Five more sports clubs have been announced for privatization.

The Ministry of Sports, along with the National Center for Privatization, announced today the offering of five clubs to investment entities: (Riyadh, Abha, Al-Fateh, Al-Tai, Al-Shoula). This involves receiving expressions of interest and submitting qualifications for acquiring these clubs, as part of ongoing steps in the investment and privatization project for sports clubs, opening the door for the private sector to benefit from distinctive opportunities in the sports sector.
The Ministry revealed that the five clubs have completed all regulatory procedures, reaching a stage of readiness for presentation to investment entities. The deadline for receiving qualification applications from investment entities is Sunday, July 5, 2026. Applications can be submitted on the National Center for Privatization website at the following link: www.ncp.gov.sa.

The Ministry emphasized that various sports clubs are being prepared to enter the project according to a comprehensive methodology that considers each club’s readiness level individually, as well as the seriousness and readiness of the investor. This ensures the completion of necessary requirements for entering the project, enhancing the efficiency of the offering and achieving sustainable impact for both sports clubs and investment entities.
The Ministry also confirmed that receiving applications of interest for acquiring any sports clubs continues without interruption, according to the project’s procedures and regulations. The offering process, if there are expressions of interest for a specific club, will take between 8 to 10 months. At the same time, it noted clear interest from local and foreign investment entities to acquire a large number of sports clubs, with recorded expressions of interest reaching over 80 for 22 sports clubs so far. This reflects the rapid growth of the project and the availability of opportunities for private sector entities to participate in the development journey of the sports sector.
Regarding the latest developments in offering the clubs Al-Najma and Al-Okhdood, the Ministry clarified that the negotiation phase is currently underway, followed by the contract signing phase, before the official announcement of the transfer of ownership of the two clubs to the new owners.
This announcement embodies the serious steps being implemented in the investment and privatization project for sports clubs, aiming to enhance the financial and administrative efficiency of clubs, contributing to building a sports system at the highest levels of efficiency and professionalism, towards achieving sports goals in Saudi Vision 2030.

Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has transformed from a small, fortified desert settlement into a sprawling modern metropolis. Its history is deeply tied to the Al Saud dynasty, who captured the city in 1902, leading to the unification of Saudi Arabia. Today, it serves as the country’s political and financial center, blending ancient landmarks like the Masmak Fortress with futuristic skyscrapers.

Abha

Abha is the capital of the Asir Province in southwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its mild climate and scenic mountain landscapes. Historically, it was a key stop on ancient trade routes and later developed as a summer retreat, with its fortress-like architecture reflecting the region’s strategic importance. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its traditional mud-brick buildings, vibrant markets, and the nearby Asir National Park.

Al-Fateh

Al-Fateh, also known as the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, is a prominent cultural and religious site located in Manama, Bahrain. Completed in 1988 and named after Ahmed Al Fateh, the conqueror of Bahrain, it is one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating over 7,000 worshippers. The site also houses the National Library and an Islamic museum

Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, began as a small, fortified village in the 18th century before being recaptured by the Al Saud family in 1902, an event that marked the start of the modern Saudi state. It has since transformed from a walled desert town into a sprawling, ultra-modern metropolis, serving as the nation’s political, financial, and administrative hub. Today, Riyadh is known for its striking skyline, historic landmarks like the Masmak Fortress, and its role as a center for commerce and culture in the Arabian Peninsula.

Abha

Abha is a city in southwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its mild climate and scenic mountain landscapes. It was historically a key stop on the ancient trade route and later became the administrative capital of the Asir Province. The city is famous for its traditional stone architecture, including the Al-Muftaha district, and its vibrant cultural festivals that celebrate local heritage.

Al-Fateh

Al-Fateh is a prominent mosque located in Manama, Bahrain, officially known as the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque. Completed in 1988, it was named after Ahmed Al-Fateh, the 18th-century conqueror who is considered the founder of modern Bahrain. As one of the largest mosques in the world, it can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers and features a massive fiberglass dome, serving as a key religious and cultural landmark.

Al-Tai

Al-Tai is a historic neighborhood in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, known for its deep-rooted Islamic heritage. It is named after the ancient Tayy tribe and contains several significant sites, including the Quba Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, and the Al-Tai Well, which dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad. The area has long served as a residential and cultural hub, preserving traditions and landmarks that reflect Medina’s early Islamic history.

Al-Shoula

Al-Shoula is a historic village in central Saudi Arabia, known for its traditional mud-brick architecture and agricultural heritage. The area has been inhabited for centuries, serving as a stop along ancient trade routes and reflecting the region’s rich cultural past. Today, it stands as a preserved site that offers insight into pre-modern Arabian life and architecture.

Al-Najma

Al-Najma (also known as the Star Mosque) is a historic mosque located in the old city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, renowned for its stunning architecture adorned with intricate star-shaped motifs. Built in the early 19th century by a local landlord, it was later renovated in the early 20th century, incorporating exquisite mosaic work and colorful tiles that give it a celestial appearance. The site stands as a beautiful example of Mughal-influenced Islamic architecture and remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist attraction.

Al-Okhdood

Al-Okhdood is an ancient archaeological site in southwestern Saudi Arabia, near the city of Najran. It is historically known as a major trading center and the site of a tragic massacre in the 5th century CE, where a Christian community was persecuted and thrown into a burning trench, as referenced in the Quran (Surah Al-Buruj). Today, the ruins feature remnants of a fortress, wells, and inscriptions that testify to its rich pre-Islamic history.

Masmak Fortress

Masmak Fortress is a historic clay and mudbrick fort located in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, built around 1895 under the rule of the Al Rashid family. It is best known for its role in the unification of Saudi Arabia, as it was recaptured by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud in 1902, marking a pivotal moment in the founding of the modern Saudi state. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits that highlight the country’s heritage and the fortress’s strategic importance.