2025 is shaping up to be another spectacular year for sports fans in Saudi Arabia!
We're about to witness a thrilling lineup of world-class competitions, with some of the most exciting events on the planet coming to the Kingdom.
From motorsport to football and everything in between, let's dive into the sporting events we'll be hosting in 2025.
January: A Month to Kickstart the Action
The year kicks off with the Dakar Rally (Jan. 3-17), returning to Saudi Arabia for the sixth consecutive year. The race starts in Bisha, located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom, and stretches across 12 challenging stages through the expansive Empty Quarter. The race will culminate in Shubaytah, attracting some of the world's top drivers, including a record number of Saudi national entrants.
In addition, we'll see the Supercoppa Italiana (Jan. 2-5) at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, where Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta battle for supremacy. The Supercopa de España (Jan. 8-12) follows at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, featuring Spain's top clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. Finally, the UIM E1 World Championship Jeddah (Jan. 24-25) brings the electric raceboats back to the Red Sea, with exciting teams like Rafa Nadal and Didier Drogba involved.
February: UFC and Golf Heat Up
In February, we get a major showdown in the UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov (Feb. 1) in Riyadh, where UFC middleweight champion Adesanya will defend his title. The event is set to take place at the anb Arena and promises to be a thrilling start to the month. Right after that, we'll witness the LIV Golf Riyadh (Feb. 6-8), where global golfing stars, including Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, will compete at Riyadh Golf Club.
Then, it's time for the Jeddah ePrix (Feb. 14-15), where Formula E debuts at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The Saudi Cup (Feb. 21-22), the world's richest horse race, will be back, offering a stunning prize pool, with the spotlight on Riyadh's King Abdulaziz Racetrack. Lastly, on Feb. 22, we'll witness the epic Beterbiev vs Bivol II boxing match, promising another electrifying moment in Saudi Arabia's sporting calendar.
Spring Brings More Action
April kicks off with the AFC Asian U17 Cup (Apr. 3-20), where the best young football talents from across Asia gather in Saudi Arabia, aiming to secure a spot in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Later that month, we'll have the much-awaited Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Apr. 18-20) at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The race promises to be even more intense this year, with Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari shaking things up in the world of Formula One.
Summer: Basketball and Football Dominate
In May, Saudi Arabia will host the AFC Champions League Elite Finals (Apr. 25-May 4), an event that will determine the best football club in Asia. This mini-tournament, taking place in Saudi Arabia, will see the continent's finest teams compete for the prestigious title.
In August, Saudi Arabia will host the FIBA Asia Cup (Aug. 5-17) in Jeddah. This marks a historic return for the basketball event to the Kingdom after nearly three decades. The Saudi basketball team will be looking to improve upon its previous best, as they face tough competition from powerhouse teams like Australia.
Fall and Winter: Rally and Tennis Events
As we move into the fall, the Rally Saudi Arabia (Nov. 27-30) takes the spotlight, marking the return of the World Rally Championship to the Middle East. This event will take place in Jeddah and is set to be a major highlight of the season.
Additionally, we'll enjoy the WTA Tour Finals (Nov. 3-9) for the third consecutive year, bringing together the world's best tennis players at King Saud University Indoor Arena.
Finally, in December, we'll end the year with the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, showcasing the brightest young talents in men's tennis. Plus, there will be the Olympic Esports Games and the Global Solidarity Games, both marking major milestones for Saudi Arabia in the global sporting arena.
As 2025 unfolds, it's clear that Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming into a global sporting hub. With the support of world-class infrastructure and an ever-growing passion for sports, we're in for an unforgettable year of competition and excitement.
Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast, a football fan, or someone who loves the thrill of live sports, Saudi Arabia's 2025 calendar is sure to deliver something extraordinary for everyone!
Saudi Arabia to Host 2025 Olympic eSports Games
Video by Alina Phyro
