My recent holidays in the sporting kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, has left me pondering over the spectacle I witnessed in these enchanting lands. As someone who has spent a lifetime in the sports industry, everything tends to be seen through the lens of games and events.
The first time I visited Saudi Arabia’s terrain in 2015, I, as a woman, was handed a little guide by the Saudi consulate in Geneva – a cheat sheet on the do’s and don’ts. To attend the Asian Volleyball Congress, the rule was to cover my head, ideally cloaking my entire body in abaya. I was even informed that wearing pants was a bit of a no-no. Despite feeling like I had stepped into a historical drama, I decided to play along, thinking, “When in Rome, or Riyadh…”
Fast forward less than a decade, and the transformation was staggering. No longer did I need to worry about head coverings, and no angry looks were cast my way. Instead, I was welcomed with open arms, ushered into the wonders of Al Ula with its landscapes that seemed plucked from another planet, ancient history that spoke volumes, and a vision to turn the country into something straight out of a sci-fi novel. If they build a tower, it must be the tallest; if a concert hall, the largest mirror-clad structure on the planet; if a hotel, it must boast the most avant-garde swimming pool. It's like the country got together and said, "If it's not mind-blowing, it's not worth doing."
And when it comes to sporting events, only the best and the most wallet-crunchingly expensive would suffice: Formula 1, Dakar Rally, America's Cup, boxing bouts that could shake the Earth, FIFA Club World Championships – you name it. The football players even leave their mark; every time I visited, it was like Ronaldo had just left the building. I started feeling like I was on a quest to follow in the footsteps of this great footballer. At least, he certainly knows how to pick his favourite destinations – I must say, I like his taste!
Moreover, there has been an effort to encourage women's participation in sports, including the introduction of women's football leagues and the appointment of female sports officials. These examples underscore Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture and positioning itself as a global hub for sporting events, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030.
If you're not in KSA now with your sport, business, or event, you're definitely missing out. Imagine having the power to spend vast amounts of money as a monarch, such as in the context of Saudi Arabia. While the idea of unlimited resources might seem enticing, it raises questions about the correlation between autocratic governance, state-managed companies, and progress.
Being a monarch in a country like Saudi Arabia comes with immense financial resources and authority. The ability to direct funds towards various projects and initiatives is unparalleled. The question that arises, however, is how the decision-making process influences progress and development.
Autocratic rule is often associated with a centralized decision-making structure and the ability to implement policies without the delays associated with lengthy deliberations or bureaucratic processes. Theoretically, this agility could lead to faster progress in terms of economic development and infrastructure, significantly influencing the sports landscape.
Examples from countries like China and Russia demonstrate how centralized authority can expedite the development of sports infrastructure, leading to success on the international stage. China, for instance, has made remarkable strides in sports under autocratic governance, showcasing the potential for rapid progress.
Simultaneously, in democratic countries such as Germany and Switzerland, Olympic bids met their demise due to a lack of support from the population.
Successful progress in sports under autocratic rule often hinges on a clear vision and well-defined strategies. Countries like Qatar, with its vision for becoming a global sports hub, have used significant financial resources to host major events and develop state-of-the-art sports facilities.
However, while swift decision-making has its advantages, it also carries risks. Autocratic rule may lack the checks and balances that come with democratic governance. This concentration of power can lead to the neglect of diverse perspectives and stifle innovation. Moreover, the absence of a participatory process may result in policies that do not necessarily reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire population.
In the realm of sports, achieving progress requires a careful balance between autocratic authority and inclusive governance. While centralized decision-making can drive rapid development, it must be complemented by efforts to foster grassroots sports, individual athlete autonomy, and fair competition.
In any case, it's truly amazing to see the transformative power sport has when it comes to a country’s development, image improvement, women's empowerment, and the health of the nations. After all, who would have thought that a touchdown or a slam dunk could shape the destiny of nations?
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