Saudi Arabia is transforming through sport — and that transformation is redrawing football’s global map. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is using football as a driver of social development, economic diversification, and international connection, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup as a defining milestone. Massive investment in infrastructure, talent development, and the professionalisation of the local industry is reshaping the balance of power across the international game.
On December 10-11, over 2,500 attendees from 80+ countries will gather at Misk City for WFS Riyadh — the platform where Saudi Arabia’s football leadership connects directly with the global industry. Taking place one year after the Kingdom was awarded the 2034 FIFA World Cup, WFS Riyadh 2025 arrives as this vision continues to accelerate. From the Saudi Women’s Premier League launch to the privatisation of three clubs opening doors to global investment, the past year has seen significant progress. The event will explore what this means for clubs, leagues, federations, brands, and investors worldwide.
WFS Riyadh 2025 is backed by regional and international football properties, with the Saudi Pro League as Institutional Partner and LALIGA among the event’s Corporate Partners. Over two days, the agenda will explore the evolution of Saudi football, the long-term impact of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the growth of international club partnerships, innovation in technology, and the role of inclusion and sustainability in the game’s future.
The event will be hosted by Mo Islam, presenter of The Mo Show, a popular podcast known for interviewing the key figures driving the social and economic transformation of Saudi Arabia. The agenda will address football’s most relevant topics through panel discussions, roundtables, and fireside chats — connecting business growth with long-term purpose:
- Governance & Leadership: Football’s evolving models of management and ownership.
- Growth & Investment: Capital, infrastructure, and the business of the game.
- Media, Content & Fan Engagement: Broadcasting, storytelling, and the digital transformation of fandom.
- Performance & Development: Talent, academies, and pathways ahead of 2034.
- Innovation & Technology: Data, AI, and smart stadiums shaping performance and fan experience.
- Culture, Community & Purpose: Inclusion, education, and legacy.
Confirmed speakers include: Khalid Alaraifi, (Chief Experience Officer, Misk City), Saleh Alshehri (Footballer, Al-Ittihad), James Bisgrove (CEO, Al Qadsiah), Esteve Calzada (CEO, AL Hilal), Adlene Guedioura (Former player and football expert), Ben Harburg (Owner, Al-Kholood Club), Peter Hutton (Board Member, Saudi Pro League), Magda Pozzo (Chief Commercial Officer, Udinese Calcio), Ralf Reichert (CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation), and Javier Tebas (President, LALIGA), among many others.
WFS Riyadh will take place at Misk City. As the first nonprofit city of its kind, Misk City is a vibrant, human-centric hub where young and creative minds live, learn, share, and grow. Its state-of-the-art facilities and purpose-built design provide an inspiring setting for WFS Riyadh 2025, where leaders and innovators come together to shape the future of football.
Jan Alessie, Co-Founder & Managing Director of World Football Summit, said: “WFS Riyadh has become a must-attend event for football professionals worldwide. This edition feels especially significant — it’s been a year since the 2034 World Cup was awarded, and the progress across the Kingdom has been remarkable. WFS Riyadh gives that progress a global stage while creating real opportunities for dialogue and partnership between regional leadership and international expertise.”