Governments in the region are prioritising large public infrastructure projects, sport and active recreation participation, elite athlete programs and the delivery and acquisition of major events.

Victoria’s sport ecosystem is well-placed to assist Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member Governments realise their vision.

What types of businesses should apply?

Global Victoria is seeking applications from Victorian sport and sportstech, event and stadium and venue infrastructure companies, stakeholders and relevant service providers interested in exploring the Gulf region as a genuine export opportunity and looking to make in-market connections.

This mission is relevant to export-ready Victorian companies/organisations with solutions, including but not limited to the following;

  • Operations and Delivery (servicing events, venues, teams, leagues).
  • Elite and Professional Sport.
  • Stadium and Venue Infrastructure.
  • Mass Participation and Active Living.
  • Media and Broadcast.
  • Creative and Entertainment.
  • e-sports and Fantasy.
  • Equine.
  • Governance and Capability.
  • Higher Education and Vocational Training.

Targeting up to twenty-five (25) Victorian companies, each applicant will be assessed on:

  • export readiness
  • turnover
  • incorporations status
  • the relevance of solutions and services offered
  • capacity to service export markets.

A maximum of two (2) participants per company is permitted to attend the mission.

Why should you apply?

Incorporating activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE), the mission will build on the relationships established during Expo2020 Dubai and Melbourne's SportNXT Summit, as well as provide a platform for ongoing engagement and future exploration of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

The mission will allow participants to engage with key government ministries and agencies, Giga and mega projects, major events, venues, federations, leagues, clubs, higher education bodies and additional private sector organisations and delivery partners.

In addition to interacting with and showcasing your business capabilities to C-level executives from the GCC, it is anticipated that mission participants will hear from key GCC stakeholders about regional opportunities and the vehicle to engage going forward, as well as take part in key networking events promoting Victoria's sectoral strengths.

The region has a rapidly evolving sports ecosystem, and is expected to grow by 13.5% p.a. over the next three to five years; higher than any other region globally. GCC member states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have spent more than $65bn on sports development.

Vision 2030, a major transformation programme for Saudi Arabia has three key aims, to create a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. The development and economic diversification plan for KSA is estimated to have a lifetime value of over $7 trillion, with key ‘giga projects’ such as new-build smart city NEOM, alone having a budget exceeding $500 billion. Sport is central to this vision with initiatives encouraging mass participation, improving Saudi athletes’ international performance, growing the sports economy, delivering major events and ensuring best practice governance of the national ecosystem.

The UAE was the first GCC nation to recognise the potential of sports investment and has developed relationships with sports leagues and organisations around the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer opportunities to engage in a significant professional sport, event and venue ecosystem, looking to implement its Expo2020 legacy and UAE National Sports Strategy 2031.

What's included?

Pre-departure

On the mission

The mission is currently planned over six (6) days visiting.

  • Riyadh, KSA (Sunday 28 April – Wednesday 1 May)
  • Dubai, UAE (Thursday 2 May)
  • Abu Dhabi, UAE (Friday 3 May)

Mission activity is proposed to be inclusive of:

  • showcase event(s) targeting VIPs and industry stakeholders
  • a "Doing Business in Saudi Arabia" information session
  • multiple in-market stakeholder group sessions, ensuring information exchange and targeted connection
  • sport and event ecosystem networking events
  • Australian embassy networking events (VIPs, partners, expats)
  • site visit program(s), tailored to core competencies
  • connection with Victorian/Australian businesses operating in KSA.

Applicants should note the mission schedule and activity may be subject to change.

What's not included?

Participation in our in-market activity is free, however, delegates will be expected to pay for the following expenses.

  • Airfares.
  • Visas.
  • Accommodation.
  • Transport costs, such as taxis, Ubers and public transport.
  • Costs incurred outside of trade mission activities, such as meals and external activities.

Our terms and conditions

Familiarise yourself with Global Victoria's terms and conditions for participation in its trade mission program.