Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 16th edition of the Arab Games, a regional multi-sport event that brings together athletes from 22 Arab countries, in 2027. The announcement was made by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Sports and President of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, during the closing ceremony of the 15th Arab Games in Algiers, Algeria, on July 16, 2023.
The minister expressed his gratitude to Algeria for hosting the successful event and welcomed the Arab delegations to the next edition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He said: "Under the great support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, we are pleased and honored to welcome you all to the next edition in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia".
The minister also praised the achievements of the Saudi teams, who won 47 medals in 17 games, including 14 Olympic and 3 Paralympic games, breaking their previous record of 45 medals in the 2011 tournament in Doha. He said: "This is a testament to the efforts and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and officials, who have worked hard to raise the flag of our country high in regional and international arenas".
The Arab Games are held every four years and feature various sports disciplines such as athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, fencing, boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, chess and equestrian. The first edition was held in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1953. The last edition in Algeria attracted more than 5,000 participants from 21 countries.
Saudia Arabia has previously hosted the Arab Games twice: in Riyadh in 1985 and in Jeddah in 2005. The Kingdom is also set to host other major sporting events in the upcoming years, such as Asian Games in 2034.
The ministry said that hosting the Arab Games in 2027 is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a strategic plan to diversify its economy and develop its society. He said: "We are keen to enhance our cooperation and brotherhood with our Arab brothers through sports, which is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. We look forward to welcoming you all to our land of peace and hospitality".
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