As the region attracts more mixed martial arts and boxing events, its calendar through 2034 has filled with this year’s WTA Finals, the 2027 FIBA World Cup and Olympic Esports Games, and its second FIFA World Cup in 12 years. As governments invest in stadiums, sports infrastructure, and the privatization of teams at home, sovereign wealth funds—which now account for 24% of all global sports investments—they also make their presence felt abroad.

Among Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) investments are sports streaming platform DAZN, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) mixed martial arts promotion, and LIV Golf. Qatar Sports Investments’ (QSI), meanwhile, holds a stake in Monumental Sports, which owns the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and D.C.’s Capital One Arena.

“With the world’s eyes firmly on the region, the potential for all stakeholders—from governments and brands to local youth and communities—is immense,” said Dr. Craig Wilkie, managing director of Maydan Sports. “Maydan Sports is designed to drive this momentum and ensure our clients’ sporting agendas deliver enduring impact.”