Part 4 | Building World-Class Venues Is Only Half the Story. Building Saudi Talent Is the Legacy.

Throughout this series, I've shared my perspective on Saudi Arabia's transformation—from building iconic stadiums and entertainment districts to creating experiences rooted in Saudi culture.

But I believe the next chapter is the most important of all.

Who will fill these stages in the years to come?

As the Kingdom invests billions in infrastructure, tourism, sports, and entertainment, we must invest with the same determination in the people who will bring these venues to life.

Because venues do not create culture. People do.

Saudi Arabia has an incredible generation of musicians, composers, producers, performers, writers, directors, choreographers, technicians, promoters, venue operators, and creative entrepreneurs. Their talent is undeniable. What many of them need is a structured pathway to grow, perform, collaborate, and build sustainable careers.

I believe this is where the next phase of Vision 2030 can have its greatest impact.

Imagine a national ecosystem where every major venue has a commitment to Saudi talent. Where emerging artists regularly open for international headliners. Where Saudi musicians tour across the Kingdom before expanding into the GCC and beyond. Where world-renowned artists visiting Saudi Arabia don't simply perform—they mentor, collaborate, and leave behind knowledge that strengthens the local industry.

Talent development should not be viewed as a cultural initiative alone.

It is an economic strategy.

Every successful local artist creates opportunities for managers, musicians, production companies, marketing agencies, venues, media platforms, hospitality businesses, and countless other sectors that make up the creative economy.

The same applies to sports. The future of Saudi sports and entertainment is not just about athletes or performers—it is about developing an entire generation of Saudi professionals who can lead events, manage venues, produce world-class experiences, and represent the Kingdom on the global stage.

This is why I believe collaboration will define the next decade. The Ministry of Culture, the Music Commission, the General Entertainment Authority, the Ministry of Sport, educational institutions, private investors, promoters, venue operators, and the wider creative sector all have a shared opportunity.

Not simply to host global entertainment. But to build a globally competitive Saudi entertainment industry.

One that exports Saudi music. One that exports Saudi creativity. One that exports Saudi expertise.

Success should not only be measured by the number of international artists we welcome. It should also be measured by the number of Saudi artists performing on international stages—by the number of Saudi executives leading global entertainment companies, by the number of Saudi composers whose music reaches audiences around the world, by the number of Saudi professionals shaping the future of sports and live entertainment.

That, to me, is the true measure of sustainability.

Infrastructure can be built in a few years. Talent is built over generations.

If we can align our investment in people with our investment in venues, Saudi Arabia won't simply become one of the world's leading destinations for sports and entertainment.

It will become one of the world's leading creators of culture, talent, and innovation.

And in my view, that would be one of Vision 2030's greatest legacies.