Saudi Arabia and France Strengthen Sports Cooperation with New Agreement

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sports has signed a memorandum of understanding with France's Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Community Life, aimed at expanding sports cooperation and exchanging experiences and practices between the two countries.

The memorandum was signed in the French capital, Paris, coinciding with the closing ceremony of the 2026 Esports World Cup, attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra.

The memorandum outlines a framework for cooperation between sports institutions and bodies in both countries, through the exchange of programs and expertise, the development of personnel, and the enhancement of participation in conferences, seminars, and sporting events.

The collaboration encompasses elite sports, e-sports, and popular sports, alongside sciences, medicine, and sports law, while supporting partnerships among coaches, experts, researchers, and national teams.

The memorandum includes collaboration in anti-doping efforts, sports for all, sports for people with disabilities, sports science and technology, competition organization, infrastructure development, and sustainability of event legacies.

The agreement opens the door for strengthening investment and sports tourism, exchanging information, and implementing joint projects related to sports policies within international institutions and bodies.

The memorandum also promotes collaboration among economic entities operating in the sports and esports sectors, enhancing partnership and investment opportunities between Saudi and French institutions.

This move extends the distinguished relations between Saudi Arabia and France, reflecting both sides' commitment to expanding sports partnerships and creating new areas for joint work in the upcoming phase.