Saudi Arabia & FIFA 2034: Football Meets Healthcare

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host FIFA 2034. A landmark event that promises more than just a celebration of football. While the spotlight shines on the stadiums, teams, and fans, there’s a lesser-discussed narrative unfolding behind the scenes: the transformative impact on the region’s healthcare sector. Beyond the excitement, this global event brings a ripple effect that could redefine healthcare in unexpected ways. Let’s explore some of these hidden dimensions.

Massive Demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). FIFA 2034 will attract millions of fans, teams, and officials from around the world. Managing medical emergencies—from possible dehydration in the desert heat to sports-related injuries—will require a robust EMS infrastructure. Host cities will likely invest in upgrading ambulance fleets, training first responders, and deploying cutting-edge technology like AI triage systems to handle the influx efficiently.

 A Surge in Medical Tourism. The influx of international visitors, including athletes, VIPs, and fans, offers a unique opportunity for the region to showcase its medical expertise. Many fans may extend their stay to seek high-quality, affordable healthcare, whether it’s wellness treatments, cosmetic surgery, or complex procedures. This could position the Middle East as a top-tier medical tourism destination.

Public Health Campaigns on the Global Stage. Hosting FIFA 2034 is not just about football; it’s a platform for visibility. Governments and healthcare organizations could launch public health campaigns targeting global issues like diabetes, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being, leveraging the massive audience to drive awareness and behavioral change.

Advances in Infectious Disease Control. The sheer scale of FIFA 2034 raises the stakes for managing infectious diseases. With millions traveling across borders, there will be significant investments in disease surveillance, rapid testing, and vaccination drives. Lessons learned here could set new global benchmarks for pandemic preparedness.

Technology as a Healthcare Ally. The Middle East has been investing heavily in smart city technology, and FIFA 2034 will be a testbed for many innovations. Wearable health monitors, telemedicine kiosks in stadiums, and AI-powered diagnostics could become part of the healthcare landscape. These technologies, initially deployed for the event, could become permanent fixtures in local healthcare systems.

 Boosting Healthcare Workforce Development. The demand for healthcare professionals during FIFA 2034 will likely prompt accelerated recruitment and training programs. This could lead to long-term benefits, such as more skilled professionals entering the workforce and improved training standards across the region.

Sustainability in Healthcare Facilities As sustainability takes center stage in FIFA planning, healthcare facilities are not exempt. Green hospitals and clinics, powered by renewable energy and designed to minimize waste, could emerge as a legacy of the event’s sustainability goals.

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness. Large-scale events come with risks—from natural disasters to security threats. Preparing for FIFA 2034 will involve refining disaster preparedness protocols, which could leave a lasting impact on how the region’s healthcare sector handles crises.

Sports Medicine as a Growing Specialty. With the world’s best athletes competing on Middle Eastern soil, sports medicine will take center stage. This could lead to new research initiatives, advanced rehabilitation centers, and a heightened focus on physical fitness across the population.

Economic Uplift for Healthcare Suppliers. Local and regional suppliers of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and wellness products will see a surge in demand. This economic boost could pave the way for long-term growth and innovation in the healthcare supply chain.

For FIFA 2034, Saudi Arabia is expected to host some of its most iconic cities, though the official list hasn’t been announced yet. Based on the country’s strategic development plans and previous hosting experiences, here are a few cities that are projected to play a central role in the event:

Riyadh As the capital city, Riyadh is likely to host some of the major matches due to its central role in Saudi Arabia’s economic and cultural life. The city is undergoing rapid modernization, with new stadiums and facilities being developed, making it an ideal location for the global spotlight of FIFA.

Jeddah Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city and a key port on the Red Sea, is another prime candidate. It is home to the King Abdullah Sports City, a major sports complex, and its coastal location offers a unique atmosphere for fans.

Dammam Located in the Eastern Province, Dammam and its surrounding cities like Khobar and Dhahran are significant due to their economic contributions, particularly in oil. With ongoing infrastructure upgrades, Dammam is projected to host several matches during the World Cup.

Neom the futuristic city being developed as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, is still in its early stages but could be a candidate for FIFA 2034. Given its ambition to host global events and its advanced infrastructure, Neom could play a role in hosting FIFA events.

 A Legacy of Readiness for FIFA 2034. Speaking of preparedness, Qatar’s successful organization of FIFA 2022 was a great example of how to handle the healthcare needs of large-scale events. The country recruited many healthcare professionals to ensure quick responses in case of any emergency, and this experience will undoubtedly help shape the preparations for FIFA 2034.

IHR played a role in recruiting healthcare professionals for the 2022 event and will be ready to do the same for FIFA 2034, ensuring the region remains prepared for any challenges that come their way.