Riyadh celebrates being awarded the 2034 Asian Games

Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is celebrating a historic bid outcome today after being awarded the right to stage the 2034 Asian Games.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly agreed to decide the hosting rights to the 2030 and 2034 Asian Games today as a dual award. The success means Riyadh will stage the Asian Games for the very first time in 2034 and will be the cornerstone of the nation’s social, cultural, economic and sporting development vision of ‘Transforming The Future’.

The dual-award outcome follows Riyadh’s exceptional report from the OCA Evaluation Committee. The Riyadh Bid Committee hosted the OCA’s Evaluation Committee in November and showcased their vision for a transformative, vibrant, modern and sustainable festival of sport that will inspire a new generation of athletes and fans.

Following today’s announcement, Riyadh thanked the OCA General Assembly for their historic decision and for providing the Saudi capital with the opportunity to host an Asian Games that would unify the whole of Asia in an amazing celebration of sport. Reimagining the model of the Asian Games in 2034, Riyadh promises a spectacular event that is ultra-modern yet steeped in history, responsible, visually stunning and sustainable.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Alfaisal, President of Riyadh 2034 and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, said:

"Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are overwhelmed with joy to have been awarded the 2034 Asian Games today. We applaud this dual award decision by the OCA and the NOCs of Asia. It is the best outcome for the OCA and the two great bid cities who campaigned competitively and in the spirit of great sportsmanship. Most of all, today’s historic decision is great news for Asian sport and our athletes - who will be able to train and prepare for 2030 and 2034 knowing they are in great hands with two amazing host cities.

"We would like to thank the OCA and NOCs of Asia for handing us this important responsibility. We will treasure this opportunity and work hard every day to deliver an Asian Games that the whole of Asia can be proud of.

"We are grateful for the leadership and vision of King Salman and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and greatly appreciate the support of the Saudi Arabian government and all those who worked on our bid. We also congratulate Doha and wish them the very best of luck for 2030."

Riyadh 2034 Director-General and SAOC Vice President, HH Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz, said:

"Today is a great moment for the future of Asian sport and the Asian Olympic Movement with Riyadh 2034 opening the door to a new audience and a new era for the OCA. With our transformative plans for Riyadh 2034, we are proposing a sustainable, financially responsible and interconnected hosting concept that blends Riyadh’s rich history and cultural heritage with modern and state-of-the-art stadiums and sports venues.

"The Riyadh 2034 sports zones, including the Diriyah Historical Zone and Qiddiya, will ensure an exciting and convenient festival of sport for all that inspires and captivates a new generation of sports fans across the region.

"Saudi Arabia stands ready to welcome the Asian sporting community to our beautiful capital and continue our commitment to driving change and transformation throughout our Kingdom with sport. Riyadh promises to work hand-in-hand with the OCA to deliver a modern, vibrant, diverse event and an unforgettable, festival atmosphere for fans and athletes alike."

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