RIYADH: Regional tensions have disrupted several major international events in Saudi Arabia, including the European Union–Gulf Cooperation Council summit, the FIFAe Finals and the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition.
Meanwhile, a report suggests that Saudi Arabia is considering changes to plans for five proposed stadiums for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The EU-GCC summit, scheduled for October 24 in Riyadh, has been postponed, with no new date announced. Leaders from all 27 European Union member states had been expected to attend the meeting.
The FIFAe Finals 2026, scheduled to take place in Jeddah from October 16 to 25, have also been postponed. Brazil and Japan had reportedly withdrawn their teams over security concerns before the postponement was announced.
The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition, featuring prominent players Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, has been rescheduled from October 21–24 to December 27–30, 2026.
The Red Sea International Film Festival has also been postponed from December 2026 to the final quarter of 2027. Organizers of the Soundstorm electronic music festival, meanwhile, have announced that the event will not take place in 2026 and is expected to return in 2027.
The Joy Awards, scheduled for January 2027, have also been reported to face cancellation amid financial pressures and a review of entertainment spending. However, the specific circumstances and official status of the event require confirmation from the organizers.
2034 World Cup Stadium Plans Under Review
According to a report by US news outlet Semafor, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is considering dropping plans for five proposed new stadiums intended for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The reported proposals involve stadium projects associated with NEOM, Qiddiya Coast, King Abdullah Economic City, ROSHN and New Murabba. The potential changes are reportedly linked to spending priorities and investment reviews.
However, no final decision to cancel the five stadium projects has been confirmed.
Asian Cup Schedule Remains Uncertain
Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the AFC Asian Cup in January 2027. Reports have raised the possibility of postponing the tournament until 2028, but no definitive postponement has been announced, and the existing schedule remains in place.
The developments highlight the challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s international sporting, diplomatic and entertainment calendar amid regional instability. However, the postponements and reported project reviews do not all share a confirmed common cause, as financial and administrative considerations have also been cited in connection with some events.
The situation remains subject to further announcements from the relevant organizers and authorities.