Saudi Arabia: Launch of the first edition of the FIFA/CIES International Programme

On 28 September, King Saud University (KSU), represented by the College of Sports Science and Physical Activity, inaugurated the first edition of the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management in the country. The new course will be co-organised in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).

The event was attended by Dr Mohammad Aldosari, Programme Director, Dr Bandar AlArifi, Programme Academic Coordinator, Diaa Salah, SAFF representative, Vincent Monnier, Head of the FIFA/CIES International University Network, Abdulrahman AlSayyar, CIES Coordinator in Saudi Arabia, and the Programme's teaching staff.

The speakers emphasised that the launch of this first edition was part of efforts to develop specialised human capital in the sports sector, but also to align education and training outputs with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 in the field of sport and major event industry.

They also highlighted the importance of education in an increasingly complex, volatile and unstable sporting environment, particularly due to the rapid rise of new technologies. It is, therefore, essential to train, interact with others, reason, and learn how to build and structure both medium and long-term projects.

The 56 students officially began their classes on 1 October on the university campus. They will learn about management, communication, sports law, marketing/sponsorship, finance and event management. The new students will also participate in workshops and conferences led by local and international experts, as well as interactive field trips.

At the end of their studies, they will be required to present an innovative and applicable group project addressing a specific and concrete issue related to national sport.

We welcome the first students from Saudi Arabia. We are confident that their training with KSU and SAFF, our local partners, will be an important step for them.