Delhi, 2 September (H.S.): In a grand cinematic unveiling, Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Authority has roped in global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo as the face of its latest campaign “I Came for Football, I Stayed for More,” spotlighting Saudi as a booming hub for sports, culture, and entertainment. The campaign vividly showcases Ronaldo immersing himself not just in football, but also experiencing Saudi’s diverse calendar of world-class events—from the futuristic esports Olympics and FIFA World Cup 2034 to fashion weeks and international film festivals across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla.
Ronaldo’s message echoes loud and clear: “I came for football; I stayed for more,” capturing Saudi’s ambitious transformation from a sports destination to an all-encompassing cultural powerhouse. Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasized the kingdom’s fusion of authentic heritage with warm hospitality and elite global events, while the Saudi Tourism Authority CEO Fahd Hamidaddin revealed plans to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030 fueled by over 100 international events hosted since 2018.
With an $800 billion investment in tourism aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as the ultimate destination for fans of sports, fashion, art, and entertainment. The campaign heralds a new era where the desert kingdom invites the world not just to witness sport, but to indulge in a broader world of experiences, inspiring dreams from the stadiums to the sands of Arabia.
This ambitious narrative cements Saudi Arabia’s place on the global stage as it offers unforgettable moments far beyond the beautiful game.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
