(“Saudi, Welcome to Arabia” – the consumer-facing brand of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) – has launched its latest campaign starring Cristiano Ronaldo.)
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TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 2 SEPTEMBER 2025
The new campaign has been launched across Europe and in countries like India, and China, with the campaign “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More” positions Saudi Arabia as a destination that surpasses expectations. The campaign’s focus is to drive awareness of the country’s diverse offerings beyond sports, aligning Saudi’s brand with a vibrant calendar of global events.
The campaign film centers around CR7’s journey through leading events, illustrating Saudi Arabia’s dynamic transformation and positioning the country as an emerging contender for international tourism which has been driven by sports, culture, and entertainment.
The campaign also highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing year-round calendar, which is now available across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. With upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup 2034, the AFC Asian Cup 2027, and the Asian Winter Games 2029, as well as annual fixtures in motorsport, golf, tennis, esports, and football, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for sport.
Cultural and entertainment offerings are also expanding very fast , encompassing events such as fashion and film festivals, biennales, comedy tours, and seasonal celebrations in cities like Riyadh ,Jeddah etc.
Mr.Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, has announced that : “Today, Saudi Arabia is cementing its place as a global destination that combines cultural authenticity, warm hospitality, and the thrill of world-class events. We remain committed to developing a seamless tourism landscape that inspires the world and provides visitors with unforgettable experiences.”
Mr. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has informed that , “This campaign with Ronaldo reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitions. Since 2018, we have hosted over 100 major international events, and as our calendar expands, we are on track to reach 150 million visitors by 2030. From world-class events to iconic sites and breathtaking landscapes, Saudi Arabia is a land of discovery.”
Commenting on the launching CR7 himself stated , “Participating in Saudi Arabia’s growth as a global sports hub has been a remarkable experience. The enthusiasm of the fans and the country’s ambition underscore its role in shaping the future of sport. Notably, Saudi Arabia integrates its heritage with ambitious development. From traditional sports to new arenas, from the desert to the stadium, the nation encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams.”
Saudi Arabia has committed $800 billion to its tourism sector under Vision 2030, with the industry projected to reach a market value of $22.4 billion and contribute $16.5 billion to GDP by 2030. Investments in stadiums, arenas, and grassroots programs are expected to drive further growth, boost jobs, and strengthen the country’s future position as a global market leader in sports and entertainment tourism sectors .
Saudi Tourism Authority has targeted India as one of the top source market, and has set an ambitious target to welcome 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030.
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