When NASA released images of Sakaka from the International Space Station in December 2020, you could have been forgiven for thinking you were staring at the moon. The weathered tops of the ancient buildings in the Saudi Arabian oasis town were almost indistinguishable from the rutted land, and it was only on closer inspection you could see signs of modernity.
Sakaka, once part of a caravan route in the country’s far north, is home to the kingdom’s emerging renewable energy industry, with sharp light reflecting from a field of solar panels. The $320m (£243m) project, mainly funded by private investment, brought 400 new jobs to the remote and impoverished Al Jouf region.
The opening of the plant marked a “pivotal moment” for Saudi Arabia’s renewable plans, with more facilities planned to follow. Sakaka plays a vital role in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, focusing on sustainability as the country shifts away from its reliance on oil. Football is also on the agenda, with Saudi Arabia opening up to tourism and set to host the World Cup in 2034.
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Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been involved in the ownership of several Saudi Pro League teams, leading to high-profile signings such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and others. The summer of 2024 saw significant transfers, including the move of Brad Young from TNS to Al Orobah in Sakaka.
As Al Orobah and Al Qadsiah prepared for their debut in the top flight, they revamped their squads with new signings and foreign players. Foreign players under certain regulations have brought a new dynamic to the league, making it an attractive destination for talent.
The 2024 transfer window in Saudi Arabia showcased a mix of high-profile signings and strategic investments by clubs. It is evident that the Saudi Pro League is on an upward trajectory, and with expected changes in player contracts in the coming years, the league is poised for further growth and international attention.
With the evolving landscape of football in Saudi Arabia, the future promises more exciting developments and potential for top talent to make their mark in this emerging football destination.
