Saudi Arabia to Host the 2034 Fifa World Cup:

FIFA has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a decision that was met with mixed reactions due to the country's long-standing issues with worker mistreatment, racism, and other human rights abuses. The announcement was made during an extraordinary virtual congress where Saudi Arabia stood as the sole bidder for the tournament. This hosting opportunity aligns with the country's Vision 2030, which seeks to shift its economy away from reliance on fossil fuels towards becoming a global hub for sports and entertainment.

Saudi Arabia's push into the sports and entertainment sector has been aggressive under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), who has invested billions in buying high-profile sports entities, hosting international events, and acquiring art to reposition the kingdom's image on the world stage. MBS's strategy includes significant investments in football, golf, boxing, and esports, alongside attempts to cultivate a vibrant arts scene by purchasing notable paintings. This cultural and sports investment is aimed at overshadowing the kingdom's reputation for oil dependency and its controversial labor practices, where migrant workers face exploitation under the kafala system.

The decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia has stirred debate, with human rights organizations expressing concerns over the potential for further abuses under the guise of event preparation. Despite promises of reform, the history of worker mistreatment, particularly highlighted during the construction phases of previous international events, casts a shadow over these assurances. Nevertheless, hosting the World Cup is seen as a significant step in Saudi Arabia's journey to rebrand itself, focusing global attention on its cultural and sporting ambitions rather than its oil wealth and labor rights issues.

Question:

Are You Happy That Saudi Arabia Is Hosting the 2034 World Cup?