Empowering its Partners and Cementing its Role in Hosting Global Events
In a move that reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish itself as a global sports destination, Startime has signed an international sports agreement with UK-based Onlydo Events to host a three-year series of Football Legends Tours, with the first tour set to launch in January 2026, featuring a historic match between England and Brazil Legends; the signing ceremony took place at the Startime headquarters in Riyadh, in the presence of the Startime Founder and CEO Shaya Al Kahtani, Onlydo Events’ Founder, Stuart Blyth on behalf of himself and his partners; and Omar Abdulsalam, CEO of Quartz Energy, acting as the official liaison between both parties.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which positions sports as a strategic pillar for enhancing quality of life, diversifying the economy, and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global presence; with its proven ability to host world-class events such as the FIFA Club World Cup, Formula 1, and the Spanish Super Cup, Saudi Arabia continues to attract international attention and investment in the sports sector.
The Football Legends Tours—celebrated in global cities are renowned for blending entertainment with cultural engagement, offering fans the chance to reconnect with iconic players who have shaped football history; these tours stimulate tourism, attract sponsorships, generate high international viewership, and unlock valuable economic and media opportunities.
As the lead organizer in Saudi Arabia, Startime will deliver a fully integrated experience that includes hosting, marketing, coordination with government entities, media management, and premium logistics for international guests; the company will also oversee fan activations such as meet-and-greets, football clinics, and branded sponsor events, ensuring the tour resonates with local audiences and commercial partners alike.
Mr. Shaya Al Kahtani stated: “At Startime, we are proud to contribute to the national movement toward realizing Saudi Vision 2030 by bringing globally celebrated sports experiences to Saudi Arabia; this agreement reflects our commitment to building cultural and athletic bridges between Saudi Arabia and the world, and to empowering international partnerships through innovative, high-impact events”; Mr. Stuart Blyth expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “Our mission is to share the legacy and expertise of football legends with the region and to strengthen the bond between these icons and their passionate Saudi fanbase”; Mr. Omar Abdulsalam added: “It is an honor to be part of this ambitious project, which merges global expertise with Saudi vision and lays the foundation for a sustainable future in the sports events industry”.
This agreement marks a strategic milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to redefine the global sports landscape, offering a unified cultural and athletic experience that embodies innovation, openness, and excellence contributing to a thriving sports future in line with the aspirations of the Saudi Arabia wise leadership.
