In a recent Medium post, Anthony Pompliano shared an enlightening account of his visit to Saudi Arabia that profoundly shifted his perspective on the kingdom. Attending the New Global Sport Conference, held alongside the eSports World Cup in Riyadh, Pompliano was immersed in an environment that showcased Saudi Arabia’s ambitious drive to become a global hub for sports and innovation.
Pompliano’s insights began with his encounters at the conference, where he mingled with an impressive roster of global figures, including Chess World Champion Magnus Carlsen, Access Industries’ Len Blavatnik, and HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud.
A standout revelation from Pompliano’s visit was the scale of investment Saudi Arabia is channeling into its Vision 2030 plan. He observed firsthand the state-of-the-art facilities created for the eSports World Cup, which rival those found in Western countries. This investment in infrastructure reflects a broader commitment to elevating Saudi Arabia’s status in the global sports arena.
Pompliano also highlighted the significant job creation resulting from the Vision 2030 initiative. He was impressed by the influx of international talent and the competitive salaries offered to white-collar workers, which has led many expatriates to relocate their families to Saudi Arabia. This dynamic is reshaping the kingdom’s workforce and contributing to its rapid development.
Contrary to prevalent Western media narratives, Pompliano found Riyadh to be exceedingly safe, contrasting sharply with the apprehensions often expressed by those unfamiliar with the region. His personal experience contradicted the common misconceptions, highlighting that his experience in Saudi Arabia was vastly different from its media portrayal.
Pompliano’s account also underscores the return of many Saudi nationals educated in the U.S., who are now contributing to their country’s growth with a strong sense of national pride. This return of talent is bolstering local industries and driving forward the kingdom’s development goals. Lastly, Pompliano was impressed by the momentum behind Vision 2030. The substantial investments in various sectors, including manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and sports, signal a determined effort to modernize and diversify the economy.
Pompliano concluded with a heartfelt recommendation to visit Saudi Arabia, noting the exceptional hospitality and vibrant culture he encountered. His reflections offered a nuanced perspective on a nation undergoing significant transformation, suggesting that Saudi Arabia is poised to become a pivotal player on the global stage.
