A delegation from the Saudi Sports for All Federation, led by Executive Director Shaima bint Saleh Al-Husseini, attended the Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) held in the British capital London from June 2 to 3, 2026. The conference brought together prominent officials, investors, and decision-makers to discuss the prospects of sports in the region and globally.

Showcasing the Federation’s International Efforts

During the forum sessions, Al-Husseini presented an overview of the Federation’s efforts to strengthen international relations within the framework of the Kingdom’s vision to build a sustainable community sports system. The discussion addressed the role of innovation, investment, and national strategies in accelerating the growth of the sports sector in the Middle East.

Panel Discussion on Grassroots Sports

Al-Husseini participated in a panel discussion titled “Grassroots Sports and Broad Community Participation in the Middle East: Enhancing Health, Society, and Social Impact.” She was joined in the discussion by professional football player William Troost-Ekong from Al-Ahli Club, sports performance expert Lizzie Flock, and Dr. Anas Afendioğlu, Director General of the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Al-Husseini described her participation in the forum as a vital opportunity to connect with sports leaders contributing to the sector’s growth in the region. She added that this participation enabled the Federation to showcase its work model in developing community programs targeting different age groups and backgrounds, with a focus on improving health and quality of life and enhancing the social impact of sports.

Nature and Venue of the Forum

The Middle East Sports Investment Forum is a global event bringing together regional governments and sports entities at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The conference aims to support the rapid development of the sports sector in the region by discussing topics such as expanding private sector partnerships, enhancing regional integration, supporting innovation, and redefining sports as a tool for legacy building and strengthening identity and diplomacy.

Numbers and Participants

This year’s edition saw the attendance of over 400 participants, along with 20 sponsors and 50 prominent leaders from various fields of sports investment. These figures reflect the focus on governance, investment, infrastructure, and grassroots sports development, connecting the sector in the Middle East with international partners and global solution providers.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the home ground of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in London, opened in April 2019 on the site of the club’s former White Hart Lane. It is one of the most advanced stadiums in the world, featuring a retractable pitch that separates a synthetic NFL field from the natural grass football surface, allowing it to host both Premier League matches and NFL games. The stadium’s design incorporates a single-tier south stand, the largest of its kind in the UK, reflecting the club’s history and fan culture.

Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF)

The Middle East Sports Investment Forum (MESIF) is a key annual event that brings together global investors, sports leaders, and government officials to explore opportunities in the sports industry across the Middle East. Established in recent years, the forum focuses on driving economic growth, innovation, and infrastructure development in sports, reflecting the region’s ambition to become a major hub for international sports events and investments. It serves as a platform for discussing trends, partnerships, and strategies to maximize the commercial and social impact of sports in the region.

Al-Ahli Club

Al-Ahli Club is one of the oldest and most prominent sports clubs in the Middle East, founded in 1907 in Cairo, Egypt. Originally established as a social and cultural hub for Egyptian youth, it quickly became a powerhouse in football and other sports, winning numerous domestic and continental titles. The club is deeply tied to Egyptian national identity, having played a key role in the country’s struggle for independence and remaining a symbol of pride and unity.