During his response to Okaz’s question, Anas Dahlawi, Director General of Sports Facilities Operations at the Ministry of Sports, confirmed that the ministry is moving towards greater involvement of the private sector in operating and managing sports stadiums to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable entertainment experience that generates significant income throughout the year, not just during football matches. This was stated during the Sports Sector Conference held today (Monday) in Riyadh at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex.

He explained that practical steps are already underway in this direction, as three stadiums in Jeddah were recently announced for private sector investment in their management, operation, and maintenance. He indicated that this step is part of the strategic targets for the upcoming phase.

Dahlawi clarified that the ministry relies on an annual maintenance schedule carried out in two main periods: the first during the summer after the sports season ends, including replanting the summer turf; and the second during winter according to the nature and climatic conditions of each region, taking into account the calendar of competitions and activities to ensure the continuous readiness of the stadiums. The ministry also considers the sports events calendar when arranging schedules.

At the Ministry of Sports’ regular conference, Dahlawi revealed aspects related to sports facilities, stadium operations, ticket sales organization, and the mechanism for handling fan club requests for “tifo” displays in the Roshn Professional League.

He explained that the procedures for approving or rejecting “tifo” designs balance the aesthetics of the stands with security and safety standards. Clear steps must be followed, starting with handing over the stadium to the host club 48 hours before the match, with the club and fan association submitting a “tifo” approval request 10 days prior to the match.

The request is reviewed one day before the match with relevant authorities, and the club and association are informed of approval or comments. If there are comments, they are adjusted on match day. Dahlawi noted that the ministry assisted many clubs last season. The organizing companies take over the stadium and coordinate with the club regarding approval or prohibition, while the Ministry of Sports supervises and standardizes procedures through a general regulation distributed to clubs.

He pointed out that the Sports Facilities Agency’s work is divided into two integrated parts: the first related to capital execution projects ensuring the qualification of sports facilities, and the second related to operational costs including maintenance, security, safety, facility operation, and maximizing asset use.

The operations management ensures the readiness of the facility and its delivery to beneficiary entities, whether the Saudi Football Federation or other sports federations, with a focus on attendee safety through regulations and organizational controls.

Regarding the readiness of facilities in Riyadh and other regions, he indicated that there is pressure on Riyadh’s facilities in terms of number, but the ministry is working on preparing facilities in other areas. Preparations for the football season start immediately after the season ends with periodic maintenance lasting only two months, citing the Inma Stadium whose turf was replaced to be qualified for hosting additional events.

He also confirmed that strategic partnerships with the private sector are currently conducted through clubs in cooperation with crowd management companies.

Regarding the operation of additional facilities for the 2025-2026 sports season, he revealed that restoration of five sports facilities is currently underway, including King Khalid City in Tabuk designated to host Neom Club matches, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz City in Medina for Al-Ula Club matches, and the Education Stadium in Ar Rass, confirming they will be ready according to the official league schedule.

He emphasized a comprehensive plan to improve digital infrastructure through ongoing projects at Inma Stadium and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, which will be completed in the coming years, with some projects expected to appear in the first quarter of 2026.