Industry Insights: Alwaleed Alkeaid on Building Saudi Sports Leaders and Driving Vision 2030 Through People

As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward its Vision 2030 ambitions, sport is no longer just a pastime, it’s a national priority. From hosting global championships to transforming grassroots development, the Kingdom’s sports ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift.

At the forefront of this transformation is Alwaleed Alkeaid: TEDx speaker, award-winning wellness and leadership strategist, and founder of the Saudi Sports Professionals Network (SSPN), a pioneering platform that connects Saudi talent to impactful careers, mentorship, and professional development opportunities in sport.

We were also thrilled to welcome Alwaleed as an esteemed speaker on the Kingdom Roundtable at the inaugural Riyadh Active Industry, Saudi Arabia’s leading international health, fitness, and wellness tradeshow. In this interview, he shares his insights on the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s sports sector, the role of leadership, and why investing in homegrown professionals is essential to building a sustainable future.

You founded the Saudi Sports Professionals Network to support the next generation of sports leaders. What inspired this, and what impact has SSPN made so far on Saudi Arabia’s sports ecosystem?

SSPN came from something very personal, I saw firsthand how talented people in our sports industry were struggling to find the right opportunities or career direction. Whether it was coaches, administrators, or even specialists, the talent was there, but the system to support them wasn’t. So I built SSPN to be more than a network, it’s a bridge. Today, we’ve connected hundreds of professionals with job opportunities, training, and mentorship, and we’ve given both Saudis and expats a platform to grow together under the same vision.

How does SSPN contribute to the professional development of coaches, trainers, and administrators across the Kingdom?

It starts with visibility, we help them get seen by clubs, federations, and private entities. But beyond that, we provide access to workshops, curated job boards, and one-on-one guidance. Many professionals in our space don’t just need a CV boost, they need clarity, support, and real opportunities to grow. That’s where SSPN comes in.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is transforming the nation’s approach to sports and wellness. How is SSPN contributing to these national objectives?

SSPN is 100% built around Vision 2030’s goals of growing the sports economy, empowering local talent, and promoting a healthier society. Every placement, every workshop, every partnership we make is designed to contribute to a more vibrant, professional, and sustainable sports ecosystem in the Kingdom.

What trends are you seeing in the demand for talent and training in the Kingdom’s expanding sports sector?

The demand for qualified professionals has exploded, especially in fitness, women’s sports, sports science, and events. There’s also a huge shift in mindset: organizations are no longer just hiring “instructors”, they’re looking for leaders, planners, and people who can think strategically about growth.

What are the biggest challenges in filling that demand?

Honestly, one of the biggest gaps is around professional readiness. There’s talent out there, but many lack access to development paths, whether it's certifications, real-world experience, or mentorship. Language barriers, limited exposure, and outdated hiring practices are all challenges we’re trying to help address.

How is SSPN helping close those gaps or support that pipeline?

SSPN is actively building the connection between talent and opportunity. We’re not just sharing job posts, we’re curating them. We provide hands-on support to professionals trying to navigate the system, and we’re working closely with clubs and federations to help them recognize the value of developing and investing in their people. It's about building a system that serves everyone, not just filling roles.

Where do you see Saudi Arabia’s sports industry in 5–10 years, and what role do you hope your platforms will play in that growth?

I believe Saudi will become a global model in sport, not just in hosting events, but in how we build systems, empower talent, and integrate wellness into every layer of society. I hope SSPN will continue to be the go-to hub for sports professionals, and that our efforts inspire other nations to invest in their people the same way.

As a Saudi founder, how important is it to showcase homegrown innovation on platforms like Riyadh Active Industry? What message do you think it sends about Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the future of fitness and sports in the GCC?

It’s absolutely essential. Platforms like yours give us a voice, not just to celebrate achievements, but to show what’s possible when local leaders step up and build for their own communities. The more we share our stories, the more we shape the future of sports in the region. And for me, it’s not just about recognition, it’s about responsibility.

For more insights from regional thought leaders shaping the Kingdom’s wellness and fitness economy, follow the Riyadh Active Industry on LinkedIn or visit riyadhactiveindustry.sa.