Ronaldo and Messi

What does the upcoming confrontation between the two stars in Saudi Arabia tell us about the future of sports? 23 minutes ago the image was released, Getty Images Image caption Ronaldo and Messi explain the increasing influence of the Gulf countries in the global sports arena from the Saudi Al-Nasr and Al-Hilal teams, on the other hand. But the friendly match clearly illustrates the growing influence of the Gulf states on the global sport. The Paris Saint-Germain team is owned by Qatari investors, linked to the royal family, which has pumped huge sums of money into the team since 2011, which has helped attract many stars, such as Messi, Neymar, and Kilian Mapped. Ronaldo faces these stars as part of a team that combines the players of the Saudi Al-Nasr and Al-Hilal teams. Ronaldo had signed a contract with Al-Nasr for 200 million euros annually, according to reports. • Cristiano Ronaldo is "excited" to start his new experience with the Saudi Al-Nasr. The global sports arena is far from Europe, and Latin America. Skip suggested stories and continue reading Suggested Stories World Cup 2022: The World Cup in Qatar may be the last for Messi, Ronaldo and Lewandowski Suggested stories end The well-known financial powers in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and Qatar, were previously known for investing in traditional fields, such as real estate, but they have recently turned to investment in sports that experts see as "soft power". Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Emirati investors turned Manchester City into a top team accustomed to winning championships Mansour bin Sayed Al Nahyan, a member of the royal family in the Emirates, acquired Manchester City in 2008. The list expanded in recent years, as the Saudi sovereign investment fund acquired Newcastle United. The deal witnessed a lot of controversy in Britain, due to accusations against the Saudi crown prince regarding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Western intelligence services believe that bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, but the Saudi prince denies this categorically. The deal took place after strong assurances that the Saudi government would not interfere in the management of the club. In addition to acquiring European clubs, Gulf countries are hosting major matches and signing huge sponsorship deals. Saudi Arabia invested in hosting major European matches, such as the Italian and Spanish Super Cups, and both matches were played in Riyadh. As for Emirates Airlines, it signed a multi-million-dollar contract in exchange for sponsoring deals for Spanish Club Real Madrid and AC Milan in Italy. Huge sporting events Image Credit: Getty Images Comment on the image, many saw that Qatar's hosting of the 2022 World Cup finals was successful and reflected a positive image of the country. For example, for prominent sporting events in the Gulf countries, Qatar hosted the World Cup finals last year. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain will host Formula 1 motor racing in the 2023 season. Qatar has also hosted major sporting events in swimming, athletics, and gymnastics. Saudi Arabia also hosted several prominent sporting events, including boxing and wrestling competitions. The iconic Olympics Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Saudi Arabia is introducing a winter sporting season and after Qatar's, according to many, successful hosting of the 2022 World Cup, it is becoming more likely that more high-profile sporting events will be held in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia may submit a file to organize the 2030 World Cup, in partnership with Egypt and Greece. Some also expect that Qatar is preparing to host the Paralympics in 2036. Doha was previously nominated for this file, but the strong infrastructure that was developed recently during the World Cup will give it a special advantage. Also, the Winter Games should not be excluded from the list, as Saudi Arabia won the rights to organize the Asian Winter Games in 2029 in the city of Neum, which construction work is expected to end in 2026. Image copyright GETTY IMAGES Image caption Saudi Arabia and the UAE host, Bahrain, and Qatar Formula 1 races The oil institutions in Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain provided these countries with sufficient funds to compete in managing sporting events at the highest level in the world, but this was not spared criticism. Qatar suffered from this after announcing its victory in organizing the World Cup, as it was criticized for its record in the field of human rights, especially workers' rights. But the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said that the campaign his country was subjected to was disproportionate. Although the criticism may continue, it appears that the significant growth in the role played by the Gulf states in the global sports arena is continuing.