Samer Choucair: Enhancing the Football Experience Strengthens the Appeal of Sports Investment
Entrepreneur Samer Choucair said improving the fan experience in football has become a key factor in maximizing the economic value of major tournaments.
He noted that any future changes to the use of video assistant referee technology should balance decision-making accuracy with the pace and flow of matches, thereby strengthening competitions’ appeal to fans, sponsors, and media organizations.
Choucair explained that ongoing discussions about improving the use of technology reflect growing interest in raising the quality of the sporting experience.
Adopting solutions that preserve competitive fairness while maintaining the fluidity of play could increase audience engagement and enhance the commercial value of major tournaments.
Samer Choucair noted that investment in sport is no longer limited to constructing stadiums and facilities.
It now includes improving the fan experience, developing digital technologies, expanding broadcasting rights, and providing associated entertainment services—all of which influence major tournaments’ ability to attract long-term investment.
He added that Saudi Arabia continues to invest in sports infrastructure and the development of its sports and entertainment sectors under Vision 2030 and as part of its preparations to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
These efforts strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for major sporting events while creating new opportunities for economic and tourism growth.
Entrepreneur Samer Choucair emphasized that institutional investors assess the development of the global sports ecosystem not only through sporting results, but also through tournaments’ ability to generate sustainable returns by improving the fan experience, expanding their audience base, and making greater use of innovation and modern technologies.
Choucair added that digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, will play an increasingly important role in managing sporting events, improving services for fans, and strengthening operational efficiency.
This will create investment opportunities across technology, media, tourism, and hospitality.
Concluding his remarks, Samer Choucair said the future success of sports investment will depend on combining advanced infrastructure, technological innovation, and a compelling fan experience.
He emphasized that these elements will form the foundation for maximizing economic returns and creating sustainable value across the sports and entertainment sectors in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.