How does Saudi Arabia use sports to improve its global image?

How does Saudi Arabia use sports to improve its global image

Carlos Alcaraz recently competed at the Six King Slam event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is one of the top young tennis players who publicly thanked Turki Alalshikh. Turki Alalshikh is the head of the General Entertainment Authority and a close advisor to the Saudi royal family. Carlos Alcaraz praised him for efficiently organizing the event. However, Alalshikh holds no royal title; he is a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract good players for sports and entertainment. The nation used this strategy to enhance its global image. 

‌Praise like this seems less genuine and more related to the Saudi strategy to divert the attention of the people. Saudi Arabia is a nation that is involved in human rights violations. This appreciation seems like ‌part of Saudi’s strategy to divert the attention of people from human rights abuses. This event gained much popularity on different social media platforms, where Alcaraz and other top players praised Saudi Arabia. 

However, opponents argue that the major aim of Saudi Arabia is to improve its global image by using sports. At the same time, the nation never takes any serious steps to stop different local issues such as freedom of speech and human rights violations. 

A contract between Lionel Messi’s tourism and Saudi Arabia

Recently, ‌contracts between Lionel Messi’s tourism and the Kingdom were explored. The report includes a clause that prevents Lionel from speaking against Saudi Arabia. The kingdom paid him a handsome amount to keep silent about its actions. This tactic is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to use famous athletes’ opinions for the nation’s benefit. In this way, Saudi Arabia has aimed to improve its image at the international level. Furthermore, the kingdom received a lot of criticism due to its harsh treatment of foreign workers. This approach makes it hard to tell where real support ends and controlled promotion begins.

In the world of tennis, Saudi Arabia has made many prominent moves this year. Rafael Nadal has accepted a well-paid job as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation. While the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) are making collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Their rankings and logos are called the top PIF, ATP, and WTA rankings. The PIF logo is shown prominently a tournaments. Saudi Arabia used the heaving branding strategy to make a mark in sports and improve its image worldwide. However, it is important to know for people that the kingdom is still involved in many human rights violation cases. 

Initially, Saudi Arabia criticized many sports events. But recently the nation has accepted the tennis game is concerning to many critics. In the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh, the top 8 female players will participate, marking the most significant women’s sporting occasion in the country. 

Although this event comes after a few smaller international competitions, it signals an attempt to improve the kingdom’s image regarding women’s rights.

Real facts: Saudi’s strict laws

However, the facts are different and troubling. In reality, Saudi Arabia still enforces strict laws and limits freedom of speech. The LGBTQ+ community faces discrimination issues in Saudi Arabia. Many people were sentenced to prison only for speaking in favour of women’s rights on various social media platforms. It includes Manahel al-Otaibi and Salma al-Shehab

This contradiction raises questions about the authenticity of Saudi Arabia’s claims of reform, as genuine progress for women’s rights remains limited and selective.

Serious questions were raised by the event’s history when Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek competed for a crucial tennis title in Riyadh. After former doubles champion, Peng Shuai accused a senior Chinese official of sexual coercion, the WTA’s ten-year plan to host the Finals in Shenzhen was abruptly canceled. After Peng’s absence, the WTA declared that it would not go back to China until it had direct communication with her. Last year, though, the tour ultimately decided to return to China.

Problems have arisen since the WTA Finals were moved, as evidenced by the disastrous Cancún event last year, where players had to contend with hazardous weather. These problems show how difficult it is for the WTA to maintain fair and safe competition. Recent editions have had a significant financial impact; this year’s prize money is $15.25 million (£12 million), equivalent to the ATP Finals in Turin.

After CVC Capital Partners paid $150 million for a 20% share, the WTA is also changing. The Finals this year are the first under Portia Archer, the new CEO. It is impossible to overlook the moral dilemmas raised by holding the tournament in Saudi Arabia, given its contentious human rights record.

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