Saudia’s Latest Partnership with Indian Footballer Payal Ramesh Basude Highlights Saudi Arabia’s Emerging Role as a Global Sports and Cultural Destination

Published on November 28, 2025

Saudia Fuels Sports Tourism and Cultural Exchange in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, is playing a pivotal role in advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by leveraging sports tourism to promote cultural exchange and elevate Saudi Arabia’s global stature. As part of its commitment to diversify the country’s economy, Saudia has increasingly positioned itself as a leader in fostering both sports and tourism, tapping into the dynamic world of international sports partnerships.

Recently, Saudia took another significant step in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s cultural and sports offerings by extending a special invitation to Payal Ramesh Basude, a promising Indian football goalkeeper with international experience. Payal’s visit marked a major milestone in Saudia’s ongoing efforts to bolster Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a diverse and vibrant destination for global tourism.

During her trip, Payal had the unique opportunity to attend a thrilling Saudi Pro League (SPL) match between two of the Kingdom’s most iconic football clubs—Al Nassr and Al Ittihad—in the coastal city of Jeddah. The match, a high-stakes clash, saw some of the world’s biggest football stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, grace the pitch. For Payal, it was a memorable experience to witness world-class talent in action, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its sports scene and providing world-class experiences for international visitors.

While in Jeddah, Payal also explored the city’s rich cultural heritage. Her tour included a visit to Al-Balad, the historic heart of Jeddah, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient buildings and vibrant traditional souks. She also visited the Jeddah Corniche, a beautiful coastal promenade offering stunning views of the Red Sea. In addition, Payal had the chance to explore the city’s modern attractions, such as the Red Sea Mall, the Museum of Islamic Arts, and the luxurious Jeddah Yacht Club, all of which highlight Saudi Arabia’s fusion of cultural preservation and modern development.

The Saudi Pro League, which is home to some of the country’s most prominent football clubs—Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli—is experiencing rapid growth on the international stage. Recent achievements, such as Al-Hilal’s historic win over Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup and Al-Ahli’s victory in the 2025 AFC Champions League, have helped establish the Kingdom as a burgeoning global sports hub. These accomplishments not only raise the profile of Saudi football but also draw international attention to the Kingdom’s sports tourism offerings.

Saudia’s commitment to enhancing sports tourism extends beyond football. The airline supports a wide range of international sporting events, including Formula E racing, The Saudi Cup (a prestigious equestrian event), boxing championships, the E-World Cup, and Riyadh Season, an annual multi-sport and entertainment festival. These events are a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy by attracting international tourism and enhancing the Kingdom’s entertainment and sports sectors.

In addition to her sports experiences, Payal was also treated to Saudia’s renowned Business Class service. She enjoyed a range of luxurious amenities, including lie-flat seats for optimal comfort, gourmet dining options, and exclusive access to the Alfursan Lounge, which further underscored Saudia’s reputation for providing world-class services. Her visit also included a tour of Saudia’s Prince Sultan Aviation Academy, where she gained valuable insights into the airline’s cutting-edge pilot training programs. This visit highlighted Saudia’s role in shaping the future of aviation in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to be a global leader in the aviation industry.

Saudia’s role in advancing sports tourism goes beyond creating unforgettable travel experiences. By promoting major international sports events and offering top-tier services, Saudia is not only enhancing Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a destination for sports tourism but also fostering a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. Through its partnerships in sports, Saudia is helping to inspire the next generation of athletes, with a particular focus on encouraging more women to explore opportunities in sports, which is a significant element of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

As the primary airline connecting Saudi Arabia to the world, Saudia is dedicated to bridging cultures, celebrating shared passions, and promoting mutual understanding. By integrating sports and tourism, Saudia is playing a vital role in shaping the future of travel, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for both tourism and sports.

In conclusion, Saudia’s efforts to blend sports, culture, and tourism through strategic partnerships and support for major international sports events are not only transforming Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector but also positioning it as a dynamic player on the global sports stage. As Vision 2030 continues to unfold, Saudia remains at the forefront of these transformative changes, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s ambitious goals.