saudi Arabia is determined to host a successful World Cup. The kingdom has a long history of hosting major sporting events, including the Asian Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games. It also has a strong track record of attracting tourists, with over 17 million people visiting the country in 2022.

The 2034 World Cup is expected to be the biggest and most lucrative World Cup in history. FIFA has already sold over $6 billion in television and sponsorship rights for the tournament. The Saudi government is also expected to invest heavily in the event, with some estimates suggesting that the total cost of hosting the World Cup could exceed $100 billion.

The 2034 World Cup will be a major opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its culture and achievements to the world. It will also be a chance for the kingdom to address its human rights record and to show that it is a welcoming and inclusive country.

Potential benefits of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup

• Economic benefits: The World Cup is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue for Saudi Arabia, through tourism, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals.
• Social benefits: The World Cup is a global sporting event that attracts fans from all over the world. Hosting the tournament could help to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Saudi Arabia and other countries.
• Infrastructure benefits: The Saudi government has pledged to invest heavily in infrastructure and tourism in preparation for the World Cup. This could lead to long-term benefits for the country, such as improved transportation networks and new tourist attractions.

Potential challenges of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup

• Human rights concerns: Saudi Arabia has a poor human rights record, including restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. Amnesty International has called on FIFA to conduct a thorough human rights assessment of the Saudi bid.
• Treatment of women and LGBT people: Women and LGBT people face discrimination in Saudi Arabia. FIFA has pledged to ensure that all fans are treated equally and respectfully, but it remains to be seen whether Saudi Arabia will live up to this commitment.
• Climate concerns: Saudi Arabia is a hot country with a desert climate. FIFA has said that it will work with the Saudi government to ensure that the World Cup is played in safe and comfortable conditions, but it remains to be seen how this will be achieved.