Launching the year with intensity, Saudi Arabia sets the tone through events that test endurance and attract worldwide attention. Leading the calendar, the Dakar Rally returns to the Kingdom’s deserts, reinforcing its status as one of the toughest motorsport challenges on the planet. Expanding the momentum, January also welcomes continental football through the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Riyadh and Jeddah, alongside Supercopa de Espana, which brings elite European football back to Saudi stadiums. Combining motorsport and football within a single month reflects an ability to host diverse global events with precision and strong audience engagement.

Positioning sports at the heart of city life, Saudi Arabia continues to merge competition with entertainment. Introducing events such as Saudi Arabia Darts Masters in Riyadh and E1 Jeddah GP on the Red Sea coast, the calendar highlights formats that blend technology, accessibility, and spectacle. Adding ALUla Tour, the landscape itself becomes part of the experience, while WWE Royal Rumble transforms Riyadh into a global entertainment stage. Reaching beyond traditional fans, these events attract audiences seeking social energy, atmosphere, and experiences that extend beyond the match itself.

Shifting focus to high stakes competition, April places Saudi Arabia at the center of Asian and global sport. Hosting the AFC Champions League Elite Finals in Jeddah brings Asia’s top football clubs into a decisive stage, supported by strong local followings. Following closely, Formula 1 returns with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, reinforcing Jeddah’s reputation as one of the most dramatic street circuits in the sport. Drawing international media and elite athletes, this period strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role in global sports conversations.

Maintaining pace through summer and beyond, Saudi Arabia hosts the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, reflecting the digital evolution of modern sport and attracting younger global audiences. Continuing into autumn, WTA Finals Riyadh and WRC Rally Saudi Arabia add prestige across tennis and rally racing, while a major boxing event in September reinforces the Kingdom’s growing presence in combat sports. By sustaining variety and scale across the year, Saudi Arabia confirms that 2026 represents not a single season, but a complete sports journey aligned with global standards and local lifestyle ambitions.