The Saudi Arabia Local Organizing Committee for the 2027 Asian Cup and King Abdulaziz University, represented by the College of Human Sciences and Design, today signed a cooperation agreement to build a strategic partnership supporting national efforts...

The Local Organizing Committee for the Saudi 2027 Asian Cup was represented by Chief Executive Officer of Shared Services Rafif Ibrahim Qabbani, while King Abdulaziz University was represented in the signing of the agreement by the Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Design, Dr. Nahla Mahmoud Qahwaji, at the university's headquarters in Jeddah. The agreement aims to employ the university's academic and research expertise in preparing studies related to the economic, social, health, and nutritional aspects associated with hosting sports tournaments, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, in addition to supporting research studies, enhancing community participation, organizing joint events, stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as conducting studies in the field of climate change and sustainability, including measuring direct and indirect carbon emissions across the event lifecycle.

Areas of cooperation include enhancing the participation of university staff, male and female students in volunteer work during sports tournaments and events, cooperation in 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 cooperation targets, including implementing three joint research projects, engaging 100 participants from university staff and students in community initiatives and sports tournaments, and developing between 15 and 30 innovative entrepreneurial products and projects to be displayed in fan zones during sports tournaments.

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