The Saudi local organizing committee for the 2027 Asian Cup and King Abdulaziz University, represented by the College of Human Sciences and Designs, signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at supporting national efforts to host continental and international sports tournaments.

The local organizing committee was represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Shared Services, Rafif Ibrahim Qabbani, while the university was represented by the Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Designs, Dr. Nahla Mahmoud Qahwaji, at the university's headquarters in Jeddah.

The agreement aims to leverage the university's academic and research expertise to prepare studies covering the economic, social, health, and nutritional aspects associated with hosting sports tournaments, in addition to supporting scientific research, enhancing community participation, organizing joint events, stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as conducting studies on climate change and sustainability, including measuring direct and indirect carbon emissions across the event's lifecycle.

Areas of cooperation include enhancing the participation of university staff and students in volunteer work during sports tournaments and events, collaborating on organizing conferences, scientific days, workshops, and exhibitions related to sports, health, and nutrition, as well as supporting the development of innovative products inspired by Saudi heritage and encouraging entrepreneurial projects in the field of food innovation.

The agreement set a number of initial targets, most notably: implementing 3 joint research projects, engaging 100 participants from university staff and students in community initiatives and sports tournaments, and developing between 15 and 30 innovative products and entrepreneurial projects to be showcased in fan zones during the tournaments.

It is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 Asian Cup finals for the first time, from January 7 to February 5, 2027, with the participation of 24 Asian national teams. The 19th edition of the tournament will be held across 8 stadiums in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar.